I think it's safe to say if you're playing in the National Football League you've had the good fortune at some point in your life to have gotten advice from a coach or mentor that helped shape your career.

This column will seek out and share such stories as they relate to the career and lives of Seahawk players and coaches.

"There's no substitute for hard work."

We begin with Maurice Kelly, Director of Player Development for the Seahawks.

"My most important mentor was my Dad, " said Mo,  when I brought up the subject in his office which is adjacent to the players lounge on the first floor of VMAC, the Seahawks new headquarters.

"There is no substitute for hard work," my Dad always told me and he lived his life that way too." I would see him get up early in the morning, go to work, get home, have dinner and go to bed. In his entire life he never took a sick day, not one. Hard work is what he was all about and I learned from that example."

"There is no substitute for hard work," not only describes the motto of an entire generation but has always provided a positive lesson for athletes,  students, laborers and professionals from all walks of life.

One might take  a short cut to success without hard work but that same person could be in for a rude awakening when times get tough.

We'll be sharing favorite lessons and quotes from Seahawk players, coaches and staff in the coming weeks.  If there's one that rings true with you please let me know by emailing me at TonyV@SeahawksSoundersFC.com.