How Tony Proudfoot’s “First and Goal” lessons of success apply to modern CFL players

There are a lot of fascinating CFL books out there, and I stumbled across a particularly unique one recently. First and Goal: The CFL and the Pursuit of Excellence (first published in 2006) initially stands out for its author, famed CFL player, educator and broadcaster Tony Proudfoot who inspired many with his courageous battle against ALS (he died from the disease in 2010). It's not the typical autobiography of an ex-player, though, and it's not even an autobiography, as Proudfoot barely talks about himself at all in this one. Instead, he focuses on key attributes that have enabled some of the CFL's best players to shine over the years; he talks to players, coaches and executives about the secrets to CFL success, and comes up with some fascinating answers. Interestingly enough, too, many of the elements he spotlights appear timeless and relevant to multiple players today as well as those featured in the book. To illustrate that, here's a selection of some of the best comments about certain attributes of success he includes in the book, and thoughts on current players that illustrate those.

Consistency: Mike "Pinball" Clemons (running back/receiver/coach, Toronto): "I see great players as those who do those types of things, those things that cause us to turn around and take a second look, not once but on a consistent basis, not one year, but over the course of several years. Greatness to me is not defined by one game or even a series of games. Greatness has longevity to it."

Current examples: Anthony Calvillo, Geroy Simon, Ryan Phillips, Scott Flory. There are tons of CFL veterans who have shown exceptional play year after year, but those three in particular stand out in my mind. Calvillo's pro football's passing leader for a reason, and he's survived two decades of change in this league while dominating consistently for a decade-plus in Montreal. His current concussion may end his career, but if it does, what a career it's been. Meanwhile, Simon dominated the CFL for over a decade in B.C., even earning the league's Most Outstanding Player nod in 2006 (exceptionally rare for a receiver), and he's finding some success in Saskatchewan now. He's the league's all-time leading receiver with 16,188 receiving yards and just tied with the legendary Ben Cahoon for receptions with 1,017. Phillips has been a crucial part of the Lions' secondary since 2005, recording 37 interceptions in that time (including an astounding 12 in 2007), while Flory (who's out for the season with a biceps tear) has been a fixture on the Alouettes' line for over a decade and is a nine-time league all-star. This is a league where veterans can often shine, and these four (and many others) certainly have done that.

Mental toughness: Alondra Johnson (linebacker, Calgary): "I look at a high level of mental toughness as one of the most important aspects of a successful player. He needs to be able to play through defeat, to come back after getting beaten on a play. To have the drive to go forward, to struggle on, when you're tired or down. You need to play through your struggles."

Current examples: Henry Burris, Tanner Marsh, Thomas DeMarco, Jon Cornish. This is something we've particularly seen from quarterbacks recently. Burris is known for making exceptionally questionable decisions at times, leading to interceptions and waves of "Bad Hank" comments on Twitter, but he's still having one of the best seasons of his career overall. He leads the league with 3,765 passing yards and has posted an impressive 66.6 per cent completion mark along the way while throwing 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Burris is able to bounce back from poor plays, and that's part of what's led to his success. Young guns Marsh and DeMarco have also shown that resilience, with Marsh recovering to lead an incredible game-winning drive on a night where he threw four picks and DeMarco bouncing back from a subpar overall effort with a crucial late drive this past week. Cornish has also shown that ability at the running back position; he sometimes has games where the other team's able to contain him, but usually bounces back with impressive efforts the next time around. He's second in league rushing this year with 1,093 rushing yards.

Pre-snap information: Barron Miles (defensive back, B.C.): "The work you do in the film room, on the practice field and in communication with your teammates prepares you for accurate anticipation of offensive tendencies. Given the offensive formation, field position, down and distance information and early offensive motion, it is sometimes obvious what the offence is planning to run. There is so much information available before the snap that a good defender can get the jump on most offences."

Current examples: Chip Cox, Dante Marsh, Rey Williams, Charleston Hughes. All of these guys have been in the league for a long time, and they've demonstrated excellent abilities to read what offences are planning and shut them down. Cox currently leads the CFL with 86 tackles (18 ahead of his nearest competitor), while Marsh remains a critical part of B.C.'s secondary. Williams was essential to the Riders' defensive success before he was hurt, and Hughes has piled up 13 sacks (tied for the league lead) while also remaining effective against the run.

Mental zones: Lui Passaglia (kicker, B.C.): "I learned a long time ago that once you cross over that white sideline you need to be in the zone. The best example I can remember was in the 1994 Grey Cup game: last-play field goal to win the game. When I looked at the game film later, my actions were incredibly revealing to me. I don't remember much about the play, my feelings or thought process at the time. I just ran off the bench to the end zone, placed the tee down, took a deep breath and kicked the ball dead centre through the posts. You have to learn to focus when it's your time."

Current examples: Rene Paredes, Chris Milo, Sean Whyte, Paul McCallum. The league's top four kickers by field goal percentage (minimum: 10 attempts) have all demonstrated a remarkable ability to focus over the years. Paredes set the league record for consecutive field goals this year (which McCallum used to hold) and was able to move on and get back to making kicks after his streak ended, while Milo has been lights-out for Saskatchewan all year and Whyte has been exceptionally good for the Alouettes. The 43-year-old McCallum's 82.6 per cent mark is below his typical average, but he's still making key kicks when it matters, including Sunday's game-winner in Regina, particularly special for coming in a hostile environment against his old team.

That's just a small sample of the many great insights in Proudfoot's book about what makes incredible CFL players, and the vast majority of them are just as applicable now as they were when he played and when he wrote this. It's a read well worth checking out for CFL fans.