Dolphins LB David Long reveals how he inspires young players

If you’ve ever wondered why NFL coaches place a high emphasis on leadership, Dolphins linebacker David Long painted a clear picture Tuesday.

During a Zoom media session, Long was responding to the question of whether disappointment over the end of one season could fuel teams the following year.

“Oh, that’s a good question,” Long said before referencing the January 2020 AFC Championship Game in which his new Tennessee Titans had a 17-7 second-quarter lead against the Chiefs from Kansas City to Arrowhead.

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Then Patrick Mahomes threw his second touchdown pass of the day to Tyreek Hill and ran 27 yards for a touchdown.

“It changed the game in the second half,” Long said. “So it’s a tease.” You get so close, and then just like that, it’s gone. The closer we get, the worse it gets. »

The Chiefs won 35-24 and beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Despite going 11-5 and 12-5 over the next two seasons, the Titans never got closer to the Super Bowl.

“And all the guys want to go up there and hold that trophy,” said Long, who will enter his sixth NFL season. “So you go back, depending on how seriously you take your profession. You go back and look at the little things.