Commanders LB Sonny Styles details the advice his father gave him

Washington Commanders first-round pick Sonny Styles met with the media on Friday afternoon.

The first thing of note was his referring to Mr. Peters, Mr. Harris, and Coach Quinn. The young man is respectful, no question. Perhaps he is a young man who is well-grounded, taught well to be respectful, but apparently, 'Mr. Peters' responded, insisting that Styles refer to him simply as 'AP'.

Styles excelled in high school, a superb athlete in both basketball and football. His father, Lorenzo Styles, played linebacker at Ohio State and then in the NFL. So, after two seasons and things not going as well as expected for Styles, he was told the coaches were moving him from safety to linebacker. "I felt like it was best for the team, felt like was best for me."

Instead of sulking, feeling like he had failed, Styles said, "I was happy to do it. I attacked the new role and maximized it. I just wanted to help the team win. I think it worked out well for me." Yes, it sure did.

Here are some Sonny Styles highlights.

Not only did Styles have to learn two positions of safety and linebacker, but his father Lorenzo also advised Sonny that upon making it to the NFL, to be proactive and "find a vet in the room, whether he be on my side of the room or offense. Find a guy you admire the way he works, and learn from him. You know, getting the new little nuggets from him. Just come in with humility, the willingness to learn, an open mind."

Those are good words for a young man entering his pro career. Though he was a star in high school and college, he may be at the very bottom of the professional ladder without pro experience or seniority. The young man certainly doesn't sound entitled. Certainly, he did not talk of Super Bowls and Hall of Fame jackets. No, he talked about getting back to work, of stepping out and doing what his father had advised him to do.

Styles doesn't know now, what he will know in five years. But isn't it encouraging to listen to the well-grounded man who has a lot of physical potential with his physical set of tools and tool box?