Download IMPACT: Profiles in Character -- The Stories Behind The Lott Trophy.

What Is An IMPACT Player?

by Bill Walsh

Every football coach,indeed every coach in any sport, looks for players who can make an impact. They are the rarest of athletes, the ones who truly make a difference. The ones who always seem to rise to the occasion, the ones who can be counted on, the ones who drive your teams to play to their maximum ability.

A player can have an impact on his team in a multitude of ways. On the field of play, the impact player simply changes the course of the game. He makes plays. And often times the plays come at crucial time sin the contest. Impact players are fearless and almost always want to make the play when the game is on the line. He can do it on offense by throwing the critical pass or by making a big first down. He can do it on special teams with a clutch field goal or a long kick return. And he can do it on defense by making a touch-down-saving tackle or a momentum-stopping sack.

Off the field, the player can also make an impact. Leadership skills come to my mind immediately. There are vocal leaders, ones who encourage teammates and chide the laggards into following the pack. There are quiet leaders who lead by example, hard play and diligent work ethic.

Players can also have an impact on the team as to how they prepare for the game, how they interact with their teammates, how they listen to and respect their coaches.

When you find players who combine all these traits, you have found a champion.

I was fortunate enough to coach Ronnie Lott with the San Francisco 49ers. He was one of the few who embodied all of the characteristics of an impact player.

Ronnie made so many big plays for us in San Francisco, it would take several volumes to chronicle them all. I remember, as I know my good friend John Robinson does‚ a play-off game against the Rams when they were driving deep into our territory and Flipper Anderson was wide open over the middle. It sure looked like it would be a Ram touchdown until Ronnie flew across the field, deflected the pass and we went on to win. It was Ronnie Lott at his finest. Making an impact on the game.

That's what makes this award so special for me. Ronnie was an impact player in football and is an impact person in life. We all know Ronnie as one of the greatest defensive players in the history of football, but it's wonderful to recognize his impact and to reward the young student-athletes who have followed in Ronnie's footsteps.

Ronnie is a joy to be around, an inspiration on a daily basis and a gift as a friend. An impact person in every way.