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The Greatest Motivational Speeches in Sports History

It's Ray Lewis' birthday, so in honor of the future Hall of Famer, we look at some of the greatest speeches ever given in the history of sports.

In sports, the mental game is half the battle of any victory. You can train all you want, practice all you want, and run through every single play, but you still won't come out with the win if you and your teammates aren't mentally prepared. Great coaches all know this, from guys like Vince Lombardi to Jim Valvano . Being a great coach isn't just about managing personalities and laying out schemes, it's also about being a master motivator. 

Of course, moments of great motivation in sports don't have to just come before, during, or after a game. They can happen in moments of honor or awards or vulnerability. As Kevin Durant 's MVP acceptance speech proved to us last week, an individual award can also be a platform for recognizing an entire team, and the sacrifices made by loved ones for the good of another human being. It's times like these that sports inspire, motivate, and energize all of us. 

So, since it's Ray Lewis'  birthday today, and the former Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker is one of the greatest emotional leaders in all of sports, we put together  The Greatest Motivational Speeches in Sports History for you to sit through and enjoy. Feeling like you need an extra push to get to the weekend? Sit back, and take a listen. After hearing one of these, you'll feel like you can climb Everest. 

15. "I'm Hurt, Dawg."

Speaker : Ed Reed Date : 10/13/2001 Team : Miami Hurricanes Situation : Halftime of the 2001 Miami-Florida State rivalry game

Sometimes, a motivational speech doesn't have to be long in order to be effective. A moment that is short and sweet can easily be just as inspirational as long-winded oration, and with a man who is as soft-spoken as All-Pro safety Ed Reed, it shouldn't be surprising that his speech would go straight to the point. Back in his senior season with the Miami Hurricanes, Reed and his teammates found themselves down 21-13 at halftime against their rival Florida State, putting their perfect season in jeopardy.

However, as they were readying themselves to head back out onto the field, Reed delivered a few choice words to let his fellow 'Canes know that they needed to step it up. "I'm putting my heart in this shit, dawg," he screamed. "Let's go, man!" Thankfully, Reed's teammates heard him. The Hurricanes would score 27 points in the third quarter en route to a 49-27 victory. 

14. Who Am I?

Speaker : Coach Flowers Date : Unknown Team : Leland High School JV football team Situation : Pre-game address for JV conference championship

In terms of intensity and preparation, Coach Flowers of the Leland Chargers takes the cake on this list. Firstly, he has his players ready to respond with the "I am a champion" remark. Secondly, he has a script in hand. Thirdly, he's playing music from The Last of the Mohicans in the background.

Honestly, the entire affair is borderline insane—especially when you consider that this was for a JV football game—but you have to love his commitment to the production, and if this doesn't get you motivated or pumped up in the least bit, then you should consider getting your pulse checked.

13. We Are BC

Speaker : Steve Addazio Date : 8/31/2013 Team : Boston College Eagles Situation : Pre-game address for Boston College's season opener

In his first season as the head football coach for the Boston College Eagles, Steve Addazio wanted to let his players know that they were part of something bigger than one season or one team. " We’re BC," he told them. "It’s not just about 11 on the field at one time...T his program is built on the whole family."

Addazio was speaking of the entire Boston College football legacy, a lineage that spanned back for decades, and one that those players were now members of. And in his first game with the team, Addazio's players did well to represent that history, defeating the Villanova Wildcats 24-14.

12. Pissed Off For Greatness

Speaker: Ray Lewis  Date:  5/28/2012 Team:  Stanford Cardinal men's basketball team Situation:  Pre-game address for the 2012 NIT semifinals

We've seen it countless times before throughout Ray Lewis' storied career: the Baltimore Ravens defensive leader acting as the team's emotional compass. However, we'd never really seen Lewis provide these services for another team until the Stanford Cardinal men's basketball team brought Lewis into their fold for the 2012 NIT tournament.

The NIT may not be that prestigious anymore, but that wasn't going to stop Stanford from making it a once-in-a-lifetime moment. With Lewis' help, the Cardinal learned they needed to be "pissed off for greatness." And clearly, they were. The team would go on to defeat their opponent, UMass, by a score of 74-64 before winning the entire tournament in the next round.

11. I Know Your Heart

Speaker : Derrick Moore Date : 9/1/2007 Team : Georgia Tech football team Situation : Pre-game address for Georgia Tech's season opener

As the team chaplain, Derrick Moore had a close relationship with the members of the 2007 Georgia Tech football team. And when the squad was getting ready to start up their 2007 season, he let those guys know how much it meant to them. 

"It has truly been an honor to know each and everyone one of you by name," he began. "I know your heart." Delving into this relationship, Moore continues his speech with an evangelical fervor, letting each and every player know that they have what it takes to succeed. On that day, the Yellow Jackets proved Moore correct. They squashed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 33-3. 

10. Manic Aggression

Speaker : Paul O'Connell Date : 2/11/2007 Team : Ireland rugby team Situation : Pre-game address for Six Nations Test versus France

Rugby players are a different breed, as they willfully put their bodies on the line for every test without any of the protection that an American football game can offer. However, it's not just the physical differences that separate rugby players from the rest. It's also the mental aspect, as you'll see from Paul O'Connell's stirring, but intimidating, pre-test speech for Ireland's Six Nations test against France. 

O'Connell wants his teammates to "put the fear of God" in their opponents, among other, equally intense objectives. Since the speech, O'Connell has admitted that he's now  "embarrassed"  about the moment (perhaps because Ireland ended up losing the test), but we believe that he still deserves recognition for rallying his teammates no matter how over-the-top his methods may have been.

9. We Got 30 Minutes For the Rest of Our Lives

Speaker : Tim Tebow Date : 1/8/2009 Team : Florida Gators Situation : 2009 BCS National Championship Game

With his Florida Gators knotted with the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, Tim Tebow wanted his team to come out of halftime ready to win. After a lackluster first half, the game was tied at just 7-7. However, Tebow declared that it wouldn't stay that way for long. "We get the ball, I can promise you one thing," he said. "We're gonna hit somebody, and we'll take it downfield for a touchdown." The Gators would make good on his guarantee, edging out the Sooners 24-14.

