Philly Leader

For many players and coaches in the NFL, high school coaches have played a significant role in shaping their lives both on and off the field. On Wednesday evening, the Philadelphia Eagles highlighted this influence during their annual High School Coaches Clinic at Lincoln Financial Field.

Head Coach Nick Sirianni addressed hundreds of local high school coaches, acknowledging their crucial impact. "I can't tell you how much I respect what you guys do," he said. "You are all major influences. I know you guys can change lives."

Jack Muldoon, Boys Varsity Football Coach at Monsignor Bonner, expressed his appreciation for the event: "This event means a lot to those who coach at the high school football level," he stated. "From the valuable information we get to the investment that the Eagles show, it's hard to put into words; this is such a great opportunity."

Running Backs/Assistant Head Coach Jemal Singleton was the keynote speaker for the event. His speech emphasized connection alongside football fundamentals and ball security. The Eagles' core value of connection is central to their success both on and off the field.

"To me, it's the first step for every player that walks in my room," Singleton explained about building relationships with players. This sentiment resonated with Muldoon: "If you can prove to these guys your value, next thing you know, they are coming to you and they respect what you stand for."

Singleton shared an impactful quote: "Players don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Eric Moran, Offensive Line Coach at Martin Luther King High School, found this message significant: "I agree that if any player doesn't know you care, doesn't know you love him, is not going to learn from you."

Before focusing on football skills or practice sessions, Singleton prioritizes building rapport with new players like Saquon Barkley and Tyrion Davis-Price by engaging them outside of football settings.

"It starts with time," Singleton said about forming connections beyond football activities. He shared his own diverse background of living in multiple countries before settling in San Antonio, Texas—a place where influential coaches impacted his life.

Reflecting on his journey as an NFL coach over nine years while maintaining consistent coaching methods since 2006 at United States Air Force Academy—Singleton urged attendees not only stay true themselves but also embrace life values inherent within sports coaching roles.

"You get to coach a game that has so many built-in life values," he noted while highlighting discipline perseverance teamwork essential qualities needed build successful teams everyday lives overall positive influence young men’s development through sport itself