Leading Beyond the Game: Defining Leadership in Sports Today
Leadership in sports goes far beyond tactics and performance—it’s about influence, culture, and inspiring others on and off the field. Here are some vivid examples shaping the sports leadership landscape in 2025.
Brandon Marshall: From NFL Star to Mental Health Advocate and Entrepreneur
Brandon Marshall, former NFL standout, is making waves not just for his football legacy but for his role as an entrepreneur and vocal advocate for mental health. Transitioning from athlete to venture capitalist and founder of initiatives like I Am Athlete and House of Athlete, Marshall leads with a purpose that transcends sports. His advocacy highlights leadership as standing up for issues that affect teammates and communities alike.
Katie McCabe: A Captain Inspiring a New Era in Women’s Soccer
The Republic of Ireland’s captain and Arsenal’s left-back, Katie McCabe, embodies leadership through action. Known for her versatility and commitment, she actively encourages girls in sports, partnering on campaigns like Dirt Is Good’s Every Stain initiative. McCabe’s leadership style blends skill with activism, making her a relatable and practical role model who proves leadership is also about boosting participation and confidence.
Alex Morgan: Champion on the Field and in Business
Two-time FIFA World Cup champion Alex Morgan is a powerhouse of leadership both on and off the pitch. Beyond her sports accolades, Morgan’s launching of the Alex Morgan Foundation and TOGETHXR media company demonstrates leadership as entrepreneurship combined with empowerment. Her journey juggling retirement, motherhood, and business illustrates how leaders navigate life’s stages while inspiring a diverse audience.
Julian Ashby: The Steady Locker Room Anchor
The New England Patriots highlight the importance of quiet, dependable leadership through their long snapper Julian Ashby. While not always in the spotlight, locker-room leaders like Ashby form the backbone of team culture, promoting responsibility and unity. He epitomizes leadership that’s less about fanfare and more about earning respect from peers through consistency and team-first attitudes.
The Miami Dolphins’ Strategic Rest Leadership
In the organizational realm, the Miami Dolphins show leadership in smart scheduling with one of the best rest differentials in the 2025 NFL season. Their approach to player recovery and readiness reflects how leadership integrates strategy off the field to improve both health outcomes and competitive advantage.
What Does This Teach Us About Leadership in Sports?
- Leadership is multifaceted: From advocacy, business, culture building to strategic planning, it embraces many roles.
- Real-world impact matters: Leaders connect with communities—whether advocating mental health or empowering youth participation.
- Quiet leadership holds value: Not all leaders shine in the spotlight; some lead by example behind the scenes.
- Adaptability is key: Leaders like Alex Morgan model adjusting goals and roles while maintaining influence.
Whether it’s a microphone or a locker room corner, leadership in sports is about shaping environments where teams and individuals thrive. These stories reinforce that at the heart of sports leadership lies a blend of courage, vision, and humility.
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stagwell-stgw-drafts-new-picks-for-sport-beach-2025-lauren-betts-myles-garrett-billie-jean-king-ilona-maher-brandon-marshall-katie-mccabe-alex-morgan-oscar-piastri-gerard-pique-nigel-sylvester-ian-wright-obe-and-more–302453875.html
- https://www.si.com/nfl/dolphins/news/dolphins-among-rest-leaders-in-2025-how-big-a-deal-01jvav8wbnh2
- https://nesn.com/2025/05/nfl-considered-putting-this-2025-patriots-game-in-primetime/
- https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-can-expect-a-locker-room-leader-in-julian-ashby
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/news/cristiano-ronaldo-leads-forbes-2025-list-of-highest-paid-athletes/articleshow/121192063.cms
- http://maldenps.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Malden-Public-Schools-PreK-12-Handbook-SY-2024-2025_.pdf
- https://arxiv.org/html/2505.08253v1
- https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/agency/05-14-2025.871.pdf