8. It's Not Going to Come Easy

Speaker : Vince Lombardi Date : 1/14/1968 Team : Green Bay Packers Situation : Pre-game addess for Super Bowl II

Vince Lombardi is the kind of legendary figure in sports whose presence and poise often meant more than his words. As the head coach for the Green Bay Packers, Lombardi led his team to the first two Super Bowl titles in NFL history, first over the Kansas City Chiefs, and then over the Oakland Raiders. However, in Super Bowl II, there were some who felt that the Raiders would have a chance to defeat the Packers after the hard-fought game Green Bay had endured against the Dallas Cowboys in the previous round.

Sensing a possible letdown, Lombardi let his team know what they needed to do in a succinct, but inspiring, pre-game speech. "Just hit, just run, just block, and just tackle," he told them. And it was as simple as that. Green Bay would go on to win 33-14.

7. It's About Us

Speaker : Drew Brees Date : 12/26/2011 Team : New Orleans Saints Situation : Post-game address after the Brees broke Dan Marino's single-season passing record

It isn't often that you see a player go out of their way to thank every member of the organization or the team that they're a part of after they've earned an award or broken a record. However, after breaking Dan Marino's long-standing record for most passing yards in a single season back in 2011, Drew Brees made sure that everyone in the locker room knew how much they meant to him when he was given the game ball by the coaching staff.

"It's about us," Brees said, as he thanked the equipment managers, the owners, his teammates, and seemingly everyone he could think of. At the end of the speech, it should be clear to everyone why the New Orleans Saints have enjoyed all the success they've earned with Brees at the helm: his unshakable belief in the concept of teamwork.

6. This Is Your Everest

Speaker : Jim Telfer Date : 6/21/1997 Team : British & Irish Lions Situation : Pre-game address for test against the Springboks

With the British & Irish Lions playing the underdog during their 1997 tour in South Africa, assistant coach Jim Telfer knew that he needed a way to properly inspire his Lions players to victory. And as they were readying for their first test against the Springboks, Telfer succeeded in his mission. 

"You have an awesome responsibility on these eight individual forward's shoulders, an awesome responsibility," Telfer began. "This your f***ing Everest boys. Very few ever get the chance in rugby terms to get to Everest, the top of Everest. You have the chance." The Lions would seize the opportunity, winning their test series 2-1 in a considerable upset. 

5. You're the Real MVP

Speaker : Kevin Durant Date : 5/6/2014 Team : Oklahoma City Thunder Situation : His acceptance speech for the 2013-14 NBA MVP Award

Last week, in what was one of the longest and greatest acceptance speeches ever, Kevin Durant gave an off-the-cuff and passionate explanation of what winning the NBA MVP Award meant to him, and how exactly he got there. Many were touched by the words he said about his mother, thanking her profusely for everything he gave him and the rest of their family.  "When you didn't eat, you made sure we ate. You went to sleep hungry. You sacrificed for us. You're the real MVP," he said.

However, it wasn't just the love for his mother that grabbed everyone's attention. It was also the fact that Durant wanted to thank every single one of his teammates, especially his superstar counterpart Russell Westbrook, when detailing how he managed to earn the prestigious award. 

For years, Durant had been labelled as "too nice," a sort of backhanded compliment that he finally managed to shed this year by ruthlessly dominating teams night in and night out. However, in his most vulnerable moment yet, everyone was glad to see that KD could still be the nice guy when the time called for it. KD's words motivated the Thunder to a 112-101 victory over the Clippers the following night.

4. It Ain't About One Play

Speaker : Ray Lewis Date : 1/22/2012 Team : Baltimore Ravens Situation : Post-game address for the 2012 AFC Championship Game

After a tough loss to the New England Patriots in the 2012 AFC Championship Game, the Baltimore Ravens weren't feeling good about themselves. A stripped pass in the end zone had prevented the Ravens from scoring the winning touchdown in the closing minute, and a missed field had kept them from tying it at the last second. However, Ray Lewis wasn't about to listen to anyone who wanted to moan about the loss or a single play.

"We fought as a team," he said in the locker room. "The fact is, we gotta come back and go to work." They certainly did. The Ravens would avenge their AFC Championship Game loss in the next season against the Patriots before capturing their second Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLVII. 

3. This is Our F***ing City

Speaker : David Ortiz Date : 4/20/2013 Team : Boston Red Sox Situation : Pre-game address to Boston fans

After the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy, the city of Boston was in need of a boost to their morale. So, with the city turning out in huge number for the April 20 game against the Kansas City Royals, star player David Ortiz knew that he needed to bring up the crowd's spirits. It wasn't a long, eloquent speech, but it was incredibly effective. 

First, Ortiz let them know that the Red Sox represented the city of Boston, and not just the franchise. After that, he thanked the Boston mayor, the Massachusetts governor, and all the public service employees who had helped Boston citizens during the horrific incident. Then, out of nowhere, Ortiz said his now-famous line: "This is our fucking city. And nobody gonna dictate our freedom. Stay strong." Mind you, this happened on live television.  However, given the gravity of the moment, it's hard to believe that anyone would complain about Ortiz's sentiments. 

2. Leave No Doubt

Speaker : Billl Stewart Date : 1/2/2008 Team : West Virginia Mountaineers Situation : Pre-game address for the 2008 Fiesta Bowl

Interim head coach Bill Stewart took over the West Virginia football team at a tumultuous moment. Former head coach Rich Rodriguez had just left the team to take the job as the Michigan Wolverines HC, leaving his Mountaineers players without their offensive mastermind and leader. However, Stewart wasn't willing to let his players get too down about it. With the Oklahoma Sooners waiting, Stewart needed his guys to be ready to play.

"Let 'em know," he told them. "Leave no doubt tonight! They shouldn't have played the old Gold and Blue!" He was right. The Mountaineers would dominate the Sooners by a score of 48-28, making the loss one of the worst in Bob Stoops' career as the Oklahoma head coach. 

1. Don't Ever Give Up

Speaker : Jim Valvano Date : 3/4/1993 Team : N/A Situation : The 1993 ESPY Awards

With cancer ravaging his body, former NC State men's basketball coach Jimmy Valvano was determined to make one last stand to the public, delivering a speech at the inaugural ESPY Awards that would come to define his legacy. 

During his speech, Valvano candidly explained the consequences of his illness, but still bravely rallied support for his cause, and remained adamant that no one give up hope. " I just got one last thing," he said. "I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have." And on a closing note, Valvano famously expressed, " Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever."

Valvano would succumb to cancer on April 28, 1993. However, the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research lives on to carry his name. 

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16 Of The Greatest Motivational Sports Speeches In History

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Famous Sports Speeches

Famous sports speeches highlight some of the greatest speeches about sports in the history of athletics. From famous speeches by athletes to legendary speeches by coaches, many of the most memorable sentiments in sports history are here on this sports speech list. This list includes motivational speeches for athletes, pump up speeches, and just the most all around famous sport speeches.

If " great moments are born from great opportunity ," then these famous sports speeches helped those opportunities become great moments by providing the motivation to achieve the impossible. What are the most famous sports speeches? From the pre-game pump-up speeches by coaches before championship games to the reflection speeches given after great careers, these famous sports speeches are some of the best ever.

What are the greatest speeches in sports? While sports movies like Any Given Sunday  and Hoosiers give plenty of fictional inspiring speeches , these speeches took place in real life and inspired generations to come.

Jimmy Valvano

Appearing at the first ESPY Awards on March 3, 1993, former North Carolina State basketball coach Jimmy Valvano gave an emotional and motivational speech while accepting the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. Valvano was suffering from cancer at the time, announcing The V Foundation and urging everyone to laugh, think and cry everyday, words that also appeared on his tombstone after he lost his battle with cancer less than two months later.

Showing strength and optimism in the face of adversity, baseball legend Lou Gehrig gave the famous "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech during a New York Yankees game on July 4, 1939, which was also deemed Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day.

Only days earlier, the six-time World Series champion had retired from the game after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans... So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."

Herb Brooks

Speaking to his players prior to a game at the 1980 Winter Olympics, legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks inspired his squad to complete the impossible and beat the dominant Soviet team. They did just that, completing the "Miracle on Ice" and went on to win the gold medal.

Though the original speech was done in a private locker room, in the 2004 film Miracle , Kurt Russell recreated the speech.

"Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that's what you have here tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game; if we played them ten times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players—every one of you, and you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it!"

Muhammad Ali

Prior to fighting George Foreman on October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali read this poem as part of the build-up for the fight known as "The Rumble in the Jungle." Ali won the fight in the eighth round, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the history of boxing.

Frail and in pain from nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth made one last appearance at Yankee Stadium for "Babe Ruth Day" on April 27, 1947, to give his farewell speech. The Bambino addressed the sell-out crowd of over 60,000 by reflecting on his journey to the big leagues and inspiring generations to follow in his footsteps.

"Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.

You know how bad my voice sounds -- well it feels just as bad.

You know this baseball game of ours comes up from the youth. That means the boys.

And after you're a boy and grow up to know how to play ball, then you come to the boys you see representing themselves today in your national pastime, the only real game -- I think -- in the world, baseball.

As a rule, some people think if you give them a football, or a baseball, or something like that -- naturally they're athletes right away.

But you can't do that in baseball.

You've gotta start from way down [at] the bottom, when you're six or seven years of age. You can't wait until you're fifteen or sixteen. You gotta let it grow up with you. And if you're successful, and you try hard enough, you're bound to come out on top -- just like these boys have come to the top now.

There's been so many lovely things said about me, and I'm glad that I've had the opportunity to thank everybody.

Vince Lombardi

Easily considered one of the best National Football League coaches ever, the great Vince Lombardi gave this final speech to his players on the Green Bay Packers prior to Super Bowl II on January 14, 1968. Lombardi's team defeated the Oakland Raiders 33-14 to win their second-consecutive Super Bowl. His legacy was later honored with the Super Bowl trophy being renamed the Lombardi Trophy.

Michael Irvin

Following a career with a few speed bumps, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver reflected as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 4, 2007. "The Playmaker" was emotional during the speech as he talked about mistakes he made, his relationship with his family and why no one should ever give up.

"I doubted I would ever have the chance to stand before you today. So when I returned home, I spoke with Michael and Elijah . I said, That's how you do it, son. You do it like they did it. Michael asked, he said, Dad, do you ever think we will be there? And I didn't know how to answer that. And it returned me to that threshing floor. This time I was voiceless, but my heart cried out. God, why must I go through so many peaks and valleys?

I wanted to stand in front of my boys and say, Do it like your dad, like any proud dad would want to. Why must I go through so much?

Knute Rockne

Immortalized in the college football movie "Rudy," Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne is remembered for two notable sports speeches. In addition to his "win one for the Gipper" speech, Rockne gave this memorable and motivational speech during his time coaching the Fighting Irish from 1918 to 1930.

During his time with the team, Rockne led Notre Dame to an incredible 105-12-5 record and five national championships.

"Well, boys, I haven't a thing to say. Played a great game ... all of you. Great game. I guess we just can't expect to win 'em all. I'm going to tell you something I've kept to myself for years. None of you ever knew George Gipp. It was long before your time. But you know what a tradition he is at Notre Dame. And the last thing he said to me, 'Rock,' he said, 'sometime, when the team is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock,' he said, 'but I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."

"And don't forget, men — today is the day we're gonna win. They can't lick us — and that's how it goes… The first platoon men — go in there and fight, fight, fight, fight, fight! What do you say, men!"

On September 17, 2001, less than a week after the country was shook by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck recited a heartfelt poem to the crowd at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. Titled For America , Buck read the emotional poem to open the game, which was the first since the attacks.

Two years before he'd lead the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup Championship at the age of 37, National Hockey League goaltender Tim Thomas gave this motivational speech at the NHL Awards on June 18, 2009, while accepting the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the league.

His rags to riches story was told in the emotional acceptance speech and remembered as one of the best sports speeches of all time.

"I never really allowed myself to believe that I might win because it seemed like such a faraway dream. When you look at the names on the Vezina Trophy, they're legends, and it's humbling to even be mentioned in the same sentence. I've been more worried about getting my name on a roster than I have been about winning the Vezina Trophy... Throughout my career, there were so many times when I got my hopes up and had them come crashing down behind me."

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Best 10 Motivational Sports Speeches in History

By Jesse Long

Updated on: September 20, 2021

Sports are an important part of the human experience. They create competition, but they also provide many life lessons.

Sports are more than playing games, they involve learning how to win graciously and lose with the mindset of a champion. Athletes learn how to dig deep inside and come together in victory and defeat alike.

Sports are a great source of inspiration for many people, and some of the motivational speeches  are full of lessons that can apply to all aspects of life. Here are the best 10 motivational speeches in sports history.

Table of Contents

#1. Jim Valvano 1993 Espy Awards

In 1993, the beloved basketball coach for NC State was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage & Humanitarian Award at the Espys. His speech was inspirational and brave, as he gave his point of view on sports and life. He was battling cancer at the time.

He starts off by saying that the way to get through hard times is to laugh, you should think, and you should cry. He tells a great story about his first coaching job, and he says that the way to get where you want to be is by having enthusiasm for life.

He talks about his family and how important they are, and he goes on to say that he plans to spend the rest of his life raising money to fight cancer. He encourages everyone to join him in this battle. His speech is the epitome of courage, and it leaves you feeling inspired.

#2. Herb Brooks 1980 Olympics Team USA Hockey

In 1980, the United States Hockey Team was getting ready to face the USSR in the Olympics. They were not expected to win. Their victory is considered one of the greatest wins by an underdog in all sports. Herb Brooks was the head coach, and he gave the team a motivational speech that is considered one of the greatest of all time.

He started by telling the team that great moments are born from great opportunity, and he was able to motivate the team by getting them to live in that moment no matter what else might happen another day. This is a great example of how a legendary coach can motivate his team and get the best out of them.

#3. Lou Gehrig Luckiest Man Speech

Lou Gehrig’s final appearance at Yankee Stadium was one of the most emotional ever. He was ill, and the Yankees celebrated him with members of the famous 1927 Yankees team and more. With over 60,000 fans in the stands, Lou stood on the field and listened to legends such as Mickey Mantle sing his praises.

When it was time for Gehrig to speak, he was too emotional. However, hearing chants of the crowd asking for him, he gave in. He was sick and dying of what is now called Lou Gehrig’s disease , but he begins his speech, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Even as his health was failing, Gehrig teaches us that there is always something to be grateful for.

#4. Knute Rockne Notre Dame Coach

This speech by legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne is a great example of his pep talks to the team. In 1928, the team was having what would have been Rockne’s only losing season, and Walter Cronkite got this recording for his CBS-TV series titled “Twentieth Century.” It shows his style.

He spoke in staccato and emphasized the key points. His intonation sends the message as much as his words. Later on, in the movie, “Rudy,” Rudy delivers part of this speech in the Notre Dame locker room. Not only did Knute Rockne inspire his teams to win games, but he inspired a kid to pursue his dream of playing football.

#5. Jack Buck’s 9-11 Poem

The terror attacks on the United States left an entire nation stunned yet resolved to rise up again. Jack Buck, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals, wrote and delivered his poem, “ For America,” on September 17, 2001 to a crowd of 32,000 baseball fans.

Jack Buck retired from announcing in 2000, but he made one last appearance to deliver this poem at Busch Stadium. The poem is short and to the point, but it is inspirational and gives people hope. Baseball was living proof that the terrorists couldn’t take away the American dream, and Jack Buck knocked this one out of the park.

#6. David Belisle 2014 Little League World Series

When his team was eliminated from the Little League World Series by just one run, he gave a speech to his team of 11- and 12-year-old boys that helped them rise up from their disappointing loss. The boys didn’t have a meltdown; he points out how well they played and the little things that really matter.

He tells the boys to hold their heads up high because everyone is proud of them, and he tells them to celebrate before returning home to a parade for their accomplishments. His words are truly inspirational, and this speech had a huge and lasting impact on those boys and anyone who listens to it.

#7. Ray Lewis Hall of Fame Speech (NFL)

If anyone can preach, it’s Ray Lewis. His presentation is enough to inspire anyone to believe in their dreams. He tells a story of how he wasn’t supposed to survive, but here he is. His speech is all about his career, and he relives moments and tells how he overcame adversity.

When he talks of his injury and how he promised to come back, and he did. He says he is living proof of the impossible. He talks about working through pain and bouncing back from it. He truly embodies an athlete who will never let anything get in his way.

He speaks to kids who might be at home and thinking of joining a gang, and he shows them that he is living proof that you have to chase your dreams. He grew up in the projects, too. He has strong faith, and he attributes his strength to his mom.

#8. Kevin Durant 2013-2014 MVP Speech

When Kevin Durant accepted the 2013-2014 MVP, he gave an incredible speech on how he got there. He talks about tough times growing up and how he never imagined he would go to college much less play in the NBA. He gets quite emotional as he tells everyone what the people who are close to him meant to his journey.

This speech is inspirational for anyone who is struggling with adversity. He not only tells how he made it to this place in spite of incredible adversity, but he mentions everyone who played a role along the way. He is truly a humble and grateful person who made it to the top of his sport, and he acknowledges what a huge role his family, mentors, and friends have played along the way.

#9. Al Pacino’s “Inch by Inch” Speech

In the 1999 film, “Any Given Sunday,” Al Pacino plays the football coach, and he gives a powerful talk to the team about the importance of inches. Not only are his words true and applicable to just about any situation in life, but they fire the team up and lead them to victory.

A great coach needs to motivate the team to fight for the win, and in this movie, Al Pacino does a brilliant job of inspiring his team with this speech. Everyone can learn from this speech. The “inches” are the little things in life that add up to keep you on your path. It is true of all sports and all life experiences.

