Jets rookie wide receiver Jerome Kapp, an undrafted receiver out of Kutztown (D-II - PA), has stolen the limelight of Hard Knocks with an all-time performance during the team's "Rookie Show" on the program's third episode.
While that showing has dominated social media discussion, I want to shine a light on Robert Saleh and the incredible message he shared with Jets players in that same episode.
It's a message that will resonate with a lot of coaches this time of year.
Saleh imparted some wisdom on the 4 levels of competitors that exist on any team.
"These four levels represent a mindset that we all have complete control over. External factors like playing ability and injuries have no bearing on which level we stand."
"You've got Commanders, you've got competitors, you've got contenders, and you've got survivors."
"I promise you, everyone in this room falls into one of these categories."
"At the bottom, are your Survivors. A Survivor is someone who does just enough to get by. He coasts through his day and does not maximize his mental capabilities. This group loves taking the easy way out. They love it, and they are so miserable that they will do everything they can to bring you along with them. The sad part is, every organization has at least one, and I promise you, you can't hide."
"The next level of competitor is a group of contenders. A contender is someone who is motivated by external factors like playing time, money, fame, or the person he is going against. He will only reach his potential if the external motivators are threatened."
"The third level, the one we seek, is a group of competitors. A competitor is someone who is internally motivated to be his best regardless of the situation. His place on the depth chart does not matter. Money does not matter. Fame does not matter. He is always trying to absolutely be his best. He can't be swayed because he is already maxing out his potential. This dude is trying to PR every day of life. He's got a championship mindset. When you have a championship mindset, you embarrass the shitty ones and you make the great ones look normal."
"The final one is the Commander. He basically has all the traits of a competitor, with one exception. He brings people with him."
Saleh then asks his team, "Which one are you? You can't hide who you are."
If Kapp's performance is a Hard Knocks all-timer, that Saleh team speech on levels of competitors belongs in the Hard Knocks Hall of Fame.
* Warning - Language alert *