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What happens when faith, football, and innovative thinking collide? Coach Patrick Daberkow of Concordia University Nebraska reveals the blueprint for building men of character while creating a winning program.

In this candid conversation, we explore how Coach Daberkow transformed from troubled teenager to head football coach through the dual influences of faith and football. ”God used football as a ladder to help me get out of the pit I had dug for myself,” he shares, explaining how this personal transformation now shapes his coaching philosophy. Rather than compartmentalizing his faith, Dabraco has integrated it into every aspect of his program.

The results speak for themselves. Concordia just completed their best season in 24 years, going 8-2 with a player-led culture that prioritizes character over talent. Dabraco's approach to recruiting focuses on finding young men who ”talk to people, not about people,” creating a locker room free of cliques and selfishness. His memorable ”drip rock” analogy demonstrates how small, consistent actions create permanent change—just as water droplets eventually carve paths into solid stone.

Perhaps most refreshing is Daberkow's approach to work-life balance: ”You don't have to lay your families down at the altar of success.” In an era when coaches often sacrifice everything for wins, he models healthy priorities while still achieving exceptional results. His innovative spirit also led to creating the Headset App, now used by hundreds of programs across seven countries as an affordable alternative to traditional communication systems.

Whether you're a coach seeking fresh inspiration, a parent wondering how athletics can positively shape character, or simply someone interested in leadership principles that work, this episode delivers practical wisdom from someone who's building a legacy beyond the scoreboard. As Daberkow says about his impact: ”I think you want them to remember that you cared about them.”

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