Former American football coach and current analyst Herm Edwards is well-known for his colorful observations about the game. Before starting his coaching career, Edwards, who was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1962, played collegiate football at Bethune-Cookman University.
Over the course of his career as an NFL coach and analyst, Edwards has become well-known for both his strategic acumen and his distinct style of communicating ideas and observations about the game. One of his catchphrases encapsulates a fleeting intensity that many people encounter in their lives, especially in high-stakes scenarios like crucial business meetings or sporting events.
Even if they are normally calm and collected most of the time, this phrase speaks to anyone who has ever experienced an overwhelming surge of energy or emotion. It's similar to paddling a calm river when you suddenly come across a powerful current that briefly pushes you forward at a high speed before things settle down.
This concept is used by Edwards to explain instances in football where players may get unexpected adrenaline rushes that cause them to play with extraordinary focus and intensity. These outbursts can be vital for changing the course of a game or for making plays that alter the result.
Edwards' view that these intense moments are acceptable as long as they don't totally control a person's personality or behavior is also reflected in the phrase. It recommends striking a balance between maintaining composure most of the time and having the capacity to release explosive energy when needed.
Herm Edwards essentially exhorts people to welcome those impromptu bursts of passion without losing sight of their core identity. This advice applies to other facets of life where controlling one's emotions and reactions is essential to success, not just sports.