Listening to Coaches vs. Heeding Veteran Advice
As a sixth-round draft pick, Mike Humpal was inclined to follow his coaches’ directions, knowing that failing to do so could jeopardize his spot on the team. However, during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it became evident that he should have taken James Harrison’s advice. Though it wouldn’t have guaranteed a long NFL career, it could have prevented him from suffering a career-ending injury on his very first play.
The Story Unfolds
On his Deebo & Joe podcast, Harrison shared Humpal’s unfortunate tale while flying solo due to Joe Haden’s attempts to leave Mexico amidst cartel violence. He recounted how Humpal made a crucial error that led to a serious injury during a game.
Old-School Special Teams Tactics
In Humpal’s era, kick-off coverage was less regulated, and return teams employed a “wedge” of players blocking for the returner. The coverage teams used “wedge busters” whose sole purpose was to disrupt these formations. Although the violent nature of this tactic led to it being prohibited, it was still in practice at the time of Humpal’s play.
The Cautionary Advice
Harrison recounted how the special teams coach instructed Humpal to tackle the wedge directly. Harrison cautioned him, noting that following this advice could lead to a serious injury, including a possible hip pointer. Instead, Harrison recommended that he attack just one player in the wedge for better safety.
The Consequences of Ignoring Advice
Despite Harrison’s caution, Humpal chose to stick with his coach’s instructions. During the game, he collided with the wedge squarely, leading to a severe injury. Harrison described how the impact resulted in a debilitating neck stinger that ended Humpal’s rookie season and subsequently his time in the NFL.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity
Although the injury prematurely ended Humpal’s football career, it set him on a new path. After undergoing chiropractic treatments, he discovered a passion for the field and eventually became a chiropractor himself. Today, he owns a chiropractic business in Iowa, transforming a setback into a successful new chapter of his life.
Lessons Learned
Harrison’s well-meaning advice highlighted the importance of experience in coaching. While Humpal learned the hard way that sometimes coaches don’t have the best insight, he ultimately made the most of his situation. His story serves as a reminder that even negative experiences can lead to valuable new beginnings.