#10. Rocky Balboa “It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit”

This is another great motivational speech from a movie. When Rocky’s son is letting him know how hard his life is because of his father, Rocky gives him a lesson on life. In a speech from the heart, Rocky lets his son know how much he loves him and believes in him before schooling him on his insecurities.

It’s a simple lesson, and it relates to boxing as well as life. He says, “It ain’t about how hard you hit.” Then he explains that it’s about how many times you can get hit and keep going in life. The point is that life is hard, and you have to be tough enough to go after your dreams without letting any excuses get in your way.

Final Words

Sports provide a lot of material for motivation. While sports is about winning, athletes and coaches know that you can’t win every game. Your failures make you better, and your teammates, coaches, family, and mentors help you achieve your dreams. Winning is a result of coming together for a common goal, and life works the same way. These are truly great examples of how to learn to stand up strong, rely on family and friends, and believe in yourself.

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5 Fantastic Motivational Sporting Speeches

Motivational speeches have been a source of inspiration (and a catalyst for change) for almost as long as humans have existed.

From Alexander the Great, who encouraged his soldiers to stand up and continue fighting after a gruesome battle against the Paurava kingdom in 326 BC to George Washington’s infamous resignation speech in 1784, the use of one’s words and voice to inspire others has shaped history and greatly contributed to the world as we know it today.

In the world of sports, speeches are used to motivate and inspire players, acting as an impetus that drives them to perform at their best.

But motivational sporting speeches are not applicable to athletes alone. The themes that are shared in these speeches are universally relatable, making them relevant to individuals from all walks of life.

Whether it’s overcoming adversity, rising to the challenge or the importance of teamwork, sports players, coaches, and other athletic professionals have an abundance of wisdom to share.

Thus, in today’s blog, we’ll be sharing some of the best sports speeches and quotes from the past. We hope they inspire you as much as they inspire us!

1. Herb Brooks – 1980 Olympic Hockey Pre-Game Speech

Herbert Paul Brooks was a hockey player and coach from Minnesota. He is best known for coaching the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1980 to one of the greatest upsets in American sports history when they defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union at Lake Placid. The team was not expected to win since the Soviets had defeated the U.S. 10-3 in their final exhibition game at Madison Square Garden. But Brooks was not willing to go down without a fight, giving an extremely powerful speech before his players hit the ice — an address that many of his players credited for the team’s victory. The speech was so memorable and moving it was featured in the blockbuster film, Miracle , with Kurt Russell playing Brooks.

Below is a quote from Brooks’ motivational sports speech:

“Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here, tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game. If we played ’em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It’s over. I’m sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw ’em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.”

Click here to watch a clip from the movie Miracle , in which Kurt Russell reenacts this unforgettable moment.

2. Jim Valvano – 1993 ESPY Awards Speech

Many of the world’s most significant speeches came from a place of pain or hardship, and inspirational sports speeches are no different. Jim Valvano, coach of the North Carolina State University basketball team, gave such a speech at the Excellence in Sports Yearly Awards (ESPYs) in 1993 after he’d been diagnosed with a terminal type of glandular cancer. The speech was meant to encourage his audience to live their lives to the fullest and eventually went down in history as one of the most important inspirational coach speeches of all time.

Here is a quote from his lecture:

“There are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

You can watch the entire speech on YouTube here .

3. Billy Donovan – 2006 NCAA Championship Game

Billy Donovan was the Florida Gator’s men’s basketball team in 2006— a team that had struggled the year prior. Under Donovan’s guidance, however, they were able to reach the championship game. Before the game started, Donovan spoke to his players, delivering a forceful sermon about seizing the moment.

Below is a quote from his speech, which is considered by many to be one of the most inspirational sports speeches ever given:

“Tonight is not about the past and it’s not about the future. It’s about right now, and you guys have got to want this night to last forever.”

Watch the full clip of Billy Donovan’s pregame speech here .

4. LeBron James – 2018 AAU North Coast Blue Chips Speech

LeBron James is one of the greatest names in NBA history with three championships under his belt and three Olympic gold medals amongst a long list of other achievements. But one of James’ most memorable speeches actually occurred while he was attending his 13-year-old son’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) game in 2018. Before the game began, James took the opportunity to share one of his greatest lessons with the young players— that teamwork really does make the dream work. His words instantly became one of his most admired sports inspirational speeches.

Here is a quote from the address:

“Many Hall of Famer’s and some of the best players to ever play the game have come off the bench— or didn’t play. That don’t mean you aren’t good. There are guys in the NBA that don’t play. Does that mean they aren’t good? No. They are playing a role. If you don’t want a role, play tennis or play golf. Because then you can do whatever [expeletive] you want to do, and you’ve got no one else to blame because it’s an individual sport. But if you want to play a team sport, there’s going to be things you’ve got to give up to get what you want.”

You can watch the clip in its entirety here . 

5. Dave Belisle – 2014 Little League World Series Speech

Coaching a team is always a responsibility that mentors take seriously. But when you’re coaching 12-year-old boys, that responsibility becomes even more heartfelt and profound. Dave Belisle knows this first-hand as he was the coach of the Cumberland, Rhode Island team that lost their championship Little League game to Jackie Robinson West of Chicago, Illinois in 2014. Seeing the defeat on his young player’s faces, Belisle gathered his team for some final words, which eventually went down in history as one of the most touching motivational sporting speeches in baseball history.

“The only reason why I’m shedding a tear is because this is the last time I’m going to end up coaching you guys. I’m going to bring back with me, and the coaching staff is going to bring back with them, something that no one other team can provide but you guys. That’s pride. Pride.

You’re going to take that for the rest of your life, what you provided for our town in Cumberland. You had the whole place jumping. You had the whole state jumping. You had New England jumping. You had ESPN jumping. Want to know why? They like fighters. They like sportsmen. They like guys who don’t quit. They like guys who play the game the right way.

If everyone would play baseball like the Cumberland Americans, this would be the greatest game. When you walk around this ballpark in the next couple of days, they’re going to look at you and say, “Hey, guys, you guys were awesome.” 

Watch the entire clip on Youtube here .

