In an unexpected cross-code moment that’s turning heads in both Australia and the United States, former Collingwood Football Club head coach Craig McRae has sent a powerful and candid message to Denver Broncos head coach Joe Mazzulla, reportedly offering advice and support amid the NFL team’s recent internal shake-up.
The message, which McRae posted via social media before following up in a direct email to Mazzulla, focused on leadership, culture, and the mental resilience required to turn around a struggling franchise — a challenge both men have faced in their coaching careers.
Culture isn’t built in meetings or locker rooms alone,” McRae wrote. “It’s built in moments of adversity — in how a coach responds when no one is watching. Joe, you’re in a pressure cooker right now, but that’s where leadership is forged. Trust the process, back your people, and stay true to your values.”
McRae, who led Collingwood to a historic AFL Premiership in 2023 before stepping down in late 2024 to focus on personal pursuits, is widely respected for his emotional intelligence, innovative leadership style, and emphasis on humility and connectedness. His unexpected outreach to an NFL coach caught fans and sports media by surprise — especially since Mazzulla is more commonly associated with basketball, having transitioned from coaching the Boston Celtics to the NFL’s Denver Broncos in a bold move earlier this year.
Joe Mazzulla, who made headlines when he was appointed head coach of the Broncos in early 2025 following a turbulent few seasons for the team, has been under scrutiny as he attempts to instill a new culture in the organization. His basketball background and unconventional methods have drawn both curiosity and criticism.
Social media has lit up with reactions from fans, players, and analysts. Many praised McRae’s words as timely and insightful. Several former AFL and NFL players also chimed in, noting the growing relevance of cross-sport coaching philosophies in today’s elite sports environments.
Former NFL quarterback and now ESPN analyst Tony Romo called McRae’s message “one of the most grounded and refreshing pieces of advice a coach could get.
Meanwhile, AFL circles have taken pride in McRae’s continued influence, with Collingwood captain Darcy Moore tweeting, “Once a leader, always a leader. Fly \[McRae’s nickname] still flying the flag.”
As of this writing, Joe Mazzulla has not publicly responded to McRae’s message, but sources close to the Broncos organization suggest he appreciated the gesture and may reach out privately. One insider said, “Joe respects leaders who’ve been through fire. Craig McRae has — and he’s come out better for it.
This episode adds to a growing trend of global sports figures connecting across borders and codes to share ideas and encouragement. With elite-level coaching increasingly focused on psychological safety, mental fitness, and team culture — regardless of the sport — such interactions are becoming more common.
Whether this becomes a deeper mentorship or just a one-off exchange, one thing is clear: Craig McRae’s message has resonated, and Joe Mazzulla now knows he’s got a supporter 9,000 miles away — one who’s already been where her
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