Talent is God-given and character is a matter of choice. Sam RutiglianoYou have to have leadership and make everyone accountable . Sam Rutigliano
Sam Rutigliano led the Cleveland Browns’ Kardiac Kids to the 1980 American Football Conference Central Division Championship.
Thirty-five years later, Rutigliano is a leader in sharing his strong faith in God and his insights — as he did May 28 at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Geauga County speaker series held in the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services’ board room.
“Life is measured in what we do for others,” Rutigliano said. “Nobody is a whole team, everyone’s a player. You guessed it, we need each other.”
Now 83, Rutigliano coached four NFL teams in his career, including the Browns from 1978 to 1984. He is a motivational speaker, teacher and an analyst for ABC Sports and ESPN.
“Sam is a part of Cleveland history and we feel it is important for younger generations to glean wisdom and lessons from those who have been through the University of Adversity,” said Dennis Michelson, executive director of NAMI Geauga County.
Rutigliano is well-known for his “Inner Circle” support group for recovering drug and alcohol-addicted football players, and is a recipient of the 2007 National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Bronze Key Award by its Northeast Ohio affiliate, Recovery Resources.
“NAMI understands the need to provide education and support for those folks that are troubled by any mental wellness issues,” said Victor Matthews, coordinator of the Geauga County Juvenile Court Family Life Intervention?Program. “National statistics indicate that 25 percent of the population experiences some form of mental health issues from ADD to depression to very severe and chronic issues such as bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. Often these issues are intertwined with substance abuse and, in my opinion, contribute to the epidemic drug problems we have in Geauga County.”
Rutigliano walked around the audience touching on his messages of the power of character and hope in people’s lives.
“Talent is God-given and character is a matter of choice,” Rutigliano said. “Be humble. The number one untreatable disease is ego.”
“NAMI does not endorse or promote any particular religion,” Michelson added. “Sam is unabashed in his Christian witness. Our speaker meetings provide a wide-range of speakers and viewpoints. We are delighted to add Sam’s voice to many others who educate us on what has worked for them in promoting mental and spiritual help.”
Rutigliano spoke for NAMI years ago and was well received — especially on the issue of building character in young people in addition to talent, Michelson said .
“Don’t tell me we can’t reach people or connect with them,” Rutigliano said. “We become great in God’s eyes by helping others. Good character is like good soup it’s homemade.”
Applause filled the room from listeners whose professions enable them to make a positive difference in the lives of many in Geauga County.
“NAMI is a wonderful organization,” said Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica. “I have worked with the great Dr. Dennis Michelson for years while he was the jail treatment counselor, and I know he is already moving NAMI in greater directions.”
Soon, Rutigliano’s messages focused on Browns’ football players, both past and present, as he answered questions.
Rutigliano explained a team must have football players with character, and stressed it starts at the top with team owners.
“You have to have leadership and make everyone accountable,” Rutigliano said.
He said he has been a coach and teacher all of his life, but even after eight decades, his best years are still in front of him.
“I’ve been very blessed, it’s all about communication and connection,” Rutigliano said. “I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Matthews said compelling stories, like Rutigliano’s, are powerful.
“Sam’s story dealt with many issues and spoke a clear message — treatment works,” Matthews said.
