This post started because I thought of myself as a running back. But am I sure? I did my due diligence and considered the ways other positions solve problems.
Here’s my breakdown along with some thoughts on why I felt I wasn’t a good fit:
Quarterback – charismatic, over-prepared, looks the part, ruthlessly pursues the goal
-I prefer an independent approach
-My ‘charisma’ is hardly vocal
-‘Looks the part’ (lol)
-I abandon the goal if it puts teammates in harm’s way
Wide receiver – obedient, precise, independent
-I tend to improvise along the way
-I trade precision for expedience
-In 2018, a friend told me - ‘Obedience isn’t your strong suit.’
Offensive line – team-oriented, defines milestones, holds others accountable,
-I don’t define teamwork as ‘everyone does their share’
-Milestones have no meaning to me
-Being strength-driven, accountability means lack of growth rather than failed assignments
Tight end / fullback
I skipped these due to the hybrid nature of these positions – tight ends are like a combination of wide receiver and offensive line, fullbacks a combination of running back and offensive line. I don't fit the offensive line, so I couldn’t fit in a role that includes its basic characteristics.
Defense
The defensive side solves problems as they arise and this is similar to the running back. However, there is a proactive aspect in my mentality that is better suited to the offensive positions.
Let’s use the classic firefighting analogy. A firefighter would fit a defensive position (probably safety) because they respond to visible emergencies. A fire safety officer (likely wide receiver) tries to reduce the number of fires in the future. As I try to get ahead of undefined problems, I feel I’m a better fit on the offensive side.
Special teams
Special teams are too, uh, specialized to be a good fit for me. Each position has specific responsibilities with highly defined sets of best practices, leaving little to no room for innovation.
