Matt Ryan has been a starting quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons since 2008 after being the third overall pick. His accomplishments include MVP of the league, 5X Pro Bowler, completing 65.4% of his passes, and only missing three games throughout his career.

The 36-year-old quarterback is entering the 2021 season without his long-time wide receiver Julio Jones and with a brand new head coach, Arthur Smith.

With an accomplished and consistent career, Ryan could be leary to listen to a new coach in his 14th season, but he appears to be willing to improve, learn, and grow.

Falcons head coach, Arthur Smith, said via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Matt wants to be coached, and that’s what I love about the guy. He’s going into year 14, and he wants to be coached. The great players, they want to be coached.

…I certainly don’t think I have all of the answers, and Matt certainly doesn’t think he has all of the answers, so it’s great dialogue.”

I agree that a key difference between good and great athletes is the willingness to be coached or having “coachability.” I also think this principle is not only crucial in sports but just as valuable in our own lives.

Whether receiving instruction or constructive criticism from a boss, teacher, mentor, coach, pastor, parent, or friend, we can learn, grow, and improve if we’re actually “coachable.”

On the other hand, it’s detrimental when we think we have all of the answers, have everything figured out, and aren’t willing to submit to the wisdom and knowledge of others.

When growing in our faith, we should be extremely passionate about having a “coachable” spirit and learning from those who have been following Jesus closely and consistently.

Placing ourselves under solid leaders who can help guide us and speak wisdom into our lives is very worthwhile. This requires a deep level of humility and hunger, and also an acknowledgment that we don’t know everything.

The best instruction is rooted in Biblical teaching and can encourage us in the area of “coachability.” The following three verses explain the importance of acquiring knowledge and seeking wisdom:

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 9:9 (ESV) – “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”

Proverbs 18:15 (ESV) – “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Matt Ryan is a veteran quarterback, but he’s still leaning on his coaches and learning from them. Today, let’s be encouraged that we’re never too old or accomplished to embrace the knowledge and wisdom available from others.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me a humble and coachable spirit so that I can continue to grow as a follower of Jesus, spouse, parent, and friend. Please give me a heart that desires knowledge and wisdom rooted in You, and listen to leaders who You speak through. Help me to hear You clearly, and thank you for being my ultimate coach. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

  1. Who are the “coaches” throughout your life that have poured into you and have helped you grow?

  2. How would you describe your level of “coachability” and willingness to be coached?