Being a safety isn’t exactly the sexiest position on the defense. More often that not you only get noticed when you’re making a mistake. Glover Quin, safety for the Detroit Lions, published an article with The Players Tribune about the misconceptions of the NFL safety:
“Now here’s how you become a famous safety: Get interceptions. That about covers it. A lot of people said I had a career year last season because I led the NFL in interceptions. But the truth was, I made a lot of the same plays I’ve been making my entire career. I just happened to have a few balls thrown in my direction at the right moment.”
Quin went full Khaled later on and gave his keys before every snap:
“1. I’m looking at the personnel — who’s on the field and what does that person do best?
2. I’m looking at down and distance — percentage-wise, what’s the mostly likely play we’re looking at based on this team’s tendencies in this situation? (This one’s all about preparation.)
3. What’s the call from the coordinator?
4. What are the various checks within that call?
5. What is this formation showing us?
6. I need to communicate what I’m seeing with my corner, and then with my other safety so he can communicate it to his corner.
7. Now let’s make sure the linebackers know the right coverage so we don’t have any blind spots.”
All work and no praise for the safety. Who knew? Roy Williams made it look so fun.