The Power of Sportsmanship and Leadership: Winning with Honor, Losing with Dignity

In the intensity of athletic competition, character and leadership often shine brightest—not just in victory but in how athletes and coaches handle adversity and the moments that test their values. Athletes are frequently remembered not only for their achievements but also for how they conduct themselves under pressure. Last weekend’s college football games illustrated this vividly, offering examples of both commendable leadership and unsportsmanlike behavior. These moments remind us of the critical role coaches and mentors play in shaping athletes’ character from an early age.

Leading Through Provocation

The Nebraska vs. Iowa game showcased a glaring contrast in how athletes and teams conduct themselves. Pregame tensions flared when Nebraska captains declined to shake hands during the coin toss, and Nebraska’s head coach, Matt Rhule, allegedly disrupted Iowa’s warmups. Yet, after the final whistle, Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins took the high road. Despite the provocations, he sought out Rhule to shake his hand—a small but powerful act that demonstrated leadership and respect. Higgins and his teammates let their performance on the field speak for itself, demonstrating leadership by prioritizing sportsmanship over retaliation. This response reflects the model of leadership and character athletes should strive for at all levels of competition. Higgins’ actions reminded everyone watching that respect matters, even in the heat of a rivalry.

When Passion Crosses the Line

While leadership and sportsmanship were on display in some games, other games revealed the consequences of unchecked emotions. Rivalries are a cornerstone of sports. They inspire passion and intensity that bring out the best—and sometimes the worst—in athletes.

• Michigan vs. Ohio State: After Michigan’s 13-10 win over a heavily favored Ohio State in Columbus, OH, Michigan players attempted to plant their team flag at midfield. Though celebratory in intent, this act quickly escalated into a brawl requiring police intervention. The use of pepper spray helped deescalate the situation while Ohio State’s coach looked on and asked passing players, “What happened?” The melee resulted in the Big Ten fining both teams $100,000 and put poor behavior in the spotlight over a hard-fought and emotional game.
• Florida vs. Florida State: A similar altercation unfolded when a Florida player tried to plant a flag at midfield after the Gators’ win. The act sparked a heated confrontation between players from both teams, forcing coaches to intervene. Florida head coach Billy Napier later apologized for his team’s actions, calling them “embarrassing” and signaling a need for reflection and accountability.

In both instances, athletes allowed their emotions to overshadow respect for their opponents. Even in the most heated rivalries, these moments call into question player leadership within the teams, as true leaders ensure their actions uplift their team’s values rather than diminish them.

Why These Moments Matter

For young athletes, these examples serve as powerful lessons. Rivalries and competition will always bring challenges, but the real test is how one responds. Coaches and mentors play a pivotal role in teaching athletes to value respect and integrity as much as skill and strategy.

1. Respect is Non-Negotiable: Maintaining respect for the game and all its participants is paramount regardless of how an opponent behaves. Actions like refusing a handshake or antagonizing opponents diminish the integrity of the game. Even in intense rivalries, athletes who demonstrate respect elevate their teams and set positive examples for younger players.
2. Leadership Means Rising Above: Iowa’s response to Nebraska’s pregame antics exemplifies the ability to lead by staying composed. Choosing not to retaliate or escalate reflects maturity and focus.
3. Emotions Require Discipline: Learning to manage emotions is as critical as physical preparation in competitive sports. Michigan and Florida players allowed postgame celebrations to spiral into chaos, overshadowing their victories. Ohio State and Florida State players allowed anger to direct their actions against their opponent’s celebrations, overshadowing the lessons learned from defeat.

Teaching Leadership Early – A Call to Action

As we reflect on the lessons from last weekend’s games, let’s challenge ourselves as coaches, parents, and mentors to do better. Talk to young athletes about what it means to win—and lose—with grace and celebrate acts of leadership. Help them understand that while their athletic careers may be finite, the character they develop through sports will last a lifetime.

At Forged by Sports, we believe every stage of an athlete’s journey helps cultivate leadership and character. By modeling respect, focusing on discipline, and celebrating integrity, we help athletes develop into leaders who shine on and off the field.

These lessons start early. From youth teams to college rivalries, teaching athletes to win with humility and lose with grace builds better competitors and better people. Let’s take these moments as an opportunity to reflect on what sports are truly about: building character, fostering respect, and preparing young athletes to lead in every aspect of their lives.