" The team comes first. We want to keep all of our players. We want to take care of all of our players, but the team comes first. "
- Bob McNair

This statement emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the overall success and unity of a team over individual needs or desires. It suggests that maintaining the cohesion and performance of the entire group should take precedence, even if it means making decisions that might be difficult for certain players.

Delving deeper into the quote's implications reveals its significance in organizational leadership and sports management. When the leader says "the team comes first," they are advocating a collective mindset where each member understands their role as part of a larger goal rather than focusing solely on personal achievements or aspirations. This philosophy fosters an environment where every player is aware that their actions impact not just themselves but also their teammates and the team's overall success. It underscores the value of selflessness, mutual support, and understanding that individual desires must sometimes be secondary to the group’s objectives.

Bob McNair, who uttered this quote, was a prominent figure in American sports management. He served as the owner of the Houston Texans, an NFL franchise, and his comments often addressed the core principles of team building and leadership within professional sports organizations.