Reginald D. Sherman's podcast is another example. It covers personal growth and faith, inspiring many with its content.
America's Most Influential Motivational Speakers
The world of motivational speaking in America is filled with key figures. They have inspired millions and changed how people face challenges and goals.
Tony Robbins: The Energy Amplifier
Tony Robbins is well-known in the motivational world. He is known for his endless energy and engaging stage presence. Robbins has helped many people take charge of their lives, beat obstacles, and reach success.
He teaches the power of mindset and the need to act quickly towards goals.
Brené Brown: Vulnerability as Strength
Brené Brown has changed how we see vulnerability. She shows it as a strength, not a weakness. Her TED Talks and books have touched hearts around the world.
She encourages people to accept their flaws and live truly. Brown stresses the value of courage, empathy, and connection in facing challenges and growing.
Les Brown: Overcoming Adversity
Les Brown's life story is inspiring. He was once called "educable mentally retarded" but now is a top motivational speaker. His journey shows the power of resilience and determination.
He motivates people to overcome their hurdles. He teaches the importance of a positive mindset and consistent action towards goals.
Simon Sinek: Starting With Why
Simon Sinek is famous for his insights on leadership and motivation. His "start with why" idea has inspired businesses and individuals. It encourages them to focus on their purpose and values.
Sinek's work shows how understanding motivations drives meaningful action.
These motivational speakers have inspired many and left a lasting impact on personal development. They empower people to aim for greatness and make a difference in their communities.
Historical Motivational Speeches That Changed the World
Some speeches have stood the test of time, inspiring and motivating people for ages. They have left a lasting mark on society, shaping cultures and driving change. This section looks at three speeches that have inspired many, then and now.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His call for racial equality and justice is remembered in his iconic phrase,
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
This speech sparked a movement, pushing for social change and fighting racial discrimination.
John F. Kennedy's "Moon Speech"
On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave his "Moon Speech" at Rice University. It was about the U.S.'s space exploration efforts. Kennedy's speech was not just about reaching the moon; it was about exploring and learning. He said,
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
This speech inspired a nation to aim for a big goal, showing the power of human achievement.
Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address
In 2005, Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, gave a speech at Stanford University. It has become one of the most celebrated speeches in recent history. Jobs shared three personal stories about connecting the dots, loving your work, and facing mortality. His speech ended with the inspiring words,
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"
— a message that has encouraged many to follow their dreams with courage and determination.
These speeches, from different times and places, share a common message: the power to inspire and bring about change. They show that the right words can have a lasting impact on the world.
How to Craft Your Own Motivational Speeches
Motivational speaking is more than just sharing a message. It's about sparking a fire in your listeners. To make a speech that hits home, start by figuring out your main message.
Identifying Your Core Message
Your core message is the heart of your speech. It gives your words meaning and purpose. First, you need to know what drives you and what you believe in.
Finding Your Authentic Voice
Finding your true voice is key to a motivational speech that connects. It's about being genuine and sharing your real experiences. As Reginald D. Sherman says, "Your authenticity is your greatest asset; use it to connect with your audience on a deeper level."
Connecting Personal Experience to Universal Truths
Linking your personal stories to universal truths makes your message powerful. This connection helps your audience see themselves in your words.
Structuring for Maximum Impact
The way you structure your speech matters a lot. A good structure helps your audience follow your story and get inspired by your message.
Start with a hook to grab your audience's attention.
Build your narrative around your core message.
Use stories and examples to illustrate your points.
Conclude with a strong call-to-action.
Delivery Techniques That Resonate
How you deliver your speech is just as important as what you say. Your tone, pace, and body language all affect how your message is received.
Delivery Technique
Description
Impact
Confident Body Language
Maintaining eye contact and using purposeful gestures.
Engages the audience and conveys conviction.
Varied Tone and Pace
Using different tones and pacing to add emphasis.
Keeps the audience engaged and interested.
Storytelling
Sharing personal anecdotes and stories.
Creates an emotional connection with the audience.
