Football’s intangibles are factors that cannot be measured, yet are vital to a quarterback’s success. These are not physical qualities, but traits.
A quarterback’s ability to motivate his teammates on the sidelines cannot be measured.
NFL scouts will tell you leadership is one of the most critical factors in a quarterback’s success, but there is no combine event for it.
The intangibles define a quarterback’s personality and actions. While everyone appreciates a strong arm or quick legs, they may not realize the importance of the intangibles.
Examples of intangibles in football players
Here are some examples to help you better understand what intangibles are in the NFL.
Calm and collected
As a quarterback in football, you are placed in the most challenging position in the sport and must also lead your teammates.
It is up to this position to keep a positive outlook and keep their players motivated if a quarterback quits on his game or sulks on the sidelines.
This intangible skill will benefit the quarterback both on and off the field.
Coachability
A quarterback must be coachable to succeed in the league. If he is unable to learn, adapt, and grow from his coach, he will not succeed.
Almost no quarterback comes into professional football knowing how to play effectively. They will need to work on their mechanics, footwork, and ability to read defenses.
Before drafting, scouts cannot measure the ability to be coached well.
They want to know what it is like to work with quarterback prospects, so they interview them.
Effort
Football players are known for their effort. Watching a football game, it is evident how much effort can make a difference.
Even if you have all the physical tools in the world, if you don’t use them to their full potential, someone will beat you.
On every play, high-effort players will give everything they have.
After being hit by several defensive players, running backs continue to churn their legs.
When wide receivers like DJ Metcalf chase a player almost 100 yards before returning an interception for a touchdown.
Work Ethic
Another intangible that can make a difference for a football player is work ethic. You need to know your craft inside out in order to master it.
In order to play effectively, professional football players must have a complete understanding of their playbook.
A player who spends more time learning and practicing tends to perform better.
Most NFL players don’t get away with athletic talent.
It is almost always necessary to have a good work ethic to be a successful NFL player.