Theodore Roosevelt knew a thing or two about how to get a group of people to function well together. The revered American president successfully mediated the end of the Russo-Japanese War (which won him the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize), arbitrated a Franco-German conflict over Morocco, began construction of the Panama Canal, and even co-led a survey expedition through the Amazon basin after his presidency.

And all of this is in addition to the great work he did in his own country.

Suffice it to say that Roosevelt was uniquely qualified to speak about cooperation and teamwork. He is also credited with a phrase you've probably used or heard a coach use before, and it is this phrase that acts as the central theme of this article:

“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” — Theodore Roosevelt

With this quote in mind, you might want to consider redefining what a brotherhood looks like on your football team. Simple is usually better, so here is a good statement of commitment for your players that will serve as the primary source of motivation when things get tough:

I WILL CARE ABOUT MY TEAMMATES.

You do not have to like them or hang out with them, but you better care about them.

We have to teach our players it is not only what we say, but what we do; how we act. It's easy to repeat a phrase but hard to consistently demonstrate it.

You show your teammates you care about them when you hustle and run to the ball when you are tired. You show your teammates you care by how hard you play. You show your teammates you care when the helmet is on and you freaking step up.

Every rep in practice, every rep in a game, and every rep in the weight room is a statement of commitment to your teammates.

Every rep!

Show your teammates you care about them by giving your very best, demanding that they give theirs, and delivering on your promise.