30+ Tom Landry Quotes To Inspire All American Football Lovers
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During his tenure with Dallas Cowboys, Tom Larry held a record 20 consecutive season wins between 1966 and 1985.
Born in Mission, Texas, Tom was always interested in athletics as he was known for his incredible pitching and football skills since his high school days. He played as a quarterback for Mission High school whose stadium is now named after him as the Tom Landry Stadium.
Landry was signed by the New York Yankees, becoming his first opportunity at experiencing pro-level football. It was a dream come true for him to play for the Yankees, although unfortunately, he failed to properly make his mark then.
Landry's first attempt at coaching came after he was drafted into the New York Giants. Under head coach Steve Owens, Tom Landry was asked to explain the defense tactics against the offense to his teammates.
Although, his time in New York Giants as a player was not a memorable one, with opportunities like these, Landry began taking interest in coaching football. In 1954 he became the defensive coordinator for the Giants, making the Giants one of the best defensive teams for the following seasons.
In 1960, he became the head coach of Dallas Cowboys, and so his 29-year journey with the Cowboys began. Although, it started off rough, as in the next four years the team performed poorly, the owner trusted in Landry's hard work and extended his contract for another 10 years, a decision which would later prove to be a blessing.
The Dallas Cowboys improved steadily after Landry introduced the new and effective 4-3 defense technique.
In 1966, Dallas Cowboys got their first winning season. But, little did they know, that their football winning streak wasn't ending for another 20 years under Tom Landry's coaching.
Tom Landry was always calm and composed under any situation. His impeccable determination to improve has earned him the title of 'the greatest coach ever' becoming an inspiration to players and other coaches alike. This makes him the perfect person to be inspired by, hence why we have gathered a list of Tom Landry quotes here for you!
Energize yourself with these Tom Landry quotes from the world of football and as always, if you need more, we've got you covered with these funny football quotes and [Woody Hayes quotes].
From Tom Landry's motivational advice that, "setting a goal is not the main thing.
It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan", to the inspirational claim that, "I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat", these Tom Landry quotes are able to offer some inspiring quotes for everyone, whether you are a football fan or not.
Tom Landry Quotes For Inspiration
These Tom Landry quotes are an example of how hard work will always bear fruit.
1. "Today, you have 100% of your life left."
-Tom Landry.
2. "Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan."
-Tom Landry.
3. "People striving, being knocked down and coming back... this is what builds character in a man."
-Tom Landry.
4. "To live a disciplined life, and to accept the result of that discipline as the will of God – that is the mark of a man."
-Tom Landry.
5. "I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat."
-Tom Landry.
6. "The more successful you become, the longer the yardstick people use to measure you by."
-Tom Landry.
7. "A champion is simply someone who did not give up when he wanted to."
-Tom Landry.
8. "First become a winner in life. Then it's easier to become a winner on the field."
-Tom Landry.
9. "Being the best at whatever talent you have, that’s what stimulates life."
-Tom Landry.
10. "There is only a half step difference between the champions and those who finish on the bottom. And much of that half step is mental."
-Tom Landry.
Tom Landry Quotes About Leadership
A 20-year winning streak is a mark of a true leader. These Tom Landry quotes from his coaching tenure will show you what it took for him to achieve the unthinkable.
This list includes the most powerful Tom Landry quote: "Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you’re in control, they’re in control."
11. "Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve."
-Tom Landry.
12. "If you show emotion in competition, temporarily, you’ll be ineffective. If you’re disciplined enough, you don’t get down when you’re behind, and you have a chance to create something positive."
-Tom Landry.
13. "A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has you see what you don't want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be."
-Tom Landry.
14. "When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."
-Tom Landry.
15. "A team that has character, doesn't need stimulation."
-Tom Landry.
16. "Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
-Tom Landry.
17. "Any team acquires experience and endurance as it learns to fight back. This in turn builds the kind of character which seldom crumbles at a time of crisis or testing."
-Tom Landry.
18. "I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game."
-Tom Landry.
19. "There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist."
-Tom Landry.
20. "Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you’re in control, they’re in control."
-Tom Landry.
Famous Tom Landry Quotes To Live By
These Tom Landry quotes are sure to motivate you to fuel your own passion.
21. "If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job."
-Tom Landry.
22. "The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence."
-Tom Landry.
23. "Achievement builds character."
-Tom Landry.
24. "Right after the game, say as little as possible."
-Tom Landry.
25. "A winner never stops trying."
-Tom Landry.
26. "The secret to winning is constant, consistent management."
-Tom Landry.
27. "Football is to Texas what religion is to a priest."
-Tom Landry.
28. "I've come to the conclusion that players want to be treated alike."
-Tom Landry.
29. "Once you learn to quit it becomes a habit."
-Tom Landry.
30. "I try to block out everything that distracts me. Even a big play, I blank it out."
-Tom Landry.
Here at Kidadl, we have created lots of family-friendly quotes for everyone! If you liked our Tom Landry quotes for football lovers, why not check out these soccer quotes, or [Woody Paige quotes] too?
Main Image Editorial credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com
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A professional content writer hailing from Kolkata, India, with extensive experience in the corporate sector, Writvik Gupta has worked with several reputed companies, including ITC WelcomHotel Jodhpur, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, Aryan Imaging, and Eduquity. He also serves as a consultant for a startup based in Bangalore. With a passion for the outdoors, Writvik enjoys trekking and traveling to remote destinations. He also has a keen interest in exploring various cuisines and regularly volunteers for social causes.
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