Respect the Whistle

Honor the Game. Respect the Whistle. Empowering coaches to lead with integrity, uplift athletes, and inspire greatness. Led by @coachedficklin.

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

Coaching has never just been a job. It’s a calling.

God puts you in places for a reason. When you pray for the opportunity, you have to be willing to act on it, stand on it, and do the work that comes with it.

#RespecttheWhistle

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

The best athletes know how to adapt to the playing field. You can prepare all you want, but once you see the competition, the physicality, and the pace, you have to adjust. That’s the mark of a good player. 🏈

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

7v7 is over. Now it’s time for real football.
scheme, game planning, and making adjustments.

We’re about to find out who’s just a whistle model and who’s an actual coach.

And yeah... the hype-man coaches that’s loud all year…. just make sure you’re behind the white line! 😂

[Coach Maxie @Coach_Maxie626]

Hell of a catch right here

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

I’ll never forget spending three years at the college level as a position group coach charting plays, communicating from the press box, and learning how to be a coach. Every step matters. Start anywhere, stay consistent, and trust the process. You earn the title of being a Coach.

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

In 7-on-7, all I see is man coverage with linebackers sitting 8 yards and everyone is up pressing. I get it's 7s, but it's a missed opportunity if you're not running your actual scheme. I'm still teaching run reads, reroutes, and calling zone coverages to build communication.

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

I’m okay with holdbacks.

Some parents view an extra year of development the same way they view any other investment: they believe it creates better opportunities for their child.

You don’t have to agree with it. But unless it’s your child, it’s probably not your decision.

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

Real coaches don’t gatekeep opportunities.

Helping kids reach the next level will always matter more than winning the recruiting battle.

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

What’s your coaching philosophy and style?

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

In sports and in life, respect shows up in your actions long before it shows up in your words.

That’s what it means to respect the whistle.

[Respect the Whistle @RespectWhistle]

Respect is more than saying “yes sir” and “yes ma’am.”

It’s how you treat people.

How you respond to coaching.
How you talk to your teammates.
How you carry yourself at home.
How you represent your family when nobody’s around.

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

I am honored and humbled to accept the Head Football Coach position at Maranatha High School. The power of prayer is real! I look forward to building up this program while having a lot of fun! Pasadena, I’m back! 🙏🏿🌹🧃
@SGVNSports @coachmark_48 @tspeterson40 @latsondheimer

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

I’m honestly shocked 7on7 leagues even have officials at this point… because if I’ve gotta worry about my safety just trying to ref a game, that’s not a risk I’m taking. There are some Refs out there who don’t just call the game they actually teach it and help kids understand.

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

I’ll say it again this isn’t a coach!
The problem with 7on7 is there’s zero structure, zero accountability, and just pure disrespect. At some point, parents have to wake up and realize their kids aren’t being led… they’re being influenced. And not in a good way!

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

Facts! I remember telling my students my first day of school that I’m only teaching because I’m a coach and I wanted to be able to connect with my players. I never went to college to be a teacher. First year teaching I received an award now it’s my passion to educate and mentor.

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

Let’s stop disrespecting coaching like it’s not a process. You don’t just jump into being a head coach you work your way up and earn it. There are coaches putting in the time to be ready because they understand being unprepared can ruin kids experience and future.

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

I used to be water-boy at Serra HS until I got my shot. I only played 1 year of football before I got there. I was on JV but I made plays on both sides. Pops was a coach been there for 15+ years. My pops couldn’t save me. I got dismissed for having a 1.9 GPA I’ll never forget! 🤷🏾‍♂️

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

A COACH SHOULD NEVER TELL YOU OR ASK YOU TO BRING YOUR CLEATS TO PRACTICE. THEY SHOULD BE WITH YOU AT ALL TMES NO MATTER WHAT!

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

I know I’m blessed with different gifts but right now coaching is the one I feel the most aligned. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing than pouring into these young men on and off the field. They have gifts and talents undiscovered and I’m going to help them find it. 🙏🏿

[Eddie Ficklin Jr @CoachEdFicklin]

6ams are the way to go! It allows you to focus on academic support, meetings/film, and practice. If you’re coaching at the high school level trust me, you can’t go wrong. Also if you’re already at school you don’t have to worry about players being absent 🤷🏾‍♂️