Washington Commanders Coach Focusses On The Present

Anthony Lynn is an NFL sideline presence.  An assistant coach with nine different teams. The former head coach is now the run game coordinator of the Washington Commanders—bringing traction to their rushing offense. The 2-time Super Bowl Champion running back is present in the moment, both graciously seasoned and stately intense—a fitting, coaching, fatherly ambassador in the nation’s capital, steep with long football tradition.
 
Question:  “What makes DC football with the Commanders unique?”
 
Anthony Lynn: “Well this fan base is special.  I grew up in Dallas – and the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins – that’s a rivalry!  Back then it was big! We haven’t had that here in awhile. And so I’ve always respected the fan base here and I’ve always respected the organization here. And I wanted to come and help a great man in Dan Quinn build something special here for the people!” 
 
Question: “Today’s NFL running game, what’s changing that?”
 
Anthony Lynn:  “There’s different ways to run the football now. You’re still running the ball but I call ’em touches. You know, you have RPO’s where they run-pass options. Running backs have to have that versatility, that skill to receive – short passes, mainly. Catching balls in space - extended runs is what I call them. We just run it a little differently.” 
 
Question:  “As a Running Game Coordinator – when you have the elaborate part of a running quarterback like Jayden Daniels, how much of that overlap into what you are prepping for?”
 
Anthony Lynn: “When you have a mobile quarterback like Jayden, and he loves to run and I’m trying to get him not to run as much (laugh), ‘cause he’s so competitive, it makes the defense play 11 on 11.  So you can gain some advantages in the run game because of that quarterback’s mobility even if you’re not using him – just the threat that that he can do it. He’s way ahead of his time,  his maturity, his character. As good as he is a football player – I can tell you that right now, he’s a better man. And that’s what excites me the most!”  
 
Question:  “Coach speak to me if you would, as a former running back, a running back coach – how much of life for us is running away from something or running towards something?”
 
Anthony Lynn: “A lot of life! (laugh) A lot! And I do believe that is the biggest challenge. Because if you’re running away from something or if you’re running toward something – than you’re never in the present! And I believe you’re at your best and you’re most powerful when you’re in the present. Focus on that! You know, don’t worry about the play you just had. Don’t worry about the play that I’m gonna call. Worry about the play that’s in front of us right now. And that’s easier said than done!”
 
Question:  “How does coaching specifically satisfy your ability and interest to invest into others?”
 
Anthony Lynn:  “I had great coaches coming up. Was raised in a single family home and a lot of coaches became like father figures to me in middle school, high school, college, even on the pro level. I’ve always wanted to be a coach and give back and pay it forward. One day I will miss that, you know, those meetings I have with young men. Besides the X’s and O’s, I love doing that and I feel I’ve been called to do that.”
 
Question:  “How much fathering do you actually import into the player?”
 
Anthony Lynn:  “It’s an old saying – ‘players don’t care what you know until they know that you care’+. I believe that! At the end of the day, it’s a relationship business. And if you treat people that way, I think they respond that way.”
 
Commanders Running Back Jeremy McNichols: “He really just cares about the people around and the people in the organization and he’s been doing it for a very long time. He’s done at the highest level as a player and as a coach. He’s just open and authentic on and off the field. Just giving us fatherly advice. I love him as a coach, as a man, as a mentor.”
 
Question:  “The Lynn Family Foundation is about drawing the greatest potential out of people. What do you feel is the most effective way?”
 
Anthony Lynn:  “We want to just help some people: young adults with mental health issues, fatherless boys, motherless girls. And we have a school in Africa, in Tanzania. The cornerstone of our foundation is just service. We have been called to serve. We aren’t trying to fix you and all – we just want to be with you. We just want to help you understand and recognize that you can be and do whatever you want to do. You know chase those dreams in life. That’s living. To me that’s living.”  
 
Question:  “What do you think is most necessary in reaching someone’s potential?”
 
Anthony Lynn:  “It’s love! It’s gotta be! We’re called to love because Christ loved us and He died for us so that we may have eternal life. And he didn’t have to do that but He loved us so much that He did. For us to show that love to others, that’s authentic and honest and people see that – and they trust you.”
 
Question:  “We hear this from a lot of your players, ‘Coach puts us in the best position to succeed’. That said – what do you think the Body of Christ at large, could do better to be the best of themselves in giving out?”
 
Anthony Lynn:  “How Christ loved us. And if the Church loved communities the way Christ loves us, how can you not be attracted to that? How can you not want to be part of that family? Big groups, small groups or just fellowship of one another and meditating on Christ’s Word. You took that seriously and you did that, Christ will show Himself to you. He’s never let me down. He’s always shown Himself to me. I believe He’ll show Himself to you!”
 
Question:  “What is it about the life of Jesus Christ that draws the best out of Anthony Lynn?
 
Anthony Lynn:  “He’s the same – He’s always the same! And no matter what I do, there are consequences. But I know that He loves me. And I know that one day I will spend eternity with Him. And that’s always on my mind, no matter what I’m doing.. Just knowing no matter how much I screw this up, He’s gonna be there with me!”