Among the avalanche of media and millions of eyes focused on Houston for Monday's (NZ time) Super Bowl, Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn revealed an unlikely source of inspiration for his side as they prepare to take on the New England Patriots.
Speaking at one of a multitude of press obligations in the lead-in to the game that stops a nation, coach Quinn made mention of the world champion All Blacks and his long-held interest in the art of the rugby tackle.
"I did read an interesting book last year about the New Zealand rugby team – the All Blacks, and the culture they've had and the winning they've had," said Quinn.
"I've studied rugby from tackling and it's been a driving influence on our leverage tackling – using our shoulder and keeping our head out.
"When I found out more about their culture, what they stood for, how they had long-term success for years and years – it left a big impression on me."
The 46-year-old admitted that the learnings had left a large impression on him, to the extent to which he pledged to one day make it to Aotearoa to catch the men in black in person.
"Someday, I will make that trip over there to see them compete and play.
"That's how strongly I felt about just reading about them. I haven't had any interaction with them up to now, but it was definitely a book that captured me."
Coverage of Super Bowl LI begins at 12pm on Monday (NZT).
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