Welcome to the world of Don Shula, where wisdom meets the gridiron. As one of the most iconic figures in American football history, Don Shula’s legacy transcends the boundaries of the sport. With a coaching career spanning over three decades, Shula’s leadership, determination, and strategic prowess have left an indelible mark on the game and those who play it.
Don Shula’s journey to greatness began long before he became the winningest coach in NFL history. From his early days as a player to his record-setting tenure as a coach, Shula embodied the values of hard work, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His words resonate not only with football enthusiasts but with anyone seeking inspiration to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
One thing I never want to be accused of is not working. Don Shula
Sure, luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck. Don Shula
I think what coaching is all about, is taking players and analyzing there ability, put them in a position where they can excel within the framework of the team winning. And I hope that I’ve done that in my 33 years as a head coach. Don Shula
Because, they’re only thinking about one team when that game’s over. Before the game, they’re talking about two football teams. When the game’s over, there’s only one winner. Don Shula
You know it’s only 50 miles from Grand River to Canton, but it took me 67 years to travel that distance. Don Shula
I don’t want a player that’s content with not playing… But we wanted to play the guys that got us here. Don Shula
I coached against Dave the last couple of years, and I was very proud to be the first time a father ever coached against his son. He beat me for 30 minutes the first time and 59 and a half minutes the second time. Don Shula
The one thing that I know is that you win with good people. Don Shula
I’m not going to worry about the critics until some of my peers start saying I’m a softie. Don Shula
You try to get the most out of the talent. Make ’em work and let ’em play. Don Shula
He wants to be his own man and be recognized for what he’s done. He’s not asking for anything because of his name. That was a tough situation to go into at Alabama, but he probably wouldn’t have been given the job if the situation would have been different. Don Shula
I can’t control the criticism. It’s something you certainly don’t appreciate, but by the same token, everybody is entitled to their opinion. Don Shula
And my rookie contract, my first rookie contract was for $5,000. Don Shula
I don’t know any other way to lead but by example. Don Shula
Success is not forever and failure isn’t fatal. Don Shula
The thing we found out was, when you get to a Super Bowl, both teams are treated the same, talked about in glowing terms. But when the game is over, only the team that won matters. Don Shula
You take on what’s right in front of you. You want to do the best you can with the opportunities that you have. Don Shula
And this year is going to be the 25th anniversary of the 17-0 team, the only undefeated season. Don Shula
When you’re 0-2 in the Super Bowl, they say unkind things about you. They say, ‘He can’t win the big one.’ And that’s the worst thing that can be said about you. Don Shula
Anybody that’s a Dolphins fan feels they’re headed in the right direction. Don Shula
You try to shut the criticism out, but it’s pretty hard to do. You see people on the street, friends, people that you know are in your corner, and they come and tell you how bad they feel, and that’s not the kind of conversation you want. I don’t want anyone to feel bad for me. Don Shula
And I coached against Mike when he was an assistant with the Bears and they won that football game. Don Shula
I can’t remember missing a practice because of illness. Don Shula
I never felt I knew it all. I always felt there’s something new to learn, something new to do. Don Shula
And then to end up with a total of 347 wins, averaging 10 regular season wins for 33 years and the best winning percentage, and I’m very proud of this, of any professional team from 1970 to 1996. Don Shula
What I learned from that loss, and also another loss that I’m going to talk about later, was that when you’re there, it’s not good enough to be there, when you’re there, you better walk away with that ring. Don Shula
You can’t play enough golf or do any of those other things that fill that kind of excitement that coaching gave me in the big games. Don Shula
Losing a Super Bowl destroys all the good things that happened to get you there. Don Shula
The 347 wins is the thing I’m most proud of. Nobody’s even close to it. Don Shula
Peyton Manning is doing things that I think no other quarterback in the history of the league has done at the line of scrimmage… I just think they are a team right now that’s got a real chance to run the table. Don Shula
The superior man blames himself. The inferior man blames others. Don Shula
