Since you dont get it, here is Will Clay talking all about it.
A few observations:
1) It's no wonder we have a strong tendency under G to draft team captains. He wants leaders. Leaders usually have the 3 qualities, that's why they are respected enough to be leaders.
2) It's football character, not just character. They want players who will show up ready to work. Who the coach can trust to do their jobs. That's why a few past incidents (by 18-20 year olds, no less) do not disqualify them (Dez, DLaw, Boyd etc). When the Cowboys do blacklist a criminal or knucklehead, I bet they lack this kind of football character, too -- missed meetings, showing up late, not giving full effort.
3) It's interesting how McClay uses "competes" like a noun. The player must have "competes." This is probably just a way to label it, but it's clear they value players who are competitive, who have that fire, because it drives the other things, it's the desire -- as McClay articulates. We want "ballers," dudes who step up in the lime light, Prime Times.
4) I'm REALLY impressed with McClay after this interview!
