#109 Rich Gannon: The Playbook for Building Mental Toughness
Rich Gannon is a former NFL MVP and quarterback for the Vikings, Chiefs, and Raiders. He's currently a broadcaster and analyst for CBS.
In this interview we discuss:
-How he responded when he was at a crossroads in his career
-How his experience in Minnesota and Kansas City may have prepared him for the unique situation in Oakland
-What made him believe the Raiders would give him the 'keys to the kingdom'
-What he did to change the culture at the Raiders
-How to move on from a bad play, his favorite comeback win and more..
Watch the full interview on YouTube here.
SHOW NOTES
Introduction [00:00 - 03:15]
Rich Gannon discusses his early football influences, particularly Joe Namath
Gannon admired Namath's confidence, playing style, and leadership in the passing game
Also mentions other quarterback influences: Roger Staubach and Fran Tarkenton
Appreciated mobile quarterbacks who were playmakers with toughness and courage
Career Turning Point (1994) [03:16 - 08:30]
After six years with Vikings, traded to Washington Redskins
Struggled with shoulder injury, diagnosed with torn rotator cuff
Had surgery at end of season, became a free agent
Faced significant uncertainty with a new marriage and first child
Received tryout opportunity with Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
Eventually signed with Kansas City Chiefs for veteran minimum
Credits this period as critical for getting his career "heading back in the right direction"
Mental Toughness [08:31 - 11:45]
Never had self-doubt despite setbacks - "I knew I could do it"
Discusses how adversity is part of success in any field
References quote from "Little Holes": Anyone successful has had to overcome adversity
Explains that quarterback position rarely sees immediate success
Emphasizes importance of someone believing in him and giving him opportunity
Kansas City Experience [11:46 - 14:20]
Spent four years with the Chiefs (1995-1998)
Team went 13-3 in two of his four seasons there
Developed under Marty Schottenheimer and coaching staff
Felt supported by fan base even when he returned as a Raider
Mentions playoff disappointments despite regular season success
Oakland Raiders Transition [14:21 - 17:35]
Was surprised by Raiders culture initially
Found many players loved the lifestyle but not the work of football
Contrasted with his own passion: "I would've done it for nothing. I loved it."
Started in 1999, team was transformed by 2000-2001
Credits Jon Gruden and management for bringing in players who cared about football
Leadership Style [17:36 - 20:50]
Refused to compromise principles and beliefs about right and wrong
Confronted tardiness and lack of preparation directly
Was "brutally honest" with teammates
Held players accountable when they didn't know assignments
Was demanding of teammates and assistant coaches
Worked to change culture and create higher standards
Relationship with Jon Gruden [20:51 - 23:25]
Gruden made a personal commitment to Gannon: "we're gonna do this together"
First time a coach fully believed in him and "stuck his neck out"
Emphasizes importance of head coach and quarterback being "joined at the hip"
Compares to relationship between Belichick and Brady
Indianapolis Comeback Game [23:26 - 25:30]
Raiders fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter
Coaches were panicking on the sidelines
Gannon's approach: "one series at a time, one possession at a time"
Rushed for three touchdowns in the game
Raiders won 38-31 in a difficult road environment
Mental Approach to Mistakes [25:31 - 29:15]
References "the five P's": Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Learned from Joe Montana's approach to both successes and mistakes
Uses driving analogy: windshield is big, rearview mirror is small
"Too often in life we're so busy worrying about what happened that we miss the opportunities in front of us"
Differentiates between acceptable and unacceptable mistakes
Super Bowl Experience [29:16 - 31:45]
Identifies Super Bowl loss as his most painful defeat
Calls it "a nightmare" considering all the circumstances
References the challenge of playing against Gruden (former coach)
Mentions logistical challenges of the one-week Super Bowl preparation
Takes personal responsibility: "I could have played better"
Continuous Improvement Philosophy [31:46 - 34:10]
Describes how NFL quarterbacks begin offseason by reviewing mistakes
Always started with "the interception reel and the sack reel"
Focus on understanding why mistakes happened
Worked to develop strategies to improve: communication, quick releases, changing protections
Emphasized "attention to detail" and continuous improvement
Parental Influence [34:11 - 36:50]
Identifies hard work as the greatest lesson from his parents
Father was an attorney who worked until he died at 81
Mother was a homemaker who "ran a tight ship"
Parents never explicitly taught this lesson - he learned by watching
This principle guided his career: "Find something you're passionate about and work hard at it"
"I've never worked a day in my life because I love what I do and it's not work"
Post-Playing Career [36:51 - 38:00]
Has worked as NFL analyst for CBS for 18 seasons
Enjoys returning to Kansas City as broadcaster
Maintains relationships with former teammates