“Choose Your Hard” – Detroit Lions head coach Brad Holmes break silence and sends out a direct speech North Carolina A&T State University (Everything said Revealed)

Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, delivered a stirring address at his alma mater, North Carolina A&T State.

Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, returned to his hometown over the weekend. He returned to his alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University, to deliver the commencement address to the graduating class.

The most noteworthy moment in the 2.5-minute clip is when Holmes discusses a piece of advice that he derived from a poem titled “Choose Your Hard.” The following is the relevant section of Holmes’ speech:

“Life is difficult, but you are already aware of this.” A few years ago, I encountered a poem entitled “Choose Your Hard.” The process is as follows:

“Divorce and marriage are challenging.” Choose your hardest. Obesity is challenging, and maintaining physical fitness is equally challenging. Choose your hardest. Maintaining financial discipline is challenging, as is being in debt. Choose your hardest. Communicating is challenging; conversing is exceedingly challenging. Choose your hardest.

“Upon hearing that, it struck me like a tonne of bricks.” It will be difficult, regardless of the approach you take. I frequently inform our recruiters of this. It is challenging to be meticulous and detailed while also going above and beyond. Additionally, it is challenging to refrain from being exhaustive. It is important to bear in mind that while the shortcut may provide a temporary sense of satisfaction, life will eventually catch up to you.

Coming from the Lions’ culture of grit, perseverance, and not always taking the easy route, the message is unsurprising, clear, and forceful. Holmes recognised that the Lions’ gradual ascent from the ground floor was not necessarily the most straightforward approach. He was aware that the Lions would experience some immediate challenges, as they went 4-19-1 in their first 24 games under Holmes and Dan Campbell. However, he made the correct decision, and the Lions are now reaping the rewards. Since that pivot, Detroit has achieved a record of 35-9, has won two playoff games, and is considered one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl in 2025.

Additionally, the entire speech is accessible. Holmes’ discourse commences at the 1:06:30 mark.