What makes football players want to follow a leader? Why do some players reluctantly comply with one leader while passionately following another?

The answer lies somewhere within the character qualities of individual people and their productive performances on the field. Leadership provided by quarterbacks is apparent during practices and on game days. Different quarterbacks bring different leadership styles, ranging from a quiet demeanor, less demonstrative, more artistic, to the more upbeat and flashy image.

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Whatever leadership a quarterback carries is eclipsed by competitive zeal. Wrapped up in their inner spirit is the embodiment of the ultimate competitor, whose quarterback skill set combines with attitude to make them the type of leader who's easy to follow.

Leadership is a component of winning football at all levels, and effective leadership in a team sport is about bringing out the best in teammates. Listen – and I mean really listen – to what teammates have to say, then be able to respond with action and leadership.

It's this distinct quality of making sure teammates know you care for them that enables a leader to use their instinct, intuition and timing to reach out to one player at a time, making each feel involved, even while working with the entire group. As the quarterback, building relationships as you implement your vision is essential in establishing the leadership equation between yourself and teammates.

Answer this question as you ascend through the quarterback ranks and aspire to lead from out in front:  Can you accurately list a personal interest or position skill for each teammate on your team?

Younger, less experienced quarterbacks tend to operate in a vacuum, failing to grow closer to their teammates. Players need to see the quarterback cares. Here's how:

• Take a sincere interest in them as individuals
• Never belittle or ridicule them
• Let every teammate know things would be rough without them
• Share the limelight with them

Most teammates hunger for personal recognition, not necessarily to become heroes or to have their names on the front page of the sports section, but to be recognized for their roles and contributions by fellow teammates and in the eyes of coaches.

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If a leader destroys a teammate’s self-worth, unknowingly or otherwise, they destroy the teammate. As the leader, a quarterback builds his teammates’ self-esteem. Once this is achieved, it unlocks the other players’ greatest potential for talent and effort.

Ultimately, being closer to teammates — knowing them, building that camaraderie — is what helps win football games. Like no other game, football creates a team, and on the best teams, teammates are never forgotten.

When you're called to lead your team, do it with all the heart and commitment you have. Every teammate deserves to play for a quarterback who believes in everyone inside the huddle and on the sideline. This is the essence of winning leadership.

The best fuel for energizing a football team is the passion and leadership the quarterback brings to the meeting room and playing field. Share your drive, intensity and energy with your teammates.

Terry Shea is a longtime football coach at the professional and collegiate levels, with Rutgers head coach and Chicago Bears offensive coordinator among his stops. He's helped train many NFL quarterbacks, including Robert Griffin III, Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, Aaron Murray, Blaine Gabbert and Trent Green. Click here to view his book, “Eyes Up,” which instructs and energizes quarterbacks and their coaches to improve on the field.  

This is an updated version of a blog that originally published April 6, 2015.