How Athletes Lead When Few Are Watching

When envisioning an effective leader, many people imagine a larger-than-life figure who commands attention through sheer charisma and audacity. Historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., César Chávez, and George Patton portrayed this commanding presence. Bold personalities like Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, and Joe Namath also come to mind, individuals whose vision and confidence galvanized others. These qualities can be compelling, particularly when paired with substance and authenticity. However, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Some of the most impactful leaders are those who work quietly, behind the scenes. These are humble individuals whose acts of kindness instill hope, save lives, and impact society. They may not hold impressive titles or seek the spotlight, but their influence is no less significant. Their leadership is rooted in empathy, integrity, and courage.

Professional Athletes Leading Beyond the Game

In sports, athletes are often recognized more for their off-field mistakes rather than for their dedication to helping others. Good deeds frequently go unnoticed or receive little media attention. While there are several professional athletes making a positive difference in their communities through charitable work and service, few have made the contributions to assist people in financial need as former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn.

Dunn grew up in a single-parent household and faced numerous challenges throughout his life, including the tragic loss of his mother when he was only 18 years old. His mother served her community as a police officer in Louisiana and was killed while working an off-duty security job. As a result, Dunn was forced to grow up quickly and take care of his brothers and sisters, which motivated him to start the Homes for the Holidays program designed to help single-parent families put down payments on their homes.

More impressive than his statistics on the football field is his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. In a 2024 interview on the CBS Mornings television program, when asked whether he believes his efforts have paid off, Dunn responded, “No, you’re never done. You still have so much more to do.”

After all, this is a man who also encouraged his fellow NFL peers to each donate $5,000 to aid Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005.

Another NFL retiree who has assisted residents along the Gulf is former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who raised $41 million for Hurricane Harvey relief, according to ESPN. But, as often the case, the kindest gestures are the personal ones that touch the hearts of individuals.

In 2016, Watt came across a social media post that included a video of a granddaughter asking her grandmother what she wanted for her 99th birthday. Asalee Poole was the grandmother featured in the video, expressing her wish to meet her favorite player, which was J.J. Watt. Soon after, Watt arranged for Poole and her family to attend a Texans game, where they met, embraced, and took a photo together on the field. It was a special birthday for Poole and her family.

Although Watt is highly regarded for his accomplishments in the NFL, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards, many may not realize that he was once a walk-on college football player at the University of Wisconsin. After proving himself on the scout team, he earned a scholarship with the Badgers.

Both Dunn’s and Watt’s stories exemplify two former standout NFL players who reached the pinnacle of their professions yet never forgot their humble beginnings, continuing to remain empathetic and grounded.

Lesser-Known Athletes Rising in Times of Need

While professional athletes often inspire based on their visibility and influence, lesser-known athletes have made meaningful contributions to their communities, often under far more serious and personal circumstances. During times of tragedy, courageous individuals demonstrate extraordinary leadership by stepping in during emergencies and family crises—even on one of the darkest days in U.S. history.

Few events brought the U.S. population together like its collective response after September 11, 2001. The significance and heartbreak associated with that day far exceeds that of any sporting event. Welles Crowther, a 24-year old stock trader and former Boston College lacrosse player, worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. For months following the tragedy, Crowther was simply referred to as the “Man in the Red Bandana” because several survivors from the tower recalled a man fitting that description guiding others to safety. It was later confirmed to be Crowther, who had an opportunity to escape the building that day, but chose instead to remain inside to ensure others leave safe. Although he was a civilian and did not hold a title such as battalion chief, his heroic acts of bravery will not be forgotten.

Another emergency situation, this time occurring in a sports environment, took place at the 2022 FINA World Championships. Artistic swimmer and three-time Olympian Anita Alvarez lost consciousness during her solo routine and sank to the bottom of the pool. Instinctively, her coach, Andrea Fuentes, jumped into the water and rescued Alvarez from drowning. Discussing the situation with Olympics.com, Fuentes mentioned, “I had to pull one of the humans who I love the most out of the water, and fight for her to breathe.” Fortunately, Alvarez was able to be revived and continues to compete. Fuentes, a four-time Olympic medalist from Spain, deflected the praise and credited her lifeguard training for her life saving response.

The power of the human connection played a part in the friendship between former UC Santa Barbara basketball player J.D. Slajchert and young fan Luc Bodden, who battled sickle cell disease before passing away at just 10 years old. Luc regularly attended Slajchert’s high school games, inspiring him to write a book and help raise funds for The LucStrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Luc’s parents Stacy and Matthew Bodden to support children with sickle cell disease. In a July 15th interview, Slajchert stated, “We need more hope in the world. I feel a responsibility to my community to keep doing good work to help others.” Their story was recently nominated for an Emmy as a sports feature in the Los Angeles area.

Everyday Heroes Leading without Recognition

Outside the realm of sports, there are individuals who make a positive difference in their communities on a daily basis. This include parents, teachers, firefighters, nurses, steelworkers, and so many others. Rescue workers risk their lives to save flood victims, while anonymous donors help families with medical bills. Sometimes, a soft-spoken custodian provides a few words of encouragement at a pivotal moment in another person’s life, or a business executive surprises an employee with a well-deserved bonus at just the right time. Beyond business, it is essential for human beings to treat others with dignity and respect, regardless of their status or stature. That will lead to a better world.