Matt Bowen is a former NFL defensive back and current NFL Analyst for ESPN. When he is not busy watching film and sharing his thoughts on ESPN.com, he can be seen on the sidelines for IC Catholic Prep (Elmhurst, Ill.), as the team’s defensive backs coach.

This fall, IC Catholic Prep enjoyed a season for the ages. The team finished 14-0 and captured the IHSA Class 3A state title.

Bowen helped coach a defense that surrendered a sparse 94 total points, for an average of under seven points per game.

Despite the immense success the team enjoyed on the field, Bowen recognizes that the real victory resides in the life lessons that the coaches impart.

“As a coach, the greatest thing you can have is to set these kids up for life, and that’s what we have in this program,” said Bowen, speaking at the city council meeting that honored the team for its state title.

As sweet as capturing the state title was, Bowen hopes his players remember the lessons and football experiences that he believes will shape the men they become.

“Winning a state championship is great, and that’s going to set them up for life. But more importantly, we want to develop them so they’re ready for college,” he said. “Ready to be husbands. Ready to be fathers.”

Watch Bowen’s entire speech in the video below: