“I’m D1, Yo”

I taught a student once, we’ll call Mike, who ended basically every sentence he spoke with “I’m D1 yo”.

And, to Mike’s credit, he was a stellar athlete, and probably one of the fastest track sprinters in the Northeast that had come through this particular conference in a long time. Undoubtedly, he was really gifted athletically, and he knew it. He also made it his business for everyone to know how good he was.

Enter “I’m D1”

Taking shots on the trash can with a balled up piece of paper? “I’m D1!”

Good grade on a test? “I’m D1!”

Late to class? Don’t worry, “I’m D1!”

This kid touted how his athletic potential as if it were some kind of get out of jail free card to excuse poor character and a lousy demeanor.

What is a kid saying when they tell themselves they’re “D1” anyway?

That I’m the best?

That I’m the man?

Marketer Seth Godin says it is the fundamental pursuit of status that usually drives most of human behavior. But it is not status within the mind of others (although most people think it is) people pursue status within their own minds.

People believe stories about themselves and then they buy products or take actions that help them confirm these stories within their own minds.

Since, the average young man has a rather overinflated interpretation of their abilities, you could not create a better embodiment of confirming that you are the best inside your own mind than achieving “D1” status.

College football recruiting has very little to do with actual football ability and everything to do with battling one’s own ego.

Now, where did Mike end up going to college?

Right where his coaches and on field game tape would take him: a good fit state D3 school where he could be the guy and compete right away.

For all the other “I’m D1 only” guys out there, I can’t say things work out so well.