Some captains in sports are selected to represent their team based on their leadership abilities inside of the locker room, others are selected because of their communication skills when discussing matters with officials.
But for Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow, the main reason he was named a captain with the Washington State Cougars back in 2016 was not because of his leadership skills, but rather for his ability to win the coin toss.
Morrow’s college coach, Mike Leach named him as a captain because of the talent that Morrow displayed when he made an appearance on “The Price is Right.”
(To listen to Leach’s explanation from his own words, view the tweet below.)
My favorite thing Mike Leach did at Washington State was choose Jamal Morrow to be team captain solely based on his performance on “The Price is Right” pic.twitter.com/uV3I8B6GPg
— Sam Cooper (@SamDCooper) December 13, 2022
On Wednesday, Morrow joined Michael Ball on the SportsCage to remember his late college coach who passed away earlier this week at the age of 61.
Leach will be remembered for his installation of the “Air Raid” offence that found him success with the Texas Tech. Red Raiders, the Washington State Cougars and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. As well fans will never forget his memorable rants on other matters in life beside football including marriage and the “coffee experience”.
Morrow said that the version of Leach you would see on television was the same one that you would find inside of the locker room.
“He’ll go on this random tangent when we’re in our meeting room and we’re supposed to be talking about football, he’s just going on another tangent for another 30 minutes and we’re just sitting like we need to go.”
After he completed high school, Morrow said that he didn’t receive many offers from NCAA schools except from Washington State, where Leach was coaching at the time. The Riders running back explains that his college coach taught me many lessons both on and off the field.
“He broke it down like it was the same, respect everyone and fear no one, play the next play and be the most excited to play. ”
The former Cougars running back says those lessons have played a huge role in shaping his mindset today.
Coach,
In a world full of superficial thank you for being you unapologetically.Installing life lessons that made me the man I am today.Took a chance and believed in me when few did.Your legacy will be carried on forever you are 1 of 1
Swing Your SwordThank you Coach
pic.twitter.com/qF4RZgQ1dX
— Jamal Morrow (@OlBoyJmo) December 14, 2022
Leach’s “Air Raid” offensive schemes seemed like the perfect training ground for players that would move on to the Canadian Football League (CFL), with a high tempo offence and a lot of emphasis of throwing the football since five receivers would usually be on the field.
Morrow says that Leach was the first person who told him that the CFL was the perfect place for a player of his talents when the running back was exploring his NFL options after his time with Washington State.
“Once I got up here I was like, he was right. This game fits the way I play the game. It’s all about space in the CFL especially with a running back, you get the ball and you do what you have to do.”
Looking back at Leach’s legacy, Morrow said the former coach meant a lot to not only him, but to the entire college football community.
To listen to Morrow’s full interview on the SportsCage can be found here. https://open.spotify.com/show/4NrjXBK0W9SzijpzfCurUo?go=1&sp_cid=494031ee5cb923f0e3f2f9b2af2a6819&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1
