FMIA: Lessons Learned From 2022 Commencement Speeches By Louis Riddick, Tim Tebow, Tyler Perry, More

Good morning. As you read this, I’m on vacation. My wife and I twice delayed a 40th anniversary trip to Italy because of Covid. We’re there now, one day shy of 42 years married. As you read this, know that I’ve probably got an espresso, or a glass of Chianti, in my hand.

Today begins the guest-column phase of Football Morning in America prior to training camp. I will return with my regular column on July 18, then will be out at camps beginning with the column of July 25. Usually I make the graduation speeches a part of a spring column, but I like them so much and saw a few really good ones this year, so I decided to make them a separate column this year. I’ll be interested to see your reaction.

I get asked around the time of year, “Why the graduations speeches? This is a football column.” I know. But I love the lessons in them. A few years ago, I read a great one from Navy Admiral William McRaven. “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed,” he told University of Texas grads. His point: Every great accomplishment starts with a collection of small ones, and you need the discipline to do them all right. So when you wake up in the morning, make the bed, and make it crisply.

As an homage to football, I’m starting this year with some wise words from Louis Riddick, the former NFL defensive back and current ESPNer. In his case, and with all of these, they’re abridged, and they begin with why Riddick got into football analysis in the first place, and how that applies to those just starting their real-world lives.

Along the way, you’ll hear words of wisdom from an autistic valedictorian who does not speak, T-Swift (who is really good at this), an NPR host, a TV personality with words about fear, a vice