Welcome Back, G-Tribe

Issue #21 – February 10, 2026

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Welcome everyone,

This past weekend reminded us why sports matter. Not just because of the score, the halftime show, or the commercials but because moments like the Super Bowl have a way of bringing people together.

Leadership showed up on the field.
Leadership showed up in the stands.
And leadership showed up in our community.

Before we go any further, let’s give credit where it’s due.

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks, your Super Bowl LX Champions, on an impressive and commanding victory. When preparation meets opportunity, greatness follows, and Seattle showed what disciplined execution and teamwork look like on the biggest stage.

But while football gave us a reason to cheer, community gave us something even bigger to celebrate.

Let’s GO!

Growth Spotlight: Leadership Beyond the Scoreboard

Every Super Bowl gives us highlight reels, but the most important leadership moments don’t always happen under bright lights.

Sometimes, leadership looks like stepping forward when the responsibility is heavy and the expectations are real.

This week, we want to recognize that kind of leadership as Dr. Eric Bell steps into his new role as Board Chairman of A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

Leadership is preparation when no one’s watching.
Leadership is accountability when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
Leadership is understanding that influence doesn’t stop with a title.

Dr. Bell brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience, a deep commitment to mentorship, and a servant-leader mindset rooted in purpose, not position. From leading complex organizations to mentoring young men and developing future leaders, his journey reflects what we value most at AFGM: people-first leadership with measurable impact.

But what matters most isn’t the degrees, the credentials, or the corner office.

It’s the willingness to say yes to responsibility.
Yes to stewardship.
Yes to helping build something that outlives you.

The best teams know this. The best leaders live this.

And sometimes, leadership doesn’t show up with a trophy; it shows up with commitment, consistency, and character.

We’re grateful for Dr. Bell’s leadership and excited for what’s ahead as we continue building strong men, strong mentors, and strong communities.

Michael’s Hot Take: When the Real Win Has Nothing to Do With the Score

Here’s my take, and I’ll say it plain:

Everybody loves the Super Bowl because it celebrates winning. The confetti. The ring. The moment. But the truth is, the real measure of leadership usually happens far away from the scoreboard.

That’s why one of the most powerful moments of Super Bowl weekend isn’t about who won the game — it’s about who won the respect of their community.

This year, Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner was named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, an award that recognizes a player not for what they do on Sundays, but for how they lead every other day of the week. It honors service, character, and a commitment off the field.

And that matters.

Because leadership isn’t proven by how loud the crowd cheers when you’re winning. It’s proven by how consistently you show up for people when no one’s keeping score.

Bobby Wagner’s recognition reminds us of something we push hard at A Few Good MENtors: titles fade, stats expire, but impact lasts. Real leaders understand that their platform isn’t just for performance, it’s for purpose.

Here’s the part I don’t want us to miss.

You don’t need an NFL contract to live out those same leadership principles. You don’t need a national stage to be a Walter Payton-type leader in your own world. If you’re mentoring a young man, serving your community, leading your family, or setting an example at work, you’re already in the game.

The question is: What are you doing with the platform you have?

Because in the end, the real win isn’t the trophy you hold. I’ve often said it’s about the lives you help shape when nobody’s watching.

And that’s a championship worth chasing.

Parent Insight of the Week

This week, ask your child:

“What do you think matters more, winning or how you play the game?”

Use this moment to talk about integrity, effort, and responsibility. Those lessons outlast any scoreboard.

Try This With Your Mentee

Ask:

“Who showed leadership this weekend that had nothing to do with football?”

Then follow up with:
“How can you lead like that this week?”

Leadership starts with awareness.

Watch & Learn - Leadership, Standards, and Accountability

In this short clip, Coach Mike Tomlin, former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaks down what leadership really demands.

Discuss:
• What standards do you hold yourself to when no one is watching?
• How do your actions reinforce what you say matters?
• Where do you need to raise the standard in your life?

Leadership isn’t about being liked.

Upcoming Events

MUSIC BINGO NIGHT IS HERE!!

Pull up for a night of good vibes, great music, and an even better cause 

Join A Few Good MENtors for Music Bingo Night, where great music, nostalgia, and friendly competition meet, and the community comes together!

Saturday, March 14, 2026
6:00–10:00 PM (21+)
Mulligan’s Pub on the Green | Fairfax, VA

AFGM Engagement Hour | 6:00–7:00 PM
Arrive early. No pressure. Just good conversation, light apps, and a chance to connect.

Tickets are available now.
Can’t attend? Donations & sponsorships welcome!

AFGM 5K Youth T-Shirt Design Contest — Now Open!

Calling all youth artists! A Few Good MENtors is inviting young creatives ages 10–18 to design the official t-shirt for our upcoming AFGM 5K Fun Walk/Run on June 27.

🖌️ The winning design will be featured on the event shirt and worn by participants across the community!

✅ Open to ages 10–18
🎨 Community voting will determine the top 3
🏆 Winner selected by AFGM’s review panel
💰 Grand prize valued at $250

🗓️ Submit your design by February 28
🔗 bit.ly/afgm5kdesign

Let’s see your creativity shine — and wear your work with pride this summer!

AFGM Signature Events for 2026

These events mark our year of movement and momentum.

• Boys Becoming Men Youth Summit — April 11, 2026
  Includes dedicated sessions for parents.

• AFGM 5K Run/Walk — June 27, 2026

• AFGM Brotherhood Awards Luncheon — November 7, 2026

• AFGM Annual Mentee Celebration Luncheon — In May

Sponsorship Opportunity

We are seeking sponsors and partners for all 2026 signature events.
If you know a business or organization that invests in boys, families, and mentorship, connect them with us.

Email: [email protected]

That’s it for this week.

This is the Year of Movement and Momentum.
Every step matters.
Thanks for moving with us. Please share this newsletter with friends and family.