By focusing on these key points, you can create a motivational speech that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.
Overcoming Common Challenges in Motivational Speaking
To truly inspire, motivational speakers must first overcome common challenges. These can include internal fears and anxieties. They also face external factors like diverse audiences and the need to stay authentic.
Conquering Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety
Many motivational speakers struggle with stage fright and performance anxiety. Marisa Peer, a famous hypnotherapist, says overcoming negative thoughts is key. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can help reduce anxiety.
A study found that pre-performance routines can calm nerves. This shows that with the right approach, speakers can manage their anxiety.
Technique
Description
Benefit
Deep Breathing
Slow, deliberate breathing to calm the nervous system
Reduces physiological symptoms of anxiety
Visualization
Mentally rehearsing a successful performance
Boosts confidence and mental preparedness
Positive Self-Talk
Using affirmations to counteract negative self-talk
Enhances mental resilience and positivity
Connecting With Diverse Audiences
Connecting with diverse audiences is a big challenge. Speakers need to understand and adapt to different backgrounds and cultures. This can be done by conducting thorough audience research and tailoring the message to resonate with everyone.
Maintaining Authenticity Under Pressure
Staying authentic is key, but it can be hard under pressure. Speakers must be true to their message and values. They should be vulnerable and honest with the audience, sharing personal stories that show the message's truth.
By tackling these challenges, motivational speakers can inspire and motivate more effectively.
The Role of Motivational Speeches in Leadership
Effective leadership often depends on inspiring and motivating teams, even when things get tough. Motivational speeches play a big role in this. They can lift spirits and refocus teams on their goals.
Inspiring Teams Through Difficult Times
Leaders face many challenges, like big changes and keeping team morale up during hard times. Motivational speeches can be a light of hope and strength. They help teams stay motivated and focused on their goals. For example, leaders can share stories of overcoming tough times, like Les Brown does.
Creating Shared Vision and Purpose
Leadership is also about creating a shared vision and purpose for the team. Motivational speeches help make this vision clear and real for everyone. Simon Sinek's idea of "starting with why" is key here. It shows how important it is to know the reason behind what we do.
Leadership Aspect
Role of Motivational Speeches
Outcome
Inspiring Teams
Uplifting and refocusing teams during challenges
Enhanced team morale and resilience
Creating Shared Vision
Articulating a clear and relatable vision
Unified team direction and purpose
Building Trust
Fostering transparent and honest communication
Increased trust and credibility among team members
Building Trust Through Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is key to building trust between leaders and their teams. Motivational speeches that are honest and open can really help build this trust. This leads to a more united and working together team.
By using motivational speeches well, leaders can inspire their teams and make a big difference in their organization's culture and success.
Motivational Speeches: Their Impact on Personal Transformation
Motivational speeches can change lives, starting a journey from inspiration to lasting change. This journey is complex, involving a change in mindset, behavior, and purpose.
From Inspiration to Action
The journey from inspiration to action is key in personal transformation. Motivational speeches spark the change, making people rethink their goals and dreams. Reginald D. Sherman's podcast shows how faith-based strategies keep people focused on their goals.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall," said Nelson Mandela. This quote shows the importance of resilience that motivational speeches teach.
Creating Lasting Change
Creating lasting change needs more than just inspiration. It requires hard work and a clear plan. Motivational speeches that talk about persistence and resilience help people overcome obstacles.
Combining Speeches with Practical Implementation
For real change, motivational speeches must be paired with practical steps. This includes setting goals, building a support network, and learning and reflecting on oneself.
By doing this, people can turn the inspiration from speeches into real, lasting change.
Digital Revolution in Motivational Content
The rise of digital media has changed the motivational content world. Now, there are many formats and channels to choose from.
This digital change has made it easier for people to find inspiration. They can get motivated whenever they want. Digital platforms have spread motivational messages far and wide. This has created a global community of people looking to grow personally and professionally.
TED Talks and Their Global Impact
TED Talks have become a big deal in the world of digital motivation. With thousands of talks online, they cover everything from science to personal growth. They are a top choice for those seeking inspiration.
