If there is one thing that current and former Nick Saban players can agree on its that the “Process” is one of the greatest coaching philosophy’s in all of football.
The “Process” has been associated with many champions but this coaching method goes far beyond the playing field. Former Crimson Tide player Marcell Dareus, who signed a new contract extension with the Buffalo Bills this week, is just the latest former Nick Saban player to shine in the NFL, and it is due mostly to the “Process”.
“The Process” goes well beyond football. It’s actually a life philosophy rooted in sound psychological advice. It’s something that can be life-changing if adhered to properly.
Here are five life lessons that
1- Focus on right now
As many Alabama fans have heard this week with Middle Tennessee State in town, focusing on the now is key. For Dareus, that has been key during his time in Buffalo. There have been many losing seasons since Dareus has arrived and the fact that he has kept his head up, and worked hard to put himself in the position has a lot to do with how he was coached during his time in Tuscaloosa. Now an All-Pro and a very rich man, Dareus can focus on knowing that all he has to worry about is opposing offenses.
2- Eliminate the clutter
Earlier this offseason, Dareus was rumored to be leaving the Bills’ after his contract was up.
It was even rumored that both side were far apart on a deal earlier this week. Dareus has remained focused on tuning his craft for the season. He kept all the news about a problem with the Buffalo aside and waited for the process to play out. Dareus’s patience has paid off.
3- Do not be attached to outcomes
During his four year in Buffalo, the Bills were 27-37. Dareus has kept his head up, despite playing for an organization that has not made the playoffs since 1999. After three straight 6-10 seasons, the Bills and Dareus finally broke the trend in 2014 and went 9-7, barely missing the playoffs. The outcomes and roster are improving for Dareus and it’s the forget about the last game mentality that has helped speed up the process.
4- Adversity is your friend
Dareus has had some off field adversity, ranging from being arrested multiple times, to losing his brother in 2012. The road has not been easy but as coach Saban has always preached “adversity is your friend.” Overcoming all that has happened over four years has not been easy with Dareus even serving suspensions as well. After all has passed, it seems that Dareus has become not only an improved player, but a better person as well.
5- Mental toughness and discipline are paramount
On June 3, 2014, Dareus was arraigned in Hamburg, New York on charges over a car accident stemming from an alleged drag race. On May 21, 2015, it was announced that Dareus would be suspended from the first game of the 2015 season.
With a known suspension and previous off the field trouble, many would question his latest contract extension, but the Bills never had doubt. Dareus always gave all he had on the field while displaying mental toughness to keep all other issues quiet. Traits like and others that have been instilled by the “Process” have help Dareus so far in his carrier, but its what he takes for the rest of his life that truly matter.
Ivan L. White is a contributor for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ilwhite1
