Article image

10 Motivational Quotes From College Football’s Finest

Throughout the history of college football, the lessons learned by those on the gridiron have been more than just guiding principles for how to become a great athlete. The trials and tribulations of the competitors who coach and play the game can inspire people from all walks of life, on and off the field. Many up-and-coming football stars exude a level of perseverance and teamwork that makes them valuable role models for anyone looking to achieve greatness. Here, we’ve compiled 10 motivating modicums of wisdom from some of college football’s finest talents through the years.

If you can handle the pain of discipline, then you’ll never have to deal with the pain of disappointment.
— Nick Saban, head coach, Alabama

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.
— Roger Staubach, quarterback, Navy

The more I heard that I couldn’t make it, the more I was determined to do it.
— Archie Griffin, running back, Ohio State

No one has ever drowned in sweat.
— Lou Holtz, head coach, Notre Dame

If you’re not gonna go all the way, why go at all?
— Joe Namath, quarterback, Alabama

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.
— Bo Jackson, running back, Auburn

Losing doesn’t make me want to quit. It makes me want to fight that much harder.
— Paul “Bear” Bryant, head coach, Alabama

Success is the peace of mind you get knowing you did everything you could to be the best you can be.
— Eric LeGrand, defensive tackle, Rutgers

The most valuable player is the one who makes the most players valuable.
— Peyton Manning, quarterback, Tennessee

Always remember, Goliath was a 40-point favorite over David.
— James “Shug” Jordan, head coach, Auburn

Photo credit: Focus On Sport via Getty Images Sport

Author image
About the Author
Bennett Kleinman
Bennett is a staff writer at Optimism as well as a freelance comedy writer. He's based in New York City.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Fill in the blank: "It's not your job to be likable. It's your job to be ___." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

It is so easy to give, so exquisitely rewarding.

separator icon
John Steinbeck
motivation theme icon

I'm an idealist. I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way.

separator icon
Carl Sandburg
hope theme icon

In all our searching, the only thing we’ve found that makes the emptiness bearable is each other.

separator icon
Carl Sagan
love theme icon

Imagination is the secret and marrow of civilization.

separator icon
Henry Ward Beecher
wisdom theme icon

Compassion is an unstable emotion. It needs to be translated into action, or it withers.

separator icon
Susan Sontag
happiness theme icon

You live out the confusions until they become clear.

separator icon
Anaïs Nin
motivation theme icon

The time is always ripe to do right.

separator icon
Martin Luther King Jr.
hope theme icon

True friendship withstands time, distance, and silence.

separator icon
Isabel Allende
love theme icon

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.

separator icon
Francis Bacon
wisdom theme icon

What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful.

separator icon
Brené Brown
happiness theme icon

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

separator icon
Helen Keller