The theme of working hard to achieve excellence is developed and repeated throughout the story. There is also the special note that low-level "grunt" work is rewarded; as opposed to looked down on. The main case given is that Belichick started as an assistant for Baltimore Colts working for $25 a week. Did every lowly job available, but in the process learned the system of professional football from the ground up. Worked many of the major positions available in later years, finally getting to the pinnacle: head coach.