Levy, Swann Make Football Hall of Fame
C A N T O N, Ohio, Aug. 4 -- Marv Levy learned toughness, preparation anddiscipline from his father, a Chicago grocer who was a Marine inWorld War I. The lesson he learned himself was how to coach.
"It's nothing to do with a pep talk or a one-day speech. Idon't think you bludgeon them. I don't think you grab them by theshirt and kick butt," Levy said of his coaching philosophy. "Thatis a concept that many people have of what leadership is. I don'tbelieve it is at all." For the lessons he passed on to his players during 11½superlative seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Levy is being inductedinto the Pro Football Hall of Fame today. Joining him in theclass of 2001 are defensive linemen Nick Buoniconti and JackYoungblood, offensive linemen Mike Munchak, Jackie Slater and RonYary and wide receiver Lynn Swann.
Not Just Angry White, Haired Man
Younger fans probably formed their image of Levy from televisionfootage of an angry white-haired man arguing a call with anofficial, often punctuating his points with arms waving or fingerspointing. In reality, he is probably one of the most thoughtful andmild-mannered NFL coaches. "Leadership is the ability to get other people to get the bestout of themselves," said Levy, who has a master's degree fromHarvard. "It's manifested by getting them not to follow you but tojoin you." The Bills of the 1980s and 1990s were models of consistency anddisciplined play — thanks to the tutelage of Levy. Levy's Bills averaged 10 wins a year but are best remembered forfour losses — in consecutive Super Bowls, including one to theGiants in 1991 when Scott Norwood's 47-yard field-goal attempt onthe game's final play went wide right. Levy never looked at those as defeats but as experiences fromwhich to learn. "It takes tremendous qualities of character to get sodisappointed, to get so knocked down, and then to pick yourself upand then go through all the hard work and dedication it takes toget back there," he said. "It was a very resilient group, guyswho stuck together."
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