The Quarterback Whisperer

by Bruce Arians

  Looking back on my life, I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, maybe one thing.

  I would have learned what a condom was when I was sixteen—but that’s a story for another day.

  At its core, coaching isn’t about winning and losing. At the college level, coaching is about molding teenagers into men and leading them to become positive members of society. In the NFL, it’s about building relationships.

  Most NFL coaches don’t socialize with their players. I do. When my players walk out of our stadium after Cardinals home games, the first car they’ll see in the lot is mine. The trunk will be open and I’ll be handing out beer, mixed drinks, shots—you name it. The bartender in me makes sure they’re taken care of.

  If a player had a bad game, I’m going to give him a beer and a big and sincere hug. If a player had a great game, I’m going to give him a beer and a big and sincere hug. You see, I know they each tried, they each gave it their best shot. Sometimes you come up short, sometimes you go over the top. If you’ve earned the trust of your teammates, if you’ve played with determination, if you’ve been a team player—regardless of a one-time outcome—you get the beer and the hug. And then I’m going to ask both players if there’s anything I can do to help them get ready for the start of our preparation for the next game.

  One time Larry Foote, after attending my tailgate, walked up to me. Larry has known me a long time—he played linebacker with me in Pittsburgh and Arizona and is now a Cardinals assistant—and he said, “B.A., how’s it feel to be coolest coach in the NFL?”

  I’d never thought of it that way. I told Larry, “Hey, I’m just being me, brother.”

  And a big part of me is rooted in the belief that you must take chances—in life and in football. If you don’t try to take great shots down the field, you’re never going to hit a great shot down the field. You gotta live smart—and never live scared.

  I call plays and coach quarterbacks the same way: No risk it, no biscuit.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I’ve loved one woman in my life. The sacrifices that Chris has made for me are too long to list here, but there’s no question I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She makes me a better man. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Chris.

  Our two children, Jake and Kristi, are my best friends. Growing up the son and daughter of a coach is extremely hard—the moving van always seemed to be pulling into our driveway—but I’m so proud of the adults they’ve become.

  Lars Anderson is one of the best writers in America. He helped me turn a jumble of thoughts into what you now hold in your hands. But more important, Lars and I have become good buddies. I cherish our friendship and the long hours we’ve spent together. And thank you to Lars’s wife, April, and their son, Lincoln, who is one cool little dude.

  Mike Fetchko, the president of the agency ISM USA, is a longtime friend who I first met when I was the coach at Temple. Mike suggested the book idea to me seven years ago and he was instrumental in connecting me with Lars and Scott Waxman, who is Lars’s literary agent.

  Mauro DiPreta, the publisher of Hachette Books, championed this project and skillfully guided us to the finish line. David Lamb, an assistant editor at the imprint, showed a keen eye for detail and made sure our deadlines were met. And Joanna Pinsker, our publicist at Hachette Books, worked diligently to promote The Quarterback Whisperer.

  Finally, I’d like to thank all the players I’ve had the honor of coaching over the years. My success is your success. I’m so grateful for the many relationships I’ve forged over the course of my coaching career—especially with my quarterbacks.

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  BRUCE ARIANS is currently the head coach of the NFC powerhouse the Arizona Cardinals. In three years he has taken the team from last place in their division to the NFC Championship. He has also guided quarterback Carson Palmer to the best results of his long career. He has twice been named the NFL’s Head Coach of the Year.

  LARS ANDERSON is the bestselling author of six books including Carlisle vs. Army and The Storm and the Tide. He is a senior writer at Bleacher Report.

  Thank you for buying this ebook, published by Hachette Digital.

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