USMNT: 3 reasons why Jay DeMerit’s ‘gritty guys’ comment misguided

1. American spirit is futile

Perhaps the most meaningless take from DeMerit was his suggesting that ‘grittiness’ should ‘built within us’ because the players are ‘American’. Here is the full quote:

"“I want to know where the Jay DeMerits of now are, I want to know where the Brian McBrides are, I want to know where, I suppose, the gritty guys [are]. Essentially, as Americans, that should be built within us. The Rockys of the world. Where are those people?”"

It is difficult to understand DeMerit’s argument, here. First and foremost, no one has ‘grit’ because of their nationality. You are not more or less gritty because you are American or Mexican or South African or Taiwanese. He might be trying to tap into an American spirit, but there is an inherent pride and arrogance related to this. American spirit is no better or worse than any other spirit. It is meaningless.

Secondly, relying on the ‘Rockys of the world’ is not a successful way to build a team in an elite sport. DeMerit names himself and Brian McBride as examples of characters that the current team requires. But neither he nor McBride were ever on the same level as the majority of the USMNT players at present, and especially not at the same age.

The American spirit, then, is futile. It would not help the USMNT field a high-level team. That comes in the way in proper player development, strong coaching, and a focus on technical, tactical, personal and athletic skills, all things that DeMerit seemingly things are undermined by a lack of ‘grit’.