24 Things Champions Think – Pre-Game Leadership Quotes From Nick Saban And Others

Tonight is the national championship game between the Florida State Seminoles and Auburn Tigers.  The following are the pre-game leadership quotes leading up to the contest.  These insights give us great perspective into what is expected to succeed at the highest level.

  1. Expect Miracles – “A miracle at its core is a violation of the rules of experience and the laws of nature.”  – Tom Rinaldi
  2. HIgh Achievement Motivation and Low Anxiety – “You want your team to have high achievement motivation and low anxiety.” – Nick Saban
  3. Expect Greatness – “Where was it written we can’t blow out every team we play?” – Jameis Winston
  4. Seize Opportunity – “Every high school player and college player dreams of playing in a game like this.” – Saban
  5. Care About Others – “What separates him (Jimbo Fisher) from all the rest is he is a fantastic play-caller.  He plays the game through the quarterback’s eyes. ” – Saban
  6. Stay Humble – “Regarding the Heisman, who are you is more important than what you do.  Don’t let this award change who you are, how you treat people.  Let this award be a blessing that you got out and provide leadership and an example so this award means something.” – Saban
  7. Overcome Adversity – “There’s going to adversity in this game.” – David Pollack
  8. A Healthy Sense Of Pride – “To get to a national championship you have to have a lot of pride in what you do.” – Tim Taboo
  9. Change Of Perspective – “You cannot win as an underdog unless the coach convinces you you’re not an underdog.” – Lou Holtz
  10. Focus – “Stay focused on doing your job.  Don’t let the (Heisman) award change how you play.” – Saban
  11. Consistency – We’re going to keep doing the same things that got us here. – Gus Malzahn
  12. Simplicity Not Complexity – They only run a few plays but do them from a lot of formations. – Tebow
  13. Finish Well – “A lot of teams don’t know how to finish.” – Tre Mason
  14. Know Your Strengths – “The big people (lineman) are the difference in our league.” – Saban
  15. Prioritize What Is Important – “Jimbo built this team just like we built the team at LSU.  We have critical factors, size and speed, at each position.” – Saban
  16. Be Realistic – “Dreams are never supposed to come true.  That’s why their dreams.” – Fisher
  17. Control Your Environment – “You don’t try to stop him (Winston).  You try to control him.” – Tebow
  18. Be A Compliment Your Teammates – “The thing about this receiving corp (FSU) is that they compliment each other.” – Saban
  19. Be In Rhythm – “Is he (Winston) going to be in rhythm?  That will tell you whether Auburn’s defense has confused him or not.” – Saban
  20. Have Fun – “Live in the moment.  Enjoy this.  You’ve worked hard for this.  Have fun and live in the moment.” – Johnny Manziel
  21. Develop A Competitive Spirit – “This is one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever faced in 40 years of coaching.” – Saban on Manziel
  22. Be Disciplined – “Discipline or lack of discipline will win your lose this game against Auburn.” – Saban
  23. Make A Difference – “Creative negative plays against Auburn.” – Saban
  24. Talent Matters – “Players win games and FSU has better players.” – Pollack

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Brian Dodd

Brian Dodd is the author and content coordinator for Brian Dodd On Leadership. In addition to overseeing this site's content, Brian is Director of New Ministry Partnerships for INJOY Stewardship Solutions where he helps churches develop cultures of generosity. Brian has also authored the critically-acclaimed book The 10 Indispensable Practices Of The 2-Minute Leader.