The talk of the NFL right now are the Green Bay Packers. They are playing exceptional football. But whenever I think about the Packers, I can't help but think of the legendary coach Vince Lombardi who led his team to five championships, including Superbowls 1 and 2.
After working as an assistant coach in high school, college, and eventually the pros, in 1959 Lombardi was hired as the head coach of the Pack. On the evening of September 27th, 1959, he faced the Chicago Bears for his first game and gave this speech.
Gentlemen, were going to have a football team. We are going to win some games. Do you know why? Because you are going to have confidence in me and my system. By being alert you are going to make fewer mistakes than your opponents. By working harder you are going to outexecute, outblock, outtackle every team that comes your way.
I've never been a losing coach, and I don't intend to start here. There is nobody big enough to think he's got the team made or can do what he wants. Trains and planes are coming in and going out of Green Bay every day, and he'll be on one of them. I wont. I'm going to find thirty-six men who have the pride to make any sacrifice to win. There are such men. If they're not here, I'll get them. If you are not one, if you don't want to play, you might as well leave right now......
I've been up here all year and I've learned a lot. I know how the townspeople are and what they think of you men and I know that in a small town you need definite rules and regulations. And anybody who breaks the rules will be taken care of in my own way.....You may not be a tackle. You may not be a guard. You may not be a back. But you will be a professional.
The Packers beat the Bears.
Is it any wonder that Lombardi was a winner? I love the honesty, candor, and the pursuit of excellence that he exuded.
I think I can learn a lot from Vince Lombardi.
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