TED Talks have a big impact because they share ideas from experts all over the world. This has made knowledge more accessible. It also gives a voice to many different people.
Social Media as a Motivational Platform
Social media is also key for sharing motivational content. Influencers and motivational speakers use it to share inspiring stories and quotes. They reach a huge number of people.
Social media lets people interact and build communities. It's a place where people can share their stories and get motivated by others.
Podcasts and Audio Motivation
Podcasts are becoming more popular for motivational content. They let listeners get inspired on the go. Many motivational speakers and thought leaders use podcasts to share their insights.
Podcasts are great for motivation because they feel personal. Listeners can connect with the speaker and really take in the message.
Platform
Key Features
Impact
TED Talks
Diverse topics, expert speakers
Global reach, idea sharing
Social Media
Interactive, community building
Wide audience, engagement
Podcasts
Audio content, on-demand
Personal connection, flexibility
Measuring the Effectiveness of Motivational Messages
Motivational messages can change lives. But, figuring out how well they work needs a careful look. We must see both their quick and lasting effects.
Short-term vs. Long-term Effects
The short-term effects show right away. People might clap, get involved, or say nice things. But, the real test is how they last over time.
The true measure of their effectiveness is if they lead to lasting changes or keep people moving toward their goals.
Behavioral Changes and Habit Formation
Seeing people change their ways is a big sign of success. Motivational messages can help people start new habits or change old ones. This can really improve their lives at work and at home.
Success Stories and Case Studies
Success stories and case studies show us how well these messages work. Looking at real examples helps us see their power.
Motivational speakers often share stories of overcoming big challenges. These stories can motivate others to face their own hurdles. By studying these stories and their results, we can make messages that really make a difference.
Cultural Perspectives on Motivation and Success
Cultural views on motivation and success are complex and varied. As the world connects more, it's key to grasp these differences. This helps in sharing motivational messages with different groups.
American Dream vs. Global Success Narratives
In the U.S., the American Dream focuses on personal success and moving up. But, globally, success stories differ. In many Asian cultures, family or community success is more important than personal achievements.
Culture
Success Narrative
Key Values
American
Individual success and upward mobility
Independence, self-reliance
Asian
Collective achievement and family honor
Family, community, harmony
Scandinavian
Social equality and community welfare
Equality, social justice
Adapting Motivational Messages Across Cultures
To motivate different people, messages must fit each culture. It's important to know the local values and success stories. For instance, a speech on personal success might work in the U.S. but needs a family or community twist in other cultures.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Universal Themes That Transcend Boundaries
Even with cultural differences, some themes are universal. These include the value of perseverance, hard work, and hope. Motivational speakers who use these themes can reach people everywhere.
By understanding and valuing cultural differences, we can make motivational messages that inspire everyone around the world.
Conclusion: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Inspiration
Motivational speeches have a special power. They inspire people to reach their goals. This article has shown how motivation works, what makes speeches powerful, and how inspiration changes us.
These speeches can spark passion and help us bounce back from tough times. They also lead to positive changes. By knowing how to craft inspiring content, speakers can connect deeply with their audience.
Using inspiration, we can reach our highest goals and help others do the same. By following the advice in this article, we can motivate others to do their best. This way, we all grow and succeed together.
Inspiration is a key to personal growth. By using it, we can build a community that is motivated, empowered, and successful.
FAQ
What makes a motivational speech effective?
A good motivational speech tells real stories that touch the heart. It also gives a clear call to action. This inspires people to take steps towards change.
How do motivational speeches impact personal growth?
Motivational speeches can spark personal change. They push people to go from feeling inspired to actually doing something. This change can last over time with consistent effort.
What role do motivational speeches play in leadership?
Motivational speeches are key for leaders. They inspire teams and share a common goal. This builds trust and makes leaders more effective.
How have digital platforms changed the way we consume motivational content?
Digital tools like TED Talks and social media have made motivational content more accessible. Now, people can find inspiring messages from all over the world.
