Philadelphia Eagles coach shares leadership insights at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Published June 21, 2024 By Capt. Himanshu Chopra 321st Contingency Response Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- In an inspiring event that brought together over 250 attendees, Coach Jemal Singleton, the assistant head coach and running back coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, shared his remarkable journey and drew powerful parallels between the world of professional sports and the military. Singleton, who has a notable background in both football and military life, captivated the audience with his stories of perseverance, discipline, and leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience in coaching elite athletes, Singleton highlighted the striking similarities between managing a professional sports team and leading military personnel. "Teamwork and coordination are the bedrock of both fields," Singleton said. "Just as Airmen must rely on each other to accomplish their missions, players on a football team must work in unison to achieve their goals." He emphasized the importance of a clear leadership structure, noting that both professional sports teams and military units operate with a defined chain of command. "Leaders in both arenas are responsible for strategy and decision-making, guiding their teams to success," he said. "In both the military and professional sports, training is essential to prepare for the challenges ahead. Discipline ensures that everyone is focused and ready to perform at their best." One of the most resonant parts of his talk was the discussion on adaptability and resilience. "Whether on the battlefield or on the football field, conditions can change rapidly. The ability to adapt and remain resilient in the face of adversity is crucial," Singleton said. Highlighting the significance of physical and mental fitness, Singleton drew nods of agreement from the audience. "Success in both domains requires individuals to be in peak physical condition and mentally tough, ready to face high-pressure situations," he said. Singleton’s reflections on goal orientation, camaraderie, and morale struck a chord with the military audience. "Both in sports and the military, every member is driven by clear goals, be it winning championships or completing missions. Building camaraderie and maintaining high morale are vital for achieving these objectives," he said. Quoting John C. Maxwell, Singleton shared, "small disciplines repeated with consistency everyday lead to great achievements gained slowly over time." He elaborated, "stick to the process, understanding that there will be highs and lows, so the key is to be consistent. Daily deposits are required for everything." Discussing the essence of teamwork, Singleton asserted, "be a connected team. Being connected is paramount for everything." He further highlighted the importance of empathy in leadership with another quote from Maxwell,: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." The event concluded with Singleton opening the floor to questions, where he shared fascinating National Football League stories and answered queries from the audience. The engagement continued as Singleton joined 30 individuals at the Halvorsen Dining Facility for lunch, where he shared more stories and answered additional questions. Attendees left the event motivated and inspired by Singleton’s words. His visit was a powerful reminder of the shared values and principles that underpin both professional sports teams and military organizations. His message of leadership, perseverance, and teamwork resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on all who were present.