Peak Performance Case Study: Gil Brandt (1932-2023), A Pioneer in NFL Player Evaluation

Gil Brandt was a pro football executive who spent 50 years in the NFL, most notably as the vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a pioneer in the field of player evaluation, and he is credited with popularizing the use of the Wonderlic intelligence test to assess NFL prospects.

Brandt believed that football intelligence was just as important as physical talent, and he used the Wonderlic test to help him identify players who had the ability to learn and adapt to the NFL game. He also looked for players who had good character and work ethic. The Wonderlic test is a 50-question, 12-minute multiple-choice test that measures verbal reasoning, numerical ability, and abstract reasoning.

Brandt's methods were not always popular, but he had a long track record of success. He helped the Cowboys build one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history, and he is credited with drafting some of the greatest players in the game, including Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Emmitt Smith.

Brandt's legacy is still felt today. The Wonderlic test is still used by NFL teams to assess player intelligence, and many of Brandt's other methods of player evaluation are still in use. He was a true pioneer in the field of NFL player evaluation, and his contributions helped to shape the modern game.

Here are some of the specific ways in which Gil Brandt used the Wonderlic test to evaluate NFL players:

• He believed that a high Wonderlic score was a good indicator of a player's ability to learn and adapt to the NFL game.

• He looked for players who scored at least a 20 on the Wonderlic test.

• He believed that players who scored lower than 15 on the Wonderlic test were unlikely to be successful in the NFL.

Here are some of the other methods of player evaluation that Gil Brandt used:

• He met with players in person to get a sense of their character and work ethic.

• He watched films of players to assess their skills and abilities.

• He talked to coaches and scouts who had seen players play.

Gil Brandt's legacy is one of innovation and success. He was a pioneer in the field of NFL player evaluation, and his methods are still used by NFL teams today. He helped to shape the modern game, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.

Here are some of the NFL players who have scored the highest on the Wonderlic test:

• Ryan Fitzpatrick: 48

• Benjamin Watson: 45

• Byron "Whizzer" White: 43

• Alan Page: 42

• Pat Haden: 42

It is important to note that the Wonderlic test is not a perfect predictor of NFL success. There are many players who have scored high on the Wonderlic test and failed to live up to their potential. However, the Wonderlic test can be a useful tool for NFL teams, and it is one of the many factors that they consider when evaluating players.

For more regarding mental conditioning, enroll in our new online course: "Strengthening Your Mental Core."

NOTE: This blogpost was assisted by AI.

Peak Performance Case Study: Greg Maddux and Systems Thinking

Greg Maddux was one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history. He won 355 games, 4 Cy Young Awards, 18 Golden Glove awards, and a World Series championship in 1995. He was also known for his unique mental approach to pitching.

Maddux was a systems thinker. He understood that the game of baseball is a complex system of interconnected parts. He paid attention to the way that different factors interacted with each other, such as the batter's tendencies, the umpire's strike zone, and the wind conditions.

Maddux used this understanding of the system to his advantage. He would often pitch to the batter's weaknesses, and he would use the umpire's strike zone to his advantage. He was also very good at reading the wind conditions and adjusting his pitches accordingly.

Maddux's mental approach was also characterized by his focus on the present moment. He didn't worry about the past or the future. He simply focused on the pitch that he was about to throw. This allowed him to stay calm and in control, even in the most pressure-packed situations.

Maddux's mental approach was a key factor in his success. It allowed him to see the game as a complex system and to use his understanding of the system to his advantage. It also allowed him to stay calm and focused in pressure-packed situations.

How We Can Learn From Greg Maddux

We can all learn from Greg Maddux's mental approach to pitching. By understanding the game as a complex system and by focusing on the present moment, we can improve our own performance in any area of our lives.

Here are a few specific tips that we can learn from Maddux:

• Standard thinking is linear and sequential. One idea follows the next and appears logical as per the person’s knowledge of the situation and similar experiences. This type of thinking often restricts possible choices due to one’s unique assumptions, personal history and beliefs.  It may overlook obscure but important factors that might enhance understanding or outcomes. Sequential thinkers have a relatively straight path to their outcomes.

• Systems thinking is circular. Systems thinkers can hear, think, notice a broad range of factors on many levels simultaneously, making it possible to compile an expansive data set from a broad array of sources. With more good data to weigh, there’s an increase in creativity, more choices appear.  It results in less risk, less resistance, more teamwork and collaboration, more efficiency and a greater possibility of attaining excellence.

• Pay attention to the interconnectedness of things. When you are trying to understand something, pay attention to how it is connected to other things. What are the inputs and outputs of the system? What are the feedback loops?

• Look for patterns of behavior. Pay attention to how things change over time. What are the trends? What are the cycles?

• Think about the long-term consequences of your actions. When you are making a decision, think about how it will affect things in the long run. What are the unintended consequences?

• Practice creative and innovative thinking. Try to come up with new solutions to problems. Don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Greg Maddux was a master of systems thinking. He used his understanding of the game to his advantage, and he was able to achieve great success as a result. We can all learn from Maddux's mental approach, and by following his tips, we can improve our own performance in any area we choose.

By following these tips, you can learn to think like Greg Maddux and improve your own performance in any area of your life.

For more systems thinking, read Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows and Diana Wright.

For more on mental conditioning, enroll in our new online course:  Strengthening Your Mental Core.

NOTE: This blogpost was assisted by AI.

Your Flow State Questionnaire

 

I am often asked the question "How do I know if I need help with mental conditioning and coaching?" The following questionnaire may help to determine current your mental fitness or how well you establish "flow state conditions."

Here's a 15-item yes or no questionnaire to assess your mental fitness and your current ability to create a flow state:

1. Do you often find it easy to concentrate on the task at hand?

2. Are you able to maintain a sense of calm and focus even in stressful situations?

3. Do you feel a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment while engaging in challenging activities?

4. Are you able to block out distractions and maintain sustained attention?

5. Do you feel a strong sense of confidence in your abilities to overcome obstacles?

6. Are you able to quickly adapt and adjust to unexpected changes in your environment?

7. Do you frequently lose track of time while engaged in a task you enjoy?

8. Do you often experience a sense of effortless and automatic movement in your activities?

9. Do you have a clear sense of goals and purpose in your daily life?

10. Are you able to fully immerse yourself in activities, feeling completely absorbed in the present moment?

11. Do you feel a strong sense of control over your thoughts and emotions?

12. Are you able to find a balance between challenge and skill in your activities?

13. Do you often experience a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment after completing a task?

14. Do you feel a sense of clarity and mental clarity during your daily activities?

15. Do you find yourself naturally and effortlessly entering a state of flow in various areas of your life?

Scoring:

- Give yourself one point for each "Yes" answer.

- A higher score indicates a greater likelihood of being mentally fit and entering a flow state.

Note that this questionnaire is not a scientifically validated assessment tool but can serve as a rough guide to self-reflect on mental fitness and the potential for experiencing flow. For a more accurate assessment, it's recommended to consult a qualified mental health professional or use validated assessment tools specifically designed for this purpose.

To learn more about mental conditioning, enroll in our new online, self-paced course: "Strengthening Your Mental Core."

NOTE: This questionnaire was developed with the assistance of AI.