Can motivational speeches be tailored to different contexts?
Yes, motivational speeches can fit many settings. This includes work, school, sports, and personal growth. Each area has its own needs and ways to approach.
What are some common challenges faced by motivational speakers?
Speakers often face challenges like stage fright and connecting with different audiences. But, with practice and experience, these can be overcome.
How can the effectiveness of motivational messages be measured?
To measure the impact of motivational messages, look at short and long-term effects. Check for behavioral changes and success stories. This gives insight into their effectiveness.
Are motivational speeches culturally sensitive?
Yes, motivational speeches can be culturally sensitive. They can be tailored to fit different cultures. This involves finding universal themes and being aware of cultural differences.
Who are some of America's most influential motivational speakers?
In America, influential speakers include Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Les Brown, and Simon Sinek. They are known for their inspiring messages and unique styles.
What is the science behind motivation and inspiration?
The science of motivation and inspiration involves how our brains react to inspiring content. It includes the release of dopamine and how motivation leads to action.
How can one craft a motivational speech?
To craft a motivational speech, start with a clear message. Structure it for impact and use delivery techniques that connect with the audience. Authentic storytelling and emotional resonance are key.
Rick Smith is one of the leading candidates to take the Lions GM job. What has he done to be one of the Lions first interviews?
The Detroit Lions have told yet another regime of front office executives and coaches to take their show on the road and not to let the door hit them on their way out in 2020. Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia did a great job of building a tire fire, then pouring kerosene onto that tire fire in an attempt to put it out. They constructed a team that would have been very good in the 1990s and then tripled down on an antiquated mindset. I kid you not; this team would have been Superbowl bound if this was the 1997 season. I mean, if you look at these teams and their makeups, there is a lot of 2020 Lions DNA in there. Brett Favre and Drew Bledsoe are both comparables for Stafford in specific ways. The defense the Lions are running right now is a variant of the Patriots defense played in that game. Unfortunately, this is not the late 1990s. Even the great Patriots dynasty that followed those late 1990s teams appears to have run its course. The Lions are a complete train wreck, and they’re interviewing the next wave of candidates to end decades of futility.
I will begin this series with the person who is my pick as the front runner for the job. Rick Smith is a unique figure in the NFL. He is a former GM who has never been fired, and he quit on reasonably good terms with the organization he left. Smith has a decent record in the draft, even with a few somewhat controversial picks. He played the game at the Division I level before entering the coaching ranks immediately with his alma mater Purdue in 1992. He began his coaching career as the “strength and conditioning coordinator.” Four years later, he reached a level as a coach that had eluded him as a player. Smith joined the Denver Broncos as an assistant secondary coach. He remained on Mike Shanahan’s coaching staff through the Broncos’ two Superbowl victories in 1998 and 1999. It was in the year 2000 that Smith made the jump to the Broncos front office.
Smith served as the Broncos director of pro personnel from 2000 to 2006 under GM. That year the Broncos acquired Kavika Pittman from the Cowboys, Terrell Buckley from the Dolphins, Billy Jenkins from the Rams through various means. Pittman set a career-high in sacks that season, Buckley intercepted six passes and Jenkins four. Smith’s pro personnel department acquired three starters, and they turned in three terrific seasons. The team went 11-5 with a combination of Brian Griese and Gus Frerotte playing quarterback.
In 2001, the Broncos moved on from defensive coordinator Greg Robinson and brought in Ray Rhodes. Their defensive roster changed significantly. The Broncos brought in Chester McGlockton and Keith Washington on the defensive line. The 32-year-old McGlockton gave Denver a productive season despite his age. He intercepted two passes and defended five more from his defensive tackle spot in addition to 39 tackles. Keith Washington set a career-high in Pro Football Reference’s AV stat along with four sacks and a forced fumble. A journeyman, Washington was an acceptable fill in for his one year as a starter for the Broncos. Journeyman corner Denarw Walker joined the Broncos and recorded four interceptions in the next two seasons as a solid but unspectacular starter. Smith also dug up Bertrand Berry, who played the 2000 season in the CFL. Berry would record 20 sacks over the next three years in Denver.
