I don't think it's fair to 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds to say 'Show us you're a winner right now!' Winning isn't everything. I'll never buy that thing that if a boy loses a football game, he's a loser in life.
Joe PaternoRead
What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of sports lies in the effort and determination shown during the competition rather than just the outcome.
Joe Paterno highlights that in sports, the true value lies not in achieving victory, but in the dedication, effort, and lessons learned throughout the struggle. This perspective encourages athletes to appreciate the journey and personal growth that comes from facing challenges, rather than merely fixating on the final result of winning or losing.
Themes
SportsStruggleEffortVictoryMotivation
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to young athletes about the importance of hard work and perseverance in sports.
More from Joe Paterno
All quotes βMy thing was play as hard as you can, don't be stupid, pay attention to details, and have enough guts in the clutch that you're not afraid to make a play. Some things I thought were important for a young man to know.
Joe PaternoRead
They ask me what I'd like written about me when I'm gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach.
Joe PaternoRead
What is a coach? We are teachers. Educators. We have the same obligations as all teachers, except we probably have more influence over young people than anybody but their families. And, in a lot of cases, more than their families.
Joe PaternoRead
The name on the front of the jersey is what really matters, not the name on the back.
Joe PaternoRead
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I'm doing what I think I was put on this earth to do. And I'm really grateful to have something that I'm passionate about and that I think is profoundly important.
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Persistence, persistence, and persistence. The Power can be created and maintained through daily practice - continuous effort.
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