There have been many great quotes about sports over the years. We previously covered 25 of the best quotes about soccer in a previous article. Without further ado, here are the 20 best sports quotes ever.
Best Sports Quotes: 20. “You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take”
This quote from Wayne Gretzky, an all-time great in hockey, speaks directly about hockey. However, it also speaks to anyone who wants to accomplish something. One has to take risks in order to accomplish something great.
19. “A Champion Is Someone Who Gets Up When They Can’t”
Perseverance is another important attribute for anyone who wants to achieve something difficult. Jack Dempsey, a boxing legend, knew this well. That is why he provided the above quote, stating: “A champion is someone who gets up when they can’t”. Following this advice will help one overcome adversity.
18. “Champions Aren’t Made in Gyms”
This is another great quote from a sporting legend. Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers, provided this quote as part of his thoughts on being a champion. The full quote reads: “Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.” This speaks to the power of intrinsic motivation when one wants to achieve something.
Best Sports Quotes: 17. “Talent Wins Games”
Michael Jordan, perhaps the greatest player in NBA history, provided a number of excellent quotes. This is one of his best quotes. In full, Jordan said: “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Also, this is quite true. Many talented teams have failed to find success because their intelligence or teamwork were lacking.
16. “You Need to Find Something to Hold on to”
Motivation is key to success, as previously stated. Former NFL running back Tony Dorsett knew this quite well. Dorsett said: “To succeed…You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you”. This quote is quite accurate and reaffirms the importance of motivation.
15. “If You Can’t Accept Losing, You Can’t Win”
Vince Lombardi, for whom the Super Bowl trophy is named after, provided another one of the best sports quotes ever. Lombardi stated: “If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win.” This is true in sports and in life, since few people or teams find immediate success without overcoming defeat and struggle.
Best Sports Quotes: 14. “I Play Not My 11 Best”
Teamwork is also vital for success. College Football Hall of Fame coach Knute Rockne knew this. He said: “The secret of winning football games is working more as a team, less as individuals. I play not my 11 best, but my best 11.”
13. “A Team Is Where a Boy Can Prove His Courage”
Mickey Mantle knew players can demonstrate their courage as part of a team. That is why he said: “A team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A gang is where a coward goes to hide.”
12. “You Must Smell the Roses”
Ben Hogan understood it was important to have fun in life and in golf. He said: “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.”
11. “The Opportunity to Play”
Loving the sport that one plays is also key. Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary knew this. That is why he said: “Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.”
Best Sports Quotes: 10. “The Rewards Are Going to Come”
It is important to enjoy playing the sport. That is why track and field legend Jackie Joyner Kersee said the following: “The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing.”
9. “Wisdom Is Always an Overmatch for Strength”
Legendary former NBA coach Phil Jackson understood the importance of playing sport. That is why he said the following: “Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.” Playing smart can help one team overcome another that might seem better than them.
8. “A Good Hockey Player Plays Where the Puck Is”
Wayne Gretzky has provided a number of excellent sports quotes. This is another one. In full, the quote reads: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” Intelligence and anticipation are key for many sports, including hockey.
Best Sports Quotes: 7. “One Man Practicing Sportsmanship Is Far Better than a Hundred Teaching it”
Additionally, sportsmanship is also crucial when playing sports. Knute Rockne, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, understood this well. He said: “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.” In other words, teaching sportsmanship is good, but actually demonstrating it is better.
6. “Confidence Comes Not From Always Being Right but From Not Fearing to be Wrong”
Also, confidence is key for both sports and life. Peter T. McIntyre, a former football player, recognized this fact. That is why he said: “Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.” It is important not to be afraid to make mistakes, because making mistakes is how one learns and grows.
5. “Nothing Will Work Unless You Do”
Naturally, one has to work hard to be successful. Former basketball coach John Wooden knew this and said: “Nothing will work unless you do.”
Best Sports Quotes: 4. “The Road to Easy Street Goes Through the Sewer”
Legendary former NFL coach John Madden understood that hard work was vital. That is why he said: “The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.”
3. “Sweat Is The Cologne of Accomplishment”
Working hard is necessary for success in sports. Heywood Hale Broun knew this and stated: “Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment.”
2. “Toughness Is in the Soul and Spirit”
Mental toughness is part of being successful in life and in sports. Alex Karras, a football player, said this well in the following quote: “Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles.”
1. “I Figure Practice Puts Your Brains in Your Muscles”
Legendary golfer Sam Snead recognized the value of mental toughness. That is why he said: “I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles.”
That concludes our list of the 20 best sports quotes ever.