The Broncos brought in receiver Eddie Kennison, who only made it eight games before he was released. Kennison was an established starting player in the league. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs a few weeks later and averaged 59 catches, 961 yards, and 5 TD catches over the next five years with that team. Kennison was not productive with the Broncos, but that is likely more on Griese, who put up a 78.5 rating in his 13 games as the Broncos starter, than on Kennison; a reliable pro before and after his time with the Broncos.
The 2002 season saw additions to the Broncos offensive line. Ephraim Salaam started for two seasons at left tackle, and his average AV from PFR was 10. AV measures whether positive or negative plays occur in the area that a player was standing. It is the best measure I have found for looking at pre-PFF seasons for less statistically oriented positions. I use it to look at spots like the offensive line and 3-4 nose tackles. In 2004 former Lion Reuben Droughns came on board and put up 1240 rushing yards, making every Lions fan livid. He signed with the Broncos in 2002.
Lionel Dalton and defensive back Izell Reese were the defensive starters added. They put in solid but unspectacular seasons as a defensive tackle and free safety, respectively. Reese was not retained, and 2002 was his best year in coverage, despite his previous turnover production. The practice squad, XFL, and NFL Europe veteran signed with Denver and started two seasons for the Broncos before going to Seattle for a couple more seasons. Herndon forced six fumbles, recorded five interceptions, and defended 40 passes in his two years as a starter with the Broncos.
In 2003 the Broncos pulled off the impossible: they acquired a low-cost veteran quarterback that panned out. In 2003 Plummer had a bit of a rough time adjusting to the hard-nosed approach of Mike Shanahan. However, in 2004 he broke several Broncos records previously held by hall of farmer John Elway. The Broncos went 10-6 twice, 13-3 once, and 7-5 before Shanahan handed the starting job over to rookie Jay Cutler in 2006. Plummer was not Elway, but he had 11,631 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions for the Broncos in just over 3-1/2 seasons as their starting quarterback.
The Broncos also revamped their defensive line, bringing in journeymen Mario Fatafehi and Darius Holland. They performed adequately as starters in the middle of new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer’s defensive scheme that does not grant defensive tackles a lot of stats. Safety Nick Ferguson played for Denver until 2008 when Smith signed him again in Houston. Ferguson was a reliable backup strong safety who stepped into the lineup to start when other players went down with mid to low levels of proficiency.
The 2004 season saw the payoff of picking up Reuben Droughns, but that was not the most significant impact Smith’s department had on the team that season. Droughns was replacing the Broncos’ eccentric but spectacular running back Clinton Portis. The Broncos added Hall of Fame corner Champ Bailey as a return in a trade sending Portis to Washington. The Broncos also added future hall of farmer John Lynch to the fold.
In 2005 the Broncos went 13-3, and they were starting nine players acquired by Smith’s pro personnel department. They signed five of them during this offseason. Courtney Brown, Michael Myers, and Gerrard Warren all started on the defensive line. None were great players, but they fit the scheme and played well. On offense, former Lion Steven Alexander started at tight end, and fullback Kyle Johnson rounded out the group. Neither were great players, but they filled the roles that a great team needed them to fill.
In 2006, coming off a 2-14 season, the Houston Texans hired Smith to be their GM. Smith hired Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak as his head coach. Kubiak’s coaching staff had both Kyle Shanahan (wide receivers) and Robert Saleh (defensive assistant as part of the coaching staff). Smith signed former Bronco Ephriam Salaam and current Texans defensive coordinator (then Texans linebacker) Anthony Weaver. In relevant decisions he made immediately: Smith did not replace David Carr at QB. He did not trade the Texans’ star wide receiver, Andre Johnson. He signed inexpensive receiver Eric Moulds to fill the gaping hole across from Johnson. He built with what the team had.
