The following is what I call a “Quote Flush”. Quote Flushes are when I provide a series of great leadership quotes from magazines that I’m cleaning out. Enjoy these incredible insights from people who are the best at what they do!
Sporting News September 12th
- Skill – “He plays the game at pace. When he finds open space, he goes. The ability to play the game fast and with high skill – that’s why NHL players are NHL players.” – Dave Tippett on next year’s probable #1 draft pick Nail Yakupov
- Preparation – “This year I feel like I’ve just found myself to be more mentally prepared and physically prepared. The combination of that has led to what’s going on now.” – Probably Cy Young winner Justin Verlander
Sports Illustrated September 19th
- Goals – “My mentality is that I can be as good as I want to be, and I want to be great.” – Mario Williams
- Measurement – “You can measure yourself with your ability to beat the Steelers.” – Ozzie Newsome
- Expectations – “The sky’s not the limit. The heavens are.” – Green Bay WR Greg Jennings
- Experience – “He’s figured out you don’t have to go all out, helter-skelter, from pitch one.” – Jim Leyland on Verlander
Sports Illustrated September 26th
- Talent – “He’s as good as anyone out there that I’ve seen. He has changed their program completely.” – Mack Brown on Baylor’s Robert Griffin III
Sports Illustrated October 3rd
- Culture – “There’s a standard here for offensive lineman like nowhere else in the country – and no, I don’t feel bad for the scout teamers.” – Wisconsin center Peter Konz
- Chemistry – “Everyone on this line was a Wisconsin fan growing up. We have so much in common. That helps our chemistry.” – Ricky Wagner
- Priorities – “Football has just been a vehicle for me to get an education.” – Travis Frederick
- Resilience – “There is nothing that can happen on the field that this offense, defense and special teams can’t overcome.” – Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola
Sports Illustrated October 10th
- New Standards – “The problem with the league is, they’ve never seen a defensive tackle like this. He’s the best football player at that position I’ve seen.” – Gunther Cunningham on Ndamukong Suh
- Continual Improvement – “There are a lot of things to learn about this game…Until I have a perfect season, I won’t ever be able to say I’ve reached the pinnacle. And when I do have a perfect season, the next goal is to match it. I want a championship, and not just one. I want multiples.” – Suh
- Example – “We come to punish people. But everything we do starts with Coach Saban. Everything.” – Courtney Upshaw
- Intelligence – “Saban is as good a defensive mind as I’ve come across.” unidentified offensive coordinator
Sports Illustrated October 17th
- Confidence – “Once you start to second-guess yourself in this league, you’re done.” – Donovan McNabb
- Creativity – “You have to be creative in finding ways to beat enough teams that outspend you.” – St. Louis Cardinals GM John Mozelik
- Building A Champion – “We didn’t go full commitment into a long-term program until 2007, when we dove in, from ownership to A ball, with a plan and said, Here’s what we’re going to do: develop our own players, invest in infrastructure, hire the best scouts, treat them well, and give them the best tools they need. We’re going to patient with our players and our plan.” – Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels
USA Today October 18th
- Winning – “I just think winners win. And guys who won all the way through high school and college, the best player at every level, they have a way of making things happen and winning games.” – Tony Dungy on Tim Tebow and Cam Newton
- Flexibility – “He’s a special human being. How many guys go down to Triple-A at 27, 28 years old and are open to coaching and making a significant change? Nellie did that, and he deserves all the success he’s having.” – Daniels on AL play-off MVP Nelson Cruz
- Peace – “Nelson’s one of those guys who’s fortunate enough that when it’s crunch time, big situations, it’s almost like he calms himself down and does an even better job.” – Josh Hamilton
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