It’s commonly held that channeling the mindset of pro athletes can be transferred to success in the business world. The will to win, the preparation, the study, the analysis of opponents, and a myriad of other factors can be applied to both business and sport. Yet, sometimes there are underrated lessons from sport that help us look at business leadership in new ways.
As it’s the peak time for the Super Bowl interest, we wanted to reflect a bit on the season gone past, looking at five elements across the season that can perhaps teach us some lessons about the mindset for running a business or being a thought leader. Not all lessons are transferable from American football to the business world, but some are universal and are maybe worth thinking about.
Kyle Shanahan – Stand Behind Good Leaders Through Tough Times
The San Francisco 49ers have had a fascinating few seasons, from the Super Bowl to rock bottom to taking the road to the top again. The constant has been head coach Kyle Shanahan, who experienced some rocky times despite delivering success in the past. Shanahan’s 49ers, were back in the Playoffs, in the mix in the Super Bowl LX odds at one point, rewarding fans and the team’s hierarchy for sticking with the head coach across the tough times.
New England Patriots – Tactical Changes Can Trump Squad Overhauls
Most non-NFL fans will be aware that much of the 2000s and 2010s belonged to the New England Patriots. There has been plenty of rebuilding in the post-Tom-Brady era, but, interestingly, the Patriots did very little in the offseason this time around, changing the coaching setup and team tactics instead. It’s worked wonders, transforming the Patriots from a team that won four games in the entirety of last season to a team playing the Super Bowl. It demonstrates how big signings and squad moves aren’t always necessary for success in sport, but the same can be applied to business. Vrabel saw potential and coached it.
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Kansas City Chiefs – All Dynasties Come to an End
Talk of dynasties and domination always has special meaning in a Scottish football context, but we are reminded about how success can feel fleeting, especially with the struggles of both Old Firm clubs this season. Over in the US, the Kansas City Chiefs’ decade of dominance came to a skidding halt this season. They made five of the last six Super Bowls, but they failed to make the Playoffs this year. Interestingly, you could see the cracks begin to appear last season, even though they made the Super Bowl. Elements like the Draft ensure that the NFL is more ‘cyclical’ than modern football, but there is a universality in seeing periods of dominance deteriorate. The key is not that they happen, but how they bounce back.
Jayden Daniels – Pressure Can Have a Crushing Effect
The Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels was the talk of the town in 2024, with the Rookie of the Year having one of the best debut seasons at quarterback in the NFL’s history. While he hasn’t been awful in 2025, he is suffering something akin to that difficult second album. All is not lost, of course, and he has the talent to be an elite star, but there is a lesson in pinning your hopes on a single player. The Commanders had a fairly turgid 2025 season, and they need to look to give their young superstar some support rather than depend on his skill set alone.
Special Teams – Everyone Must Quickly Adapt to New Trends
Sport is often about tweaking tactics, but it is also about bringing back elements once thought unfashionable. There is a version of that in the NFL this season with an increased focus on special teams, i.e., an NFL team’s personnel and strategy for kicking, punting, kick-offs, and field goals. Its increased importance, as well as some rule tweaks, has meant that teams have had to adapt very quickly, and those holding out from adapting to the new tactics may suffer later down the line. It teaches a lot about adapting quickly to new trends.
