[MTK]

I think you're giving too much credit to the player being able to properly motivate and prepare themselves. Not every average Joe in the NFL prepares himself and approaches the game like a Peyton Manning. If the league was full of Peyton Manning types there would be almost no need for coaches.

The NFL is almost like the military and the players are the soldiers. Soliders are trained to follow orders and to look to their leaders for guidance and direction. A bad leader can sour the whole bunch and be a detriment to the entire team. While a good leader can inspire and lead, and bring the best out of everyone.

I believe attitude starts at the top of an organization and works it's way down. I believe a quality leader can indeed change the attitude of an entire organization. Of course there are always going to be a few bad apples not worth saving, but quality leadership is something that can't be measured and is invaluable.