It seems to me that a guy who breaks off his foot and endures that pain. Then works his tail off to get back early as the entire team watches, all the time being positive, is leadership. It sends a message throughout the team this is what it takes to be the best. Fight through adversity and pain to succeed.
Regardless of what you think leadership is, or what the best is.
The 49ers were in the 1989 Super Bowl. They had to drive the field to beat the Bengals. A TV time out and the team was in the huddle. Montana leaned in and said, "Hey guys, look there in the stands. It's John Candy." The team looked.
Why did he do that? To loosen up the team. They drove the field and won.
Leadership comes in many packages. It's not just charge the hill on Iwo Jima.
If words are just wind, why does every team do the huddle things before the game and chant together?
Do you think Zeke or Dak should have just suggested the team eat a W?