Mike Rutenberg ’99, Linebackers Coach for the New York Jets, returned to Landon to deliver the Nelson Leadership Lecture at an all-school assembly. The Christopher A. Nelson ’86 Leadership Program is a lecture series held in honor of Landon student Chris Nelson, who lost his battle with leukemia in 1982.  

In this Q&A, Rutenberg explains why strong bonds, like the ones he developed at Landon, are so vital to being a good leader.  

Q: What was it like to be back at Landon? 

I was nervous. Landon means so much to me.  But I was also really, really excited. I remember sitting in those chairs, playing on these fields, and it brought back some amazing memories. It humbled me to have a lot of the guys who I went to school with there. I appreciate [Studio Arts Department Chair] Ricky Sears ’99 for bringing a lot of Landon guys in and some of my best friends and my teammates. And for [Director of Ethics, Service, & Leadership] John Bellaschi for bringing Coach Lowell Davis and all the coaches who coached me. 

 

Q: How did you feel about delivering the Nelson Leadership Lecture?   

Hearing WT Miller ‘86 talk about his memories of Chris Nelson and the impact he had on him, and the impact he had on Landon, is a complete honor. I love that WT mentioned how kind he was, because being kind is a good thing. And, obviously, Landon taught me a lot about teamwork, leadership, and all the other core values here, and to come back and be able to impart what I've learned through all the amazing people that I've worked for and worked with, who I mentioned, to be able to impart that on the boys was really, really cool for me. 

Q: What message did you share with the boys during your speech?   

Whatever dream they have, they can get done. And if you go about it the right way, it can get done.  

And obviously, this being about teamwork and leadership, the best part about teamwork is the team part of it. The old saying “there's no I in team”, that goes a long way. That's true. It's a “we.” It's us, and doing your part on a team, doing your job on the team, it doesn't matter what it is, it doesn't matter what your role is. But if you truly do it to the best of your abilities, and with your greatest effort, you'll enjoy every second of it.  

And as you build relationships, as part of the team, it can grow into leadership roles. And the best part about leading is those people who you are teammates with, you can help them possibly achieve what they want. They can help you achieve what you want. The relationships become so strong, but it's important that you understand as a leader, it's also okay to follow. And you can let your players lead you. Some of the most powerful lessons I've learned are from the guys who play for us. 

Q: You spoke about the importance of developing relationships with your players and knowing their “why”? Why is that so important, and what is your “why”? 

I think it's really, really important to invest in people. The boys asked me some great questions at the end, like, “How do you become a good leader?” and “How do I help my team?” And it's the relationships. It's communication. It’s the vulnerability, the honest communication with each other to find out the reasons that people are doing what they do. What do they value? What do they hope to achieve? What's in their heart? And that creates a great bond.  

For me, my “why” is my family. Everything I do outside of the football building is for my family, to support them. And when I'm driving in, I’m going to do it for them. And then when I get in the building, my “why” is the players. 

Q: You also spoke about some of the bonds you made here at Landon and many of those people were here to support you.  

Absolutely. I mean, I came here in sixth grade. Ricky Sears, who runs the art program, was here. Myke Cohn ’99, who I lived with when I worked in Washington. I stayed at his house last night. I played ball with Matt Coursen ’99. Brigham Kiplinger ’99 was our goalie. Drew Cole ’99 was a great friend. Those were the original guys who I was in class with, who I was on teams with. We were in the locker rooms together.  

And then there’s the teachers and the coaches. Steve Sorkin is one of the all-time greatest teachers in the world. I mentioned in the speech that he made geometry make sense, which is really hard to do. And I know Coach [Rob] Bordley ‘66 gets a ton of credit for his coaching. But Coach Bordley is an amazing history teacher. He actually fueled my passion for history. Marty Klingelhofer ’77 to me is the unsung hero of the school. Because everybody goes through the weight room somehow. And you know, Coach Davis, I think I mentioned it,he was the original old school. And just that that bond of the guys who taught me and coached me and seeing all the different people afterwards is what it's all about.  

Landon is just a really special place with special, special people. And it's a true honor not only to do this for the Nelson family, but also to do it for Landon.