McGeechan, who as head coach appointed Johnson as skipper 12 years ago, believes O'Connell has similar qualities to the England legend and is the ideal man to lead the Lions, on and off the field.

BBC: O'Connell handed Lions captaincy

Smith is the NFL players lead man in its current off the field battle with NFL owners.

FORBES: Is DeMaurice Smith the Most Important Man in Football?

After getting Saunders to lead off the game with a fly to left field on the second pitch of the game, nothing was easy for Hughes in the shortest start of his career.

WSJ: Hughes roughed up by Ibanez, Mariners

However, that will not keep him away from important off-field duties, which may lead to something bigger down the road.

FORBES: Two For The Money In The NFL

The All Blacks took an early 10-3 lead when lock Isaac Ross finished off a sweeping length-of-the-field move.

BBC: South Africa 31-19 New Zealand

He shows athletes preparing for the NFL how a strong personal brand can lead to big off-field endorsements.

FORBES: How NFL Draft Prospects Build Their Personal Brands

Forwards are always at the centre of the action and can lead by example, which means O'Connell will be the perfect presence both on and off the field.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column

And Sunday, Washington's Graham Gano kicked off following a fourth-quarter Redskins field goal that gave them a 16-13 lead over the Jets.

WSJ: The Jets' Kick-Return Game: a Gift and a Curse

After Bryant began the frame with a pair of field goals, the Nets reeled off a 20-6 run to eventually regain the lead.

WSJ: Bryant's Late Show Upstages Nets