Touchdowns and Takeovers: What the NFL Playoffs Teach Us About Crushing It in Business

It is NFL playoffs season, and while football fans are glued to the edge of their couches, there’s more than just touchdowns and tackles to cheer for. The NFL playoffs (and college football triumphs) are basically MBA case studies in helmets and cleats. Whether it’s Ohio State bouncing back from a bitter loss or the Washington Commanders surprising everyone by not, well, commandeering their own defeat, the lessons are loud and clear: Adapt, avoid mistakes, and work together. Sounds a lot like business, doesn’t it?

Here are the top business lessons straight from the field—no shoulder pads required.

1. Adaptability: Call the Audible

Football is a game of surprises—injuries, unpredictable plays, and last-second audibles. Ohio State didn’t let a crushing loss to Michigan define their season. Instead, they adjusted their game plan and took home the first-ever College Football Playoff Championship.

In Business: Markets change faster than quarterbacks dodge tackles. If your company isn’t flexible, you’re one Hail Mary away from irrelevance. ? Pro Tip: Give your team room to experiment. Sometimes the winning play isn’t in the original strategy.

2. Avoid Mistakes: Don't Fumble the Ball

Playoff games are won by the team that makes fewer mistakes. Washington stayed in contention by minimizing penalties and turnovers. Imagine the CEO equivalent: making sure your team doesn’t email a customer with the greeting, “Dear [Insert Name].”

In Business: Mistakes happen, but discipline and execution keep the ball rolling. ? Pro Tip: Double-check plans like you’re double-checking a game-winning kick. One slip can cost you big.

3. Teamwork: Pass the Ball

No one wins the Super Bowl alone. Tom Brady didn’t win all those rings without a stellar offensive line (and maybe a little luck). Ohio State and Washington leaned on collaboration, proving that success comes from every player understanding their role.

In Business: The MVP isn’t always the CEO. Collaboration across teams can lead to breakthroughs. ? Pro Tip: Invest in tools that make teamwork easier—because yelling across cubicles is so 2005.

4. Resilience: Shake Off the Sack

Ohio State’s loss to Michigan could’ve been the end of their story, but instead, they made it the beginning of their comeback. Similarly, the Commanders found a way to string together wins despite a history of underperforming.

In Business: Challenges are inevitable, but resilience is what keeps you in the game. ? Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins—because sometimes, just getting through Monday is a victory.

Final Whistle:

The NFL playoffs aren’t just about football; they’re a masterclass in adaptability, discipline, teamwork, and grit. Whether you're running a Fortune 500 company or trying to get your small business off the ground, take a page from these teams’ playbooks. Stay flexible, avoid costly errors, work together, and never, ever give up.

And if all else fails, just remember: There’s always next season. Or, in business terms, next quarter. ??

Which lesson resonates with your business? Drop a comment or share your own “playoff moment” in the workplace!

The Author

Jim Dietz, a distinguished Partner at the Florida CFO Group. specializes in maximizing cash flow and profits, planning for financial growth, and connecting organizations with needed resources. With over 30 years of experience as a strategic financial executive, Jim understands how to listen, evaluate, and prioritize plans to achieve goals. You can also visit?Jim's LinkedIn Profile?for more information.

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