Desmond Howard reveals Holmgren's motivational ploy in Super Bowl XXXI
Former Green Bay Packers return specialist Desmond Howard received an extra incentive to perform well in Super Bowl XXXI.
Howard, who captured Super Bowl MVP honors during the Packers' 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots, said head coach Mike Holmgren threw down a massive sum of cash on the table to motivate his players beforehand.
"We're in New Orleans. Let me set the scene: we come down to a meeting room," Howard recounted to ESPN's College GameDay, according to CBS Sports' Will Brinson.
"There was like a cafeteria-size table with a cloth over a strange-shaped object. So Mike Holmgren, he goes over in front of this table, he starts talking about the team and why we're here and what the Super Bowl means. He takes the sheet, he takes it off the table - almost $100,000 in cash right there on that table.
"He says, 'Gentleman - this is what we're playing for. A ring and for this. Not collectively. Individually. That's what you get. That cash right there.'
"Enough said! I was extremely motivated."
The strategy paid off for Howard, who returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown and recorded a total of 244 return yards en route to victory.
- With h/t to CBS Sports