It’s not ofter that a professional athlete, former or current, issues a strong endorsement for a coach. Not that they don’t believe in them, but the politics involved in sports often makes if difficult for players to be completely candid. But former Pro Bowl offensive lineman, Russell Okung, who spent time in Seattle and Carolina – among other places – did just that Thursday night.
Okung, who played with the Seahawks during Dave Canales’ time there under Pete Carroll, posted a story on X/Twitter describing a positive coach who took immense pride in his job.
“When I played with the Seahawks, there was a coach whose optimism was painful. Always writing notes, knew Pete Carroll’s culture like the back of his hand, even set up practice dummies perfectly on the field. Rarely saw him have a bad day. Turns out, relentless positivity is a superpower. My teammates ridiculed him as a “company man” for meticulously straightening practice dummies. This coach knew every detail mattered to Pete Carroll. While others kicked dummies in jest, he aligned them perfectly. He saw the connection between small actions and overall culture. An older vet defended him, “He’s not a company man. He just understands how things work.” Lesson: It’s not about blind loyalty, it’s about understanding the bigger picture. Those ‘small things’ would create a future for him. Funny… he’s now the head coach of an NFL team.”
After speculation about which former assistant under Pete Carroll who is now a head coach Okung was referring to, he clarified that it was current Carolina Panthers’ head coach Dave Canales.
“Dan Quinn, Robert Saleh, Dave Canales. All focused, punctual, with incredible presence. But one thing separates them. So I knew this coach was different when I met his father. Real ole G. He invited me his church once. Straight in the hood. Saw everyone from pros to gangsters there. All showing tremendous respect. He treated people off the street as if they were his children. Coach was comfortable in this setting, dealing with the wild. His father made him this way. My outlook on him changed that day. “A father never resembles the sons, it’s a son who resembles the father.” Lesson: Great leaders inspire, not clone. Many coaches from Belichick’s tree face the same issue: They all try to be him Same with Pete Carroll’s system – good, but authentic to him. Good luck Coach Canales.”
That’s one heck of an endorsement.