Are you looking for athletes who can deliver motivational sporting speeches for your events? Sports Speakers 360 has thousands of athletes from which to choose. Call us today at 303-747-4087 or visit https://www.sportsspeakers360.com .

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TheSportster

Top 10 incredible speeches given by athletes.

Sports are about hard work, determination, commitment, teamwork, practice and a little more hard work. To succeed in the world of sport an athlete must be both physically and mentally strong, and this

Sports are about hard work, determination, commitment, teamwork, practice and a little more hard work. To succeed in the world of sport an athlete must be both physically and mentally strong, and this means that all athletes should have an incredibly high drive and strong work ethic. They have all had to sacrifice and work hard to get to where they are today, with many of them going on particularly difficult journeys to become professional athletes. This makes them fascinating, inspirational and motivational individuals, and over the years there have been many of them which have delivered incredible speeches which have inspired, moved or entertained sports fans around the world.

Normally, listening to athletes being interviewed after games is a dull, predictable affair where they rehash the same old clichés of “giving 110%”, but under circumstances such as award acceptances, retirement announcements and Hall of Fame inductions there have been many brilliantly written or improvised speeches which will be forever remembered. Although constantly in the public eye, athletes rarely get the opportunity to fully express themselves, as their only opportunities arise after a grueling match where a microphone and camera are thrust in their face, or through 140 characters on Twitter, neither of which are the ideal platform to fully express ones thoughts and opinions.

Of course not all athletes are able to articulate their thoughts and many of them are not particularly reflective, but when some athletes get the time and space to express themselves then you will be taken back by what they have to say. We all know that coaches and characters in sports films are able to deliver rousing speeches which can inspire, fire up, move and motivate those that hear them, but what about the athletes?

Here are the top 10 speeches of all time delivered by athletes.

10 10. Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas’s acceptance of the 2009 Vezina award was very humble and Thomas was clearly moved as he delivered his speech. It was a short but sweet speech, but he managed to win everyone’s hearts when he modestly claimed that he had been “more worried about getting my name on the roster than I have been about winning the Vezina Trophy”. Thomas famously struggled to get on a team for many years, so to be voted the league’s best goalie just a few years later it was a truly inspiring story.

He was clearly grateful to be where he was, and does his best to acknowledge those that have stood by him. He would lead the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup a couple of years later. Generally speaking, athletes are arrogant and egotistical, so to see such a humble, heartfelt speech was refreshing to see and helped Thomas stand out from the crowd.

9 9. Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis could have had his own top 10 list, as he has delivered an enormous amount of inspirational speeches over the years. He delivers the kind of speeches you find in Hollywood films, and could certainly have a career as a motivational speaker. This speech was delivered to his teammates following the Ravens loss in the AFC Championship game to the Patriots, a time in which most would feel despondent.

Lewis rallied his troops by stating how the taste of defeat would make them stronger, but also how there is more to life than sports as football offers an escape for those who are going through real pain. “This right here makes us stronger. Let’s understand who we are as a team, let's understand who we are as men, and let's make somebody smile when we walk out of here.”

8 8. Dennis Rodman

Although he struggled to get through his speech from the get go, there are not many speeches given by athletes as heartfelt as this one. The Worm let out his true personality to show that his eccentric outfits and wild lifestyle was just a cover, and he was in fact somebody with many flaws. By the end of the speech Rodman used the platform to reach out to his family and how he how wishes he can be a better father to his kids.

Although not the most eloquent, it was clearly a cathartic moment for Rodman and a touching speech which gave us an insight into the real Dennis Rodman. “I didn’t play the game for the money. I didn’t play to be famous. What you see here is just an illusion; I just love to be an individual that’s very colourful.”

7 7. Muhammad Ali

Although not a retirement or Hall of Fame speech, it is impossible to leave off Muhammad Ali when it comes to athlete speeches. He had an incredible way with words like no other athlete, and listening to him speak is as entertaining as watching him in the ring. Before his shock victory over George Foreman in 1974 in a fight dubbed The Rumble in the Jungle, Ali delivered a fantastic poem which epitomises his cheek, flair and confidence.

This poem is packed full of lines which the top rappers would be proud of. “For this fight I’ve wrestled with alligators, I’ve tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightning and thrown thunder in jail”, as well as the excellent line, “I’m so mean, I make medicine sick”.

6 6. Darrell Green

Darrell Green’s Hall of Fame speech was the perfect blend of humour along with heartfelt emotion, which endeared him to the entire crowd and made sure that he wasn’t the only one crying by the end. He spoke from the heart about both of his parents who are deceased, but made sure not to miss anyone out who had helped him along the way. He delivered the speech in an engaging fashion and had everybody hanging on his every word, and it was a speech that was fitting for such an incredible athlete. His opening line set the tone for the rest of the speech, “Deacon Jones said I would cry. You bet your life I’m going to cry”.

5 5. Ted Williams

Ted Williams used his baseball 1966 Hall of Fame induction as a platform to urge for the addition of black players to Cooperstown. Williams said “I hope that one day Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson will be voted into the Hall of Fame as symbols of the great Negro players who are not here because they weren’t given a chance”. Paige and Gibson were inducted into the Hall of Fame a few years later.

His speech also served as a love letter to the game of baseball and why it is one of the top American sports. This along with him voicing his opinion made his speech a lot more engaging than the majority of speeches which act as a long thank you list.

4 4. Curtis Martin

Curtis Martin’s Hall of Fame speech dealt with heavy subject matter and it clearly helped Martin to articulate his thoughts. His honesty surrounding the abuse his mother suffered at the hands of his late father make for a difficult watch, but it became clear how this became a pivotal moment in his life. His difficult upbringing, death of family members and near death experiences led his mother to tell him to do something after school so that he would be safe.

Despite not being a fan, Martin chose football as his hobby. He excelled at football, and would soon meet a much needed positive male role model, coach Bill Parsons, who helped him to become a successful athlete and man. It is a fantastic, moving and at times disturbing speech, and a terrific insight into the difficult journey that Martin went through to reach the Hall of Fame.

