KUNA, Idaho — NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young took a visit to Boise over the weekend, making time to visit patients at St. Luke's and speak at a pair of community events at Jack's Urban Meeting Place.
In between appearances, Young made time for a different visit – a trip to the Idaho State Correctional Center.
A select group of inmates nominated by the staff earned an opportunity to hear from Young, a man that likely didn't need an introduction as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and a leader of one its greatest dynasties.
"I can tell you about Super Bowls, I can tell you about wins and great moments," Young said. "20 straight years in the playoffs, five Super Bowls, 12 championship games. People go – 'Why? How?'"
The two-time NFL MVP delivered a speech – partially about playing football – but more about learning from it.
"It wasn't the play that was called, it wasn't the defense that was run. It was this," Young said alluding to the group. "This fundamental concept."
The concept became the basis of Young's 2022 book, "The Law of Love," a message straight from his Hall of Fame head coach Bill Walsh.
"He said the number one thing I want you to do is develop an element of love for each other," Young said.
With The Law of Love, they found undeniable success on the field. But when Young expanded that love beyond his teammates, he found success and knowledge in business, philanthropy and life.
"This is just me chewing on stuff that I find kind of universally true and a kind of spirit of abundance," Young told KTVB. "I found that abundance in football, I found it in business, I found it at home."
The love shared is a fundamental respect.
"I want you to know that we're not different," Young said in his speech. "We're journeying and we're trying to figure out in relationships how to find that abundance."
Everyone on their own path on the journey through life. The little things that help us find an understanding with each other.
Young shared the power of taking ownership for mistakes, and forgiving others for theirs.
"To see someone beyond what they are right this second," Young told the group.
He also discussed getting along with people who are different – even NFL rivals.
"I know there's Cowboy fans. Relax, don't scream, I know you want to scream," Young said. "I grew up a Cowboy fan. I loved Roger Staubach, he was my hero, and then I matured."
All jokes aside, Young's message was well received on Saturday.
"You could hear a pin drop. The men and women in this room were full attention," Deputy Chief of Prisons Amanda Gentry said. "He shared so many life lessons with us and I bet you tonight, the men in this room are still going to share that reflection time, hopefully share some of those universal lessons that Steve shared with us today."
Stories to bring with them on their journeys.
"As I told them, I didn't come to speak to them because they're in prison, I came to speak to them because they're journeying with me and we're on the path together," Young said.