Where Smith made his mark immediately, however, was in the draft. The Texans had the number one overall pick and spent it on a shocking player. Well, it was shocking at the time. The looks on the experts’ faces covering the draft have yet to be matched in their level of shock when the Texans took Mario Williams over Reggie Bush and Vince Young. The Texans drafted the defensive rookie of the year, but no, it was not Williams. In the second round, they took linebacker Demico Ryans, current San Francisco 49ers linebacker coach, and a likely Robert Saleh pick for a defensive coordinator spot, who immediately stepped into the MLB spot and dominated.
In the third round, Smith selected Eric Winston, who started 127 games at right tackle in the NFL. In the fourth, Smith selected Owen Daniels, who manned the Texans tight end position until 2014. He finished his career with 479 receptions and 5661 yards receiving. Smiths’ other picks: guard Chris Spencer in round three, running back Wali Lundy in the sixth, and David Anderson made little impact, though Anderson did play 67 games in the league before retiring. Smith was known as a pro personnel guy, but he crushed his first draft. The team improved to 6-10 in 2006.
The 2007 offseason was the first attempt for Smith to replicate his Jake Plummer success. The Texans acquired Matt Schaub from the Falcons. Smith acquired Schaub and the Falcons (a playoff team the previous season) first-round pick. Smith paid the Texans first and second-round picks. The 2007 draft class was terrible. No player the Texans drafted in 2007 became a regular starter in the NFL. By far, Jacoby Jones is the best of them, and he only had 203 receptions in 8 NFL seasons. First-round pick Amobi Okoye played 87 games in the league and started 59. With that said, after his rookie season with 5.5 sacks, he never became anything better than a low-end starter or situational pass rusher. Okoye was 19 years old in his draft year but had washed out of the league by 27. The team was not active in free agency. They stabilized their quarterback situation for the games that Schaub actually played and promoted Kyle Shanahan to offensive coordinator. Minor changes lifted their record to 8-8.
In 2008 Smith added WR Kevin Walter, who put up 60 catches for 899 yards and 8 TDs. He also dipped into the Broncos pool and signed center Chris Myers. He added Jaques Reeves to the corner group and safety Eugene Wilson, who combined for six interceptions. The team drafted long time left tackle Duane Brown and running back Steve Slaton, who was very promising before a franchise legend replaced him. Other than Brown, the entire draft class was out of the league within five years. The Texans did not do much in 2008, and they went 8-8 again. The Texans fired their defensive coordinator and shook up their staff.
In 2009, the Texans added Lions legends Dan Orlovsky and Shaun Cody. They also added hard-hitting Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. Defensive end Antonio Smith came in, and he started every game but two for the Texans until the 2014 season. It was the draft where they really improved their team after a two-season drought. They drafted three future pro-bowlers in Brian Cushing, who eventually bumped Ryans out of the MLB spot, pass rusher Connor Barwin, and Lions legend Glover Quinn. The Texans jumped to 9-7 with the added talent. The legend that replaced Slayton, however, came in the form of undrafted free agent Arian Foster. Foster stepped in late in the year, only starting one game as a rookie; however, he finished his career in 2016 with 6527 yards rushing after several injury-riddled seasons. In 2010, Foster burst onto the scene with 1616 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 66 passes. Smith had plucked the best running back in the NFL for a brief period out of the 2006 UDFA group. Foster hit the 1000 rushing yard 1200 rushing yard plateau during every season that he played in nine or more games. His career was cut short by knee injuries. 2009 is also the year that Smith started stockpiling draft picks. He made eight or more picks in every draft from 2010 to 2015.
In 2010 the Texans lost offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to Washington. Rick Dennison replaced him. The team also named Frank Bush defensive coordinator. These changes did not result in spectacular results, as the team went 6-10. The 2010 draft class did not yield many star players, but three did play more than 100 NFL games. Corner Kareem Jackson, defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, and special teamer Sherrick McManis all cleared the 100 game mark. The Texans had injury issues across their roster, and their depth players could not step up.
