Each week during the 2022 season, we go through the Eagles media guide to find an interesting segment.
The Eagles’ PR interns do a great job filling in these little quirks in the media guides, and they’re a good way to meet the player behind the helmet.
This week we spoke to a newcomer whose famous grandfather, Stephen R. Covey has written numerous self-help books, including the bestseller The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
me What was it like for you growing up and when did you become aware of his influence?
Covey. There have been a few different times. We used to have, quote quotes, fires, growing up. Where he would teach with his grandchildren and his children about his book or his principles and I remember always hating going to them because they were long. And now I look back and think. “If I could go back…” because he died when I was about 15. We had a great relationship, but it wasn’t until his death that I really began to understand everything he taught and wrote. But it was honestly nice to get to know him again after life.
me Yes, it’s interesting. Because you weren’t an adult when he passed.
Covey. Completely. But I remember the first time I realized who he was when I traveled to Europe. I looked like I was 12 years old. And probably six or seven different times somebody would see my last name, whether it was when we were getting into a hotel or a taxi driver or whatever, and they’d see Covey’s name and say, “Liked by the author.” And we were out in Germany and London and Paris, and then I realized. “Oh wow, my grandfather made a big impact on a lot of people.” But all he taught and wrote was him. He never claimed any of these principles as his own. He just kind of put them into a formula. That was what was so great about him, that he was so humble. He never claimed this was my material. He just said this is something I built from what I found, which I think is a very modest approach.
me Do you appreciate it more now?
Covey. Absolutely. 100 percent. I have prepared his books many times, tried to live them. Especially, “Seek first to understand, then to understand.” It’s my favorite of the seven habits. I don’t know if you’ve ever read it or remember it, but it’s one of the seven habits. #5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood. My grandfather said it’s the hardest thing to practice, so that’s what I try. And it helps in everything, that very principle in general. Whether it’s being frustrated with the situation I’m in, whatever it is, when you’re actually seeking to genuinely understand and listen with the intent of understanding, not responding. You know what I mean?
me Yes of course.
Covey. It’s so easy to listen to respond and not really understand. Loved him. Missing him.
me Do you have a special copy of one of his books?
Covey. My dad does and I use his. I mean, my father is her namesake. Stephen MR Covey. My father has kind of carried on his legacy and written a few books.
me Does it end?
Covey. I don’t know. We will see. I would only do such a thing if I felt inspired or called to do so. Because they were. It’s not like they grew up wanting to write. They didn’t do it until they felt they had something to share. But I just wish people could know what he’s like in his personal life. Because he was what you wanted to be.
me How did he personally fare against the guy who wrote the books?
Covey. Well, for one, he liked to break stereotypes about what a businessman should be in a gossip sense. He was like the dumbest person you’ve ever met in your life. He would meet the President of the United States to train him or something, and he would wear these false teeth and a wig. That’s why he and I have always had a great relationship, because I’m a prankster and he’s a prankster. Even here on this team, I feel like I’m part of the comic relief for a lot of the guys because I’m small and goofy. But I learned it from my grandfather. You’d be in this super serious business situation and he’d make a joke with somebody.
me I like it. Thanks man.
Covey. Yes, absolutely.
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