Eric Warfield's Journal: Humility, Opportunity

 

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By Randy York

Eric Warfield played on two Nebraska national championship teams (1995 and '97) and a third ('96) that almost made it to another national title game. All eight of his seasons in the NFL were spent with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he finished with 286 tackles, 20 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, three touchdowns and unfortunately, a suspended driver's license that forced him to re-examine his life and his priorities. The result was becoming a student assistant coach at the same time he returned to Nebraska to complete requirements for the bachelor's degree he will receive in Sociology in May. We asked Warfield what's it like returning to his alma mater in a role he had never even considered until this year. Here are highlights of what we call Eric Warfield's Journal: Life lessons in Humility and Opportunity:

"Being back on the sideline as a coach, I have a much different perspective than I had as a player. I've never viewed myself as a coach and never thought I would like being called coach, but as the days go by and the players ask for advice, I appreciate the title of "Coach" more and more. The word makes me sound older than what I think I am and accepting my age may be the hardest part since I felt strongly that I could still compete and at a high level. My goal was to educate myself on the game of football, especially since I've only played defense. I wanted to understand all phases, including offense and special teams. I have a good relationship with Bo Pelini and like his approach and his intensity to bring back the Blackshirt tradition, coupled with a "pound it down-your-throat offense". Those two goals were a big part of me wanting to come back to Lincoln to help. Seeing Nebraska go from the top of the mountain to losing almost everything because of major change was embarrassing to me and so many others I believe in and trust.

"I came in thinking that with my experience and knowledge of the game, I would be an asset to the team, but boy, was a I ever wrong. There's so much I didn't understand as a player and now that I see it as a coach, you have to put in all the time to learn all the X's and O's, so you can be successful as a teacher. It's a lot of pressure to take what you know as both a player and a coach and apply that to young kids, especially with all of the great expectations you place on them, week in and week out. I once read that motivation is what gets you started, but habit is what keeps you going. I've always felt that I was motivated, but never took the time to make a habit of being motivated. Through coaching, I've made a habit of being consistent in my tactics to coach and to steer kids in the direction they need to be successful. I felt I was successful in the NFL, but I also have to face the many complications that never allowed me to mature as an individual.

"So with all that I know, good and bad, I share with the team. I am who I am. I am not proud of the mistakes I've made, but I am proud of what I'm becoming. I see kids respecting me as both a former Nebraska player and a coach. I get goose bumps, even nervous on game days because I have to know that we've prepared the team to be successful. I love the sea of red on game day and the atmosphere. I love the kindness and generosity of the fans that support us both at home and on the road. At times, I miss the playing field, but never do I imagine myself running back on the field to prove a point. I like being in the position to coach and to help make players great. But even more importantly, I love being in position to help inspire young men to become better people. It's a role I don't take lightly."

Send a comment to Randy at ryork@huskers.com

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