6 Best Motivational Speakers in the NFL

In the National Football League, a player can be almost as respected for his motivational speaking ability as he is for his playing ability.

A great motivational speech can take a team's spirits and lift them from the bottom to top, especially a well-delivered halftime speech.

The following slides will highlight the six best motivational speakers in the National Football League. These guys are generally the leaders on the field, as well as off the field. 

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

Before a game, it's quarterback Drew Brees who gathers the New Orleans Saints' offense in a circle on the side of the field and pumps up the team, often with chants like "This is OUR HOUSE! This is OUR HOUSE!"

Brees backs up his talk with phenomenal play on the field, as he is regularly among the league leaders in completions, attempts, passing yards, touchdowns and passer rating. In 2009, he led the Saints to a 13-0 start and an eventual Super Bowl title. 

Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Watch this clip and tell me if you think the Baltimore Ravens respect middle linebacker Ray Lewis, arguably the greatest defensive player since Lawrence Taylor.

Lewis is the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens, and led the franchise to its only Super Bowl victory after the 2000 season. 

Brian Dawkins, FS, Denver Broncos

For 13 seasons, free safety Brian Dawkins pumped up the Philadelphia Eagles' defense and then went out on the field and walked the walk. He earned six Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as one of the hardest hitting defensive backs in the NFL.

Now with the Denver Broncos, Dawkins continues his pregame speeches before each game, like this video right here. 

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

There may not be a quarterback alive, with the exceptions of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, who is more respected around the league and especially by his teammates than Michael Vick. Just take a look at all of the Pro Bowl players who chose to sign with the Eagles this offseason, citing Vick as a major reason.

Vick is a motivational speaker like few in the game and when he goes out on the field and plays like this, it's understandable why teammates listen to him. 

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

Tom Brady is the most respected player in the NFL. More than Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, or Michael Vick.

His pregame speeches could motivate anybody to play well. On the field, he backs up his talk, as he has won three Super Bowls and two Most Valuable Player awards in ten seasons. 

Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears' linebacker is the best player on the team and has been for virtually his entire career.

He's the heart and soul of the defense, and the signal-caller on defense is known for his pregame speeches. 

He's led the Bears to a Super Bowl and is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.