For 2011 the Texans added defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to the mix. This complete change in defensive philosophy led to Robert Saleh leaving, and current Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator to join the team as the secondary coach. Guard Wade Smith joined the team, and he did start every game for his four years with the Texans after spot starting for the Chiefs and Dolphins for most of his career. Corner Jonathan Joseph and safety Daniel Manning came on board as well. In the draft, Smith grabbed J. J. Watt with the 11th pick. That feels like a no brainer, but five of the next six pass rushers taken in the draft have at least made a pro bowl, as did all of the ones taken before Watt. At the time, nobody was surprised to see Watt drop out of the top ten picks. Smith also added Brooks Reed in the second, who started immediately at outside linebacker for the team. The team went 10-6, and the golden age of Texans football began. After winning the wildcard round, the team stalled out in the divisional round.
The 2012 Texans went 12-4, won their division, but got stomped by the Patriots in the divisional round. Cowboys Linebacker Bradie James replaced Demico Ryans in the lineup after Smith traded the poor scheme fit for a fourth-round pick. In this draft, Smith took four players who are still in the league eight years later: pass rusher Whitney Mercilus, guard Brandon Brooks, center Ben Jones, and kicker Randy Bullock. His only real miss was wide receiver Devier Posey in the third round, who only played 26 NFL games and was out of the league three years later. Nine Texans made the pro bowl, and all had been acquired by Smith during the previous six seasons.
The 2013 season went very poorly. Gary Kubiak left the team after suffering a mini-stroke. Wade Phillips took the interim spot to finish the season. With virtually the same roster that had dominated the prior season, the Texans faltered. Neither James, who had signed only a one-year deal, nor Cushing, who was injured, played in the middle of a linebacker-focused defense. Arian Foster missed eight games. The year was a mess, and Smith cleaned out the coaching staff. The draft class netted the team DeAndre Hopkins, D.J. Swearinger, and TE Ryan Griffin, but the scheme changes made the rest of this class awful fits. The Texans started playing essentially the same defense Lions fans have been watching in Detroit, rather than Phillips’ much more aggressive defense. Undrafted rookie A.J. Bouye was one of the few average joes who survived the transition. He became a regular in the Texans’ corner rotation before signing a contract that was too big in free agency.
In 2014 Bill O’Brien took over the coaching duties, and the struggle became real in Houston. Romeo Crennel became the defensive coordinator, and Smith had to rethink his defensive player selection. In the 2014 draft, the Texans selected ten players. Smith flipped Matt Schaub for a sixth-round pick somehow. Four of them were still in the NFL after four years. Pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney and guard Xavier Su’a-Filo are still I the league. Quarterback Tom Savage is in the league somewhere, as is Running back Alfred Blue. They have not made it on to the field since 2017 and 2018, respectively. Ryan Fitzpatrick joined the team on a two-year deal. Still, O’Brien benched him for Patriots reject Ryan Mallett, who Smith had acquired for a conditional sixth-round pick. The Texans were starting an offensive line with one free agent and one each of their first, third, fourth, and seventh-round draft picks for most of the year. The team went 9-7 in a quick rebound from the disastrous final year of Kubiak’s term as head coach.
Bill O’Brien’s hatred of Fitzpatrick carried over into the 2015 season. Smith traded the quarterback his coach did not want to the New York Jets for a late-round pick. So the Texans were now relying on two terrible former Patriots, Brian Hoyer and Mallettto take their team to the next level. O’Brien couldn’t decide which bad QB to stick with until Hoyer went on IR. Smith added Cecil Shorts from Jacksonville in an attempt to replace Andre Johnson, Vince Wilfork from the Patriots to anchor Crennell’s defense, and Quintin Demps to fill out the secondary. Brian Cushing finally managed to stay healthy, and first round pick Benardrick McKinney stepped in as an immediate starter. Again, Smith found McKinney in the second round. Of his seven picks five years ago, three are still in the league. It was another lousy draft. He took Kevin Johnson in the first round. Johnson has started only 24 games in six seasons with three teams. McKinney was a hit in the second, but the only other player to hang on was sixth-round defensive tackle Christian Covington. The Texans went 9-7 again.
