The magazine Aviation Week reported recently that former pro quarterback Roger Staubach would likely be named to head up the U.S. Navy should George W. Bush become president.
While the prospect of a former Dallas Cowboy running the Navy seems as unnatural as putting Robert Downey Jr. in charge of the DEA, we at the Daily Collegian feel that the Hall of Fame signal caller would be a perfect fit in the position.
The first and most obvious qualification possessed by Staubach is his history with the Navy; he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1964 and went on to serve four years in the service (one in Vietnam).
But Staubach’s military glory was overshadowed by his accomplishments for the Midshipmen on the football field. He completed 67-of-98 passes as a sophomore, earning the top completion percentage in the nation.
As a junior in 1963, Staubach connected on more than 115 completions, nine for touchdowns, en route to the Heisman Trophy as the top college player in the country. He was the fourth junior in the history of the Heisman to capture the award.
As a quarterback Staubach earned the Most Valuable Player award for directing attacks. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Staubach was hailed by Navy coach Wayne Hardin as “the greatest quarterback Navy ever had.”
Once he hit the pro ranks, Staubach sustained the level of excellence he forged at the Academy. His tenure at the helm of the Dallas offense established him as one of the sport’s greatest leaders ever, as he was equally revered for his performance and his leadership skills.
Staubach was voted Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl VI, the franchise’s first championship. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns over the course of the victory.
Staubach was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, the first year he became eligible for this honor. He had been elected to the College Hall of Fame four years earlier.
But what does any of this have to do with holding a high-level position in the pentagon?
It is a proven fact that the same ideals instilled in military leadership training are critical to motivation and excellence as a leader in sports. Subsequently, those ideals are invaluable when it comes to leadership in any corporate organization. The Navy is no different.
Military training preaches diligence, discipline and dedication. Athletes must possess those same three traits in order to achieve excellence on the field of play. And by applying those same qualities to the Navy position, Staubach will undoubtedly fuel confidence and commitment in and from those beneath him.
Practically all of America’s great leaders in the modern era have a background in both sports and the military. John F. Kennedy played football, swam and sailed competitively at Harvard, then became a war hero with the Navy. George Bush played several sports at Yale and went on to fly a number of missions for the Air Force.
Besides, Staubach has already proven that his acquired skills can be applied to an administrative setting. He is currently running a Dallas real estate firm that bears his name, a business that is both lucrative and expanding.
So while a Cowboy running the Navy may seem like an extremely odd proposition, Roger Staubach is probably the ideal man for the job. Whether piloting a no-huddle offense or handling a powerful fighting force, he is still truly at home at the helm of America’s team.
