In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, we’re exploring the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word.SUMMARYJemal Singleton ’99 is a mentor, a motivator and has mastered the grind. From the military to NFL locker rooms, he has forged a path rooted in service, strength and success. Learn more about masterful game planning and get ready to be inspired!
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COACH SINGLE...
In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, we’re exploring the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word.
SUMMARY
Jemal Singleton ’99 is a mentor, a motivator and has mastered the grind. From the military to NFL locker rooms, he has forged a path rooted in service, strength and success. Learn more about masterful game planning and get ready to be inspired!
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COACH SINGLETON'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
- Coach Singleton emphasizes the importance of leading with conviction.
- He learned to connect with people through immersive cultural experiences.
- The Super Bowl victory was a culmination of focus and teamwork.
- Growing up as a military brat shaped his adaptability and leadership.
- Family dynamics played a crucial role in his development as a leader.
- Discovering the Air Force Academy was a pivotal moment in his life.
- Basic training taught him valuable lessons about overcoming fear.
- His leadership style evolved through experiences at the Academy.
- Transitioning from military to coaching was a significant decision.
- Failures in his career have provided the greatest learning opportunities.
- Success and failure are both essential for growth.
- Belief in others can significantly impact their performance.
- Understanding individual motivations is key to effective leadership.
- Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping leaders.
- Building relationships is foundational to leadership success.
- Balancing family and work is vital for personal fulfillment.
- Grit and resilience are important traits in leadership.
- Investing in personal growth enhances leadership effectiveness.
- Daily routines help maintain focus and discipline.
- Leadership can be demonstrated from any position.
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights
04:30 Jamal's Early Life and Military Influence
08:00 Family Dynamics and Leadership Development
11:35 Basic Training and Leadership Challenges
14:52 Growth at the Air Force Academy
18:58 Transitioning from Military to Coaching
21:34 Navigating Career Decisions
22:57 Facing Failures and Learning from Them
26:18 Navigating Success and Failure
27:38 The Power of Belief in Leadership
29:58 Understanding Individual Motivations
32:40 Influences and Inspirations in Leadership
34:05 Building Relationships as a Leadership Foundation
36:02 Balancing Family and Professional Life
38:23 Lessons in Grit from Home
40:38 Investing in Personal Growth
42:41 Daily Routines for Effective Leadership
44:36 Striving for Continuous Improvement
47:27 Leading from Any Position
49:14 Final Thoughts on Leadership and the Academy
ABOUT JEMAL
BIO
Jemal Singleton ’99, is a veteran coach with over 20 years of experience at the collegiate and professional levels. He is currently the Philadelphia Eagles' running backs/assistant head coach. Under his leadership, the Eagles have made four consecutive playoff runs, capturing two conference titles and the Super Bowl LIX Championship. From 2021–24, Philadelphia led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (108) and ranked among the top three in rushing yards per game (153.9) and yards per carry (4.7). Singleton helped three different running backs earn Pro Bowl honors during this span.
In 2024, Singleton coached a historic ground game led by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,005 yards in the regular season and 2,504 total, earning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors. The Eagles set a league record with 3,866 team rushing yards.
Previously, Singleton helped guide D’Andre Swift (2023) and Miles Sanders (2022) to their first Pro Bowls, with both ranking in the top five in rushing yards. In 2021, Philadelphia led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns.
Before joining the Eagles, Singleton coached running backs for the Bengals (2019–20), Raiders (2018), and Colts (2016–17), mentoring talents like Joe Mixon, Jalen Richard, and Frank Gore. His collegiate experience includes Arkansas (2015) and Oklahoma State (2011–14), where he coached standout backs such as Alex Collins and Joseph Randle.
Singleton began his coaching career at the Air Force Academy, his alma mater, spending nine years in various roles and helping the Falcons consistently rank among the top rushing teams in the nation. A former team captain and honorable mention All-WAC running back, Singleton led Air Force to consecutive 10-win seasons and a conference title.
A San Antonio native and son of a retired Air Force Sergeant, Singleton holds a degree in social sciences and lives with his wife, Jennifer. He has two daughters, Morgan and Mallory.
- Bio excerpted from philadelphiaeagles.com
- Image credit: Mr. Ryan Hall
CONNECT WITH JEMAL
LINKEDIN | PA EAGLES
WITH OUR SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE EAGLES' PRODUCTION TEAM
Eagles Team (Center L-R): JohnPaul Beattie | Wes Lauria | Kelleher | Haley Mccullough | Alex Barson
(L) LBL Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 | (R) Guest, Jemal Singleton ’99
- Image credit: Mr. Ryan Hall
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TRANSCRIPT
SPEAKERS
GUEST: Jemal Singleton ’99 | HOST: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99
KEYWORDS
Leadership, Air Force Academy, coaching, Super Bowl, mentorship, personal growth, military influence, sports, resilience, career decisions, leadership, success, failure, motivation, personal growth, relationships, coaching, NFL, family, grit
The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