The Texans’ 2016 Draft class was an attempt to fix the offense. It started with wide receiver Will Fuller, who has been an overall disappointment, managing to stay on the field for only 53 games in five seasons. Second-round center Nick Martin is a solid starter. Ohio State QB Braxton Miller was the third-round pick, and they tried (failed) to turn him into a wide receiver. That’s a high pick for a position switch of that nature. Miller was out of the league in 2018. Running back Tyler Ervin in the fourth round has compiled 186 rushing yards despite an injury-riddled Texans backfield. Seventh-round defensive tackle D.J. Reader had been a solid starter for the Texans before signing a four year $53 million contract with the Bengals. Smith traded for Brock Osweiller, signed Lamar Miller, brought in guard Jeff Allen and Tackle Chris Clark. The Texans went 9-7 again, though that was enough to win their division (must be nice).
Smith’s final season in Houston was 2017. He grabbed Deshaun Watson with pick 12, linebacker Zach Cunningham in the second, and then a group of guys who have been good enough to stay in the league for four years but bad enough or injured enough to be kept off the field. Third round running back D’Onta Foreman has been on a roster every year… But he’s only actually played 17 games as a pro. Cunningham signed a massive deal with Houston before Bill O’Brien was relieved of his duties this year.
Why Has Rick Smith Been Out of the NFL Since 2017?
This is a simple question to answer. Smith left the Texans to take care of his family during his wife’s battle with breast cancer. Smith is a family man, and did not believe that he could give the Texans what they needed from him and also give his wife what she needed from him. January 31, 2019 Tiffany Smith passed away. A year and a half later, Rick Smith’s agent must have started talking to reporters, because Smith was suddenly being mentioned as a possible GM candidate. He has interviewed with the Lions and the Atlanta Falcons so far.
Smith has shown a few tendencies. The first is that he hit on a lot of dudes in the draft. A dude, for those who do not know the term (TM Wisco in the Slack chat you can join HERE), a dude is a player that the opposition needs to game plan to try to stop, and will still often fail to stop despite their best efforts. In twelve drafts Smith drafted Deshaun Watson, Will Fuller, Jadeveon Clowney, DeAndre Hopkins, Whitney Mercilus, D.J. Reader, J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing, Duane Brown, Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and hit on Arian Foster as a UDFA. They may not have met the qualification for being a dude for their entire careers, but each of those players at their peak was a dude. That is not even including Glover Quinn, who qualified for a time after signing in Detroit. Smith did find a lot of good players in the draft despite having been a pro personnel guy in Denver. He has shown a mastery of both sources of players, even digging a starter out of the CFL.
He showed a huge blind spot for the importance of the quarterback position, however. He continually tried to spackle over the gaping hole in his roster with middling free agents. At one point the Texans had to include a draft pick with Brock Osweiller to get rid of his contract. Examining the franchise history of the Texans, it is very possible that Smith’s continual settling for what he considered “good enough” at the quarterback position cost the franchise a Superbowl berth or two.
Rick Smith has some warts as a GM candidate for the Lions, but anyone with a run longer than a decade as the GM of an NFL franchise is going to have hits and misses. The Patriots have been the greatest franchise in the salary cap era, and they have entire drafts full of busts in their 20-year run at the top. What Smith never did was get stuck in an ideology. He rarely stuck with hid veterans for too long, and he only handed out big free-agent deals at important positions. He would be an excellent hire for the Lions, and that is why every team looking for a GM is going to interview him. He is widely considered to be at the top of the GM candidate list because of his 17 years as a successful executive at or near the top of a team’s power structure.
Ash Thompson is a sometimes teacher, sometimes blogger living in Canada. You can find him in the most intelligent Lions chat on the internet for as little as a dollar a month HERE.
Ash Thompson is a fanatical football fan, and less fanatical hockey fan despite his Canadian heritage. He is sorry aboot that. His spirit animal is a beaver with a shark's head. He enjoys maple syrup and tacos, but never at the same time.