Sports Quotes

Coaches and teammates use sports motivational quotes to boost an athlete's confidence before a game or contest. They may also use them to console an athlete after a defeat. They are meant to be philosophical and encouraging, or consolatory and light-hearted. Whatever the need, be it to lead the charge to victory, or to compensate for a weakness, rest assured there's a quote relative to virtually any situation. Often these quotes are metaphors for life, as well as having a direct bearing on the sport. This is why it is so common to see famous coaches quoted in business literature.

While not every person who plays sports plays professionally, there are lessons to be learned even in recreational play. These lessons carry over into everyday life. This fact explains the popularity of sports motivational quotes and their prevalence in society. Athletes, even amateur ones, are known for perseverance, dedication, and drive. Coaches are known for bringing those qualities out in their players and athletes. So naturally, those involved in sporting activities are prime candidates to be quoted. The universal appeal of sports and the parallel to everyday life challenges make these quotes ideal motivators.

Paul Bryant, one of the most famous college football coaches of all time, is a favorite candidate for sports motivational quotes. A prime example: "Losing doesn't make me want to quit. It makes me want to fight that much harder." Not only does this quote apply to the game of football, but also to life in general. It is because of this universal application that many of Paul Bryant's quotes are so popular in sports and business, as well as academia. Many other famous coaches are often quoted, such as Abe Lemons, Homer Rice, and Bobby Dodd. In fact, it has been said that Abe Lemons, winner of the 1978 National Coach of the Year award, may be the wittiest coach most often quoted.

As a coach, the goal of sports motivational quotes is not to make history or to set records for being quoted. The goal is to inspire and pump up confidence in athletes. The fact that these quotes often apply to business situations, personal tribulations, or other areas of life simply propels their popular use. Nevertheless, words alone are not enough to build self-confidence. Drive, ambition, a clear purpose, and personal intention determine a person's success and accomplishments. Quotes merely help remind one of what can and has already been done.