Former Heisman trophy winner Matt Leinart and actor Jerry Ferrara, who co-host the podcast Throwbacks, joined Youth Inc.’s flagship pod in a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation with Greg Olsen on everything from their youth sports and high school glory days to Entourage and the similarities between acting and professional sports.
“It’s all about understanding your role,” said Ferrara. “Not everyone is going to be the tall, handsome lead, just like everyone is not going to be [the star quarterback]. You have to play your role on the team. Acting is the same way.”
Leinart, Ferrera and Olsen reminisced about their time as young athletes and especially appreciated the memories created playing high school sports. “There’s nothing better than playing Friday night lights with the boys,” said Leinart.
Watch the full episode here and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.
Key Takeaways
Enjoy the Moments
Youth sports create memories that last a lifetime. Savor them. Ferrara told a story about growing up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, playing Little League with a chance to go to the Little League World Series. The team was playing in Connecticut and enjoying the indoor pool at the hotel.
The coach, not wanting anyone to get hurt, banned his players from swimming before the game. Ferrara’s team lost 16-1, but years later one of the things he remembers the most was that indoor pool.
Don’t try and make sports bigger than they are
We are in a keep-up-with-the-Joneses society, but it shouldn’t be a race. Let kids be kids. “We tell our families all the time that it’s not a race to 12,” said Olsen. “Keep the passion and enjoy the ride.”
Use your own experiences to teach your kids
Leinart talked about a full-circle moment he had with his son Cole, who was frustrated he was coming off the bench and wasn’t starting. “I told him, if you don’t handle this we’re never going to know how good you are. Go out and be great,” said Leinart.
Cole did and his father was filled with pride. Leinart was able to take his own experiences – successes and failures – and pass them along to his son.
Lessons for Parents
- The experience is so much more important than the result. Parents and coaches are so concerned about winning in the moment that they often lose sight of what’s really important – kids playing sports with their friends. “In our family we say that we’re going to play as many sports for as long as we can,” said Olsen.
Lessons for Coaches
- You don’t have to have Bill Belichick-type knowledge to make an impact. Give the kids a baseline of kills, a good role model and positive reinforcement and you’ll be ahead of the game.
Lessons for Athletes
- The two things you can control is how hard you work and how you respond to adversity. Leinart told a story about when he was in high school and a quarterbacks coach said he would never make it as a college QB. Leinart was motivated to prove him wrong, and he did.
GET YOUTH INC UPDATES
Get real tools, fresh perspective, and inspiring stories to help you get the most from youth sports. Plus, you'll be entered for a chance to win premium fan wear to rep your favorite school or club