3 3. Michael Irvin

Off-field legal issues surrounded Michael Irvin’s playing career and life after the Dallas Cowboys, but instead of hiding from these dark times during his Hall of Fame induction speech, Irvin tackled them head on. The emotional, brave speech had everyone, including Irvin, in tears, and it was clearly a cathartic moment for the former wide receiver who has battled many demons. No one could question his talent, but many had questioned his character over the years, but this heartfelt speech moved even those who questioned him and people were taken back by his honesty. This speech will be best remembered for the inspiring line “look up, get up and don’t ever give up”.

2 2. Kevin Durant

Whoever wins MVP this season is going to have a hard time topping this speech. Kevin Durant’s MVP acceptance speech stunned the entire world and left even the toughest of people claiming they had something in their eye. Durant is a quiet athlete, which made his near half an hour speech even more gripping and heartfelt. Being the great person that he is, Durant went on to individually thank just about everyone at the Thunder franchise and those that have helped him along the way.

The real beauty of this speech however was when he talked about his upbringing and his mother, who sacrificed so much for Kevin and his brother when they were both young. Durant went on to claim to his mom that “you the real MVP”, which has since become a popular saying. This inspiring and touching speech was amazingly open and genuine, and certainly one for the ages.

1 1. Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig’s speech will go down as not only one of the greatest sports speeches of all time, but one of the greatest speeches in American history. Gehrig was one of the best to play the game and a class act, but in 1939 he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This quick and aggressive disease forced him into retirement, and it would claim his life just a few years later.

An appreciation day was put on by the Yankees in his honour, and it was here that Gehrig delivered his world famous speech to a packed Yankee Stadium. The entire speech is something to behold, with the opening of the speech being enough to send chills down the spines of many; “Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself to be the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

5 Best Sports Speeches of All Time, Ranked

Sports speeches have the power to unite, inspire, and motivate people to achieve greatness both on and off the field. From coaches rallying their teams to victory, to athletes sharing their personal struggles, the power of words moves us more than any physical feat could. In this article, we’re ranking five of the best sports speeches of all time !

The Best Sports Speeches

#5 – jim valvano’s 1993 espy awards speech.

Valvano, a beloved basketball coach for NC State, delivered a heartfelt and courageous speech as he battled cancer. He shared his perspective on sports and life, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment and never giving up. In the address, he says, “I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have to spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going, to be enthusiastic every day.” From a man fighting terminal cancer, Valvano’s speech was moving yet inspirational, making this one of the best sports speeches ever recorded. He ended his heartfelt speech with these words: “Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind. It cannot touch my heart. And it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.”

#4 – “The Greatest” by Muhammad Ali

Ali, known for his prowess in the boxing ring as well as his activism outside of it, gave this speech before one of his most highly anticipated fights against Sonny Liston in 1964. In this speech, Ali confidently claims that he is the greatest boxer of all time , captivating the audience with his charisma and self-assuredness. But what makes “The Greatest” memorable is Ali’s ability to address larger societal issues. He challenges the status quo and encourages standing up against racial injustice. Ali’s powerful words and unwavering self-belief made him not just a sports figure, but also a cultural icon and symbol of the civil rights movement.

“Don’t count the days; make the days count.” – Muhammed Ali

#3 – “The Pyramid of Success” by John Wooden, 1974

The speech was intended to provide Wooden’s players with a blueprint for success, both on and off the court. Wooden’s approach was centered around the concept of a pyramid, with each block representing a different element of success. The blocks included industriousness, friendship, loyalty, enthusiasm, skill, and cooperation , among others. Wooden emphasized the importance of focusing on the process, rather than the outcome, and encouraged his players to strive for personal growth and improvement. He also emphasized the importance of character and integrity, stating that those who conduct themselves with honesty and responsibility will ultimately achieve success. “The Pyramid of Success” is still widely taught and referenced by coaches worldwide.

#2 – “The Miracle on Ice” by Herb Brooks

“The Miracle on Ice” was delivered by coach Herb Brooks prior to the matchup between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. This speech is hailed as a defining moment in sports history, and here’s why:

The United States hockey team was considered a massive underdog against the dominant Soviet Union team. Brooks had the difficult task of inspiring his team and instilling belief that they could defeat the Soviets, who were heavily favored to win. Brooks emphasized the importance of playing as a cohesive team, and on the pride that would come from representing the United States with honor and determination. The “Miracle on Ice” game resulted in a stunning victory for the United States. The speech has become legendary due to United States’ incredible, unexpected win, solidifying it as one of the greatest sports speeches ever.

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#1 – “Luckiest Man” by Lou Gehrig 

During 1938, baseball legend Lou Gehrig began experiencing fatigue and physical difficulties while playing. When his condition worsened, he visited the Mayo Clinic and received the diagnosis of ALS. ALS would eventually take Gehrig’s life, but in his iconic speech delivered July 4, 1939, despite his body ravaged by the crippling disease, Gehrig states, “For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” What is the reason for Gehrig’s optimism? Gehrig credits the amazing people in his life , including his mother-in-law, parents, and wife, who was “a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed[.]” He closed his speech, “So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for.”

These top five best sports speeches have become iconic for their ability to capture the essence of sports and the human spirit. Because in the end, it’s not just about the games we play or the victories we achieve, it’s about the lessons learned, the relationships formed, and the impact made.

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17 Inspirational Sports Speeches That Will Have You Running Through Walls

Some of these are from real life situations, some of them are fictional but they will all inspire you before you go out and rip it up on the five-a-side pitch.

It goes from Matthew McConaughey talking to the Texas Longhorns college football team all the way back to Kurt Russell in Miracle on Ice with visits to Jim Telfer on the 1997 Lions Tour and Páidí Ó Sé in between.

Matthew McConaughey to the Texas Longhorns

Jimmy Valvano at the 1993 ESPYs

Coach Gaines from the Friday Night Lights film

A mashup of Páidí Ó Sé's speech from Marooned and Al Pacino's from Any Given Sunday

Little League coach David Belisle

Ducks fly together from D2

Chuck Pagano to the Indianapolis Colts after beating cancer

Ray Lewis to the Stanford mens basketball team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07fhOVQ9wEA

Rudy - "No one comes into our house and pushes us around"

Jim Telfer on the 1997 Lions tour - "This is your Everest boys"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3S6iGmUjI

Yul Brenner in Cool Runnings

Paul O'Connell The Fear of God

Coach Taylor compilation from Friday Night Lights

"You make sure they remember forever the night they played the Titans"

Scott Quinnell School of Hard Knocks

Coach Brooks in Miracle on Ice

See Also: 17 Reasons Why The Game Of Subbuteo Was Rainy-Day Entertainment At Its Best

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10 most inspiring sports movie speeches.

Some of the most motivational speeches in film history come from iconic sports movies that instill crucial lessons in life both on and off the field.

The most inspiring sports movie speeches of all time light a fire under every sports fan's heart. They are typically given by head coaches of underdog teams who need a pre-game or halftime locker room pick-me-up to encourage the pursuit of victory against a challenging opponent. They can also arise in other unique ways that encapsulate the feelings of sportsmanship, teamwork, and a love of the game that reminds every athlete, coach, and fan why they play ball.

The timeless tale of inspiring underdogs in sports movies is the culmination of blood, sweat, and tears as well as fearlessness in the face of a formidable opponent. The best speeches in sports movies often remind those it is intended for to keep up their determination and maintain their belief in themselves. The most inspiring moments in sports movies come from the mutual desire to become greater than the sum of any given team's parts and often speak to notions of greatness and achievement that transcend the court or playing field.

RELATED: 12 Awesome Sports Movies Not Based On A True Story

10 Hoosiers - “I Don’t Care What The Scoreboard Says”

In the 1986 classic basketball film Hoosiers , Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) delivers a passionate speech to his Hickory High School Huskers varsity team. Dale walks into a timid locker room in a make-or-break moment that will determine how the Indiana team will approach their big game. Dale's speech denounces the common anxieties that come with pre-game jitters, reminding his team not to focus on winning a distant state championship but to instead remember that the road to victory begins with one step. Dale encourages his team to forget about the crowds and the scoreboard, which leads to an iconic slow clap that fires the Huskers up before they hit the court.

9 Remember The Titans - “Leave No Doubt”

Remember the Titans is full of inspiring moments, but none capture the same intensity of the mid-game motivational speech given by Coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton). During the Northern Virginia Regional Championship Football Game, Yoast pulls his defensive players aside and reinforces their main objective, telling them to blitz the opponent's quarterback all night. After one of his star players quits during the game, Yoast improvises by subbing in back-up Alan Bosley (Ryan Gosling) and delivered the legendary line "You make sure they remember, forever, the night they played the Titans. Leave no doubt!"

8 Glory Road - “Take It”

The most motivational speech in the basketball film Glory Road is delivered by head coach Don Haskins (Josh Lucas) to his Texas Western basketball team as they are just two minutes from winning a national championship. In the huddle during a timeout, Haskins reminds his players that the key to winning a championship is about heart and which team wants to win the most. His inspiring speech encourages the underdog basketball team to take the victory from the established favorites since they will not hand it over simply. The speech is a declaration of the required willpower that turns competitors into champions.

7 Field Of Dreams - “People Will Come”

James Earl Jones delivers one of the most iconic speeches in all sports movies in Field of Dreams . Terence Mann (Jones) paints a portrait of what the baseball filed will inspire if Ray (Kevin Costner) builds it in his cornfield. The speech intercuts with Ray's contemplation of whether he should sell his property to ensure that he won't lose all of his financial assets. The inspirational speech creates the vision of a magical baseball field that will captivate every fan and player's attention and will ultimately prevent Ray from having to sell his beloved property. Mann memorably reminds Ray that if he builds the field, people will come.

6 Friday Night Lights - “Perfect”

Before the popular Friday Night Lights television series began, a 2004 movie of the same name starred Billy Bob Thornton as Coach Gary Gaines. Gaines delivers a brutally raw and honest speech to his team of football players that reminds them of the fleeting nature of life, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to win while they still have it. Gaines reiterates to his team at their most crucial and vulnerable moment that his notion of being "perfect" is not about winning the game, but about becoming good, reliable people through the game. It's a poignant speech that dives into how life is much bigger than any sports game.

RELATED: 10 Saddest Sports Movie Moments That Will Definitely Make You Cry

5 We Are Marshall - “You Cannot Lose”

We Are Marshall is one of the most devastating sports films ever made with many tear-jerking moments. Coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) brings his college football team to the final resting place of former Marshall players and staff members who died in a tragic plane crash. In a grim yet powerful speech, Lengyel reminds his players that although their opponent is physically stronger and more efficient than them, they aren't aware of how passionate they are. Lengyel's message touches on the deepest motivation of any sports competition, which is the commitment and heart in every player and team that can fuel an underdog to victory.

4 Coach Carter - “Our Deepest Fear”

One of the most motivational speeches in sports films is surprisingly not delivered by a coach but a player. In Coach Carter , point guard Timo Cruz (Rick Gonzalez) stands up and recites a poetic monologue that demonstrates the life lessons Coach Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) had taught him during their basketball season. Cruz begins by saying, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." The moment delivers one of the rare speeches in sports movies that is applicable to philosophy and life in all areas, making it exceptionally profound even to non-sports fans.

3 Rocky Balboa - “It’s Not About How Hard You Hit”

Another beautifully constructed speech that applies to life outside the ring can be found is 2006's Rocky Balboa . Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) gives an impassioned pep talk to his son that delicately criticizes and motivates him to rise to difficult challenges. One of the most poignant parts of the speech is when Rocky says, "It ain't about how hard you can hit, but about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." It's an incredible message about the importance of resiliency and overcoming obstacles in order to find success and happiness in life.

2 Miracle - “Great Moments Are Born From Great Opportunity”

In Miracle , Coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) delivers one of the best pre-game speeches of all time. Brooks's command of the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey team is akin to an army general, which is appropriate given the international tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War at the time. Brooks's speech is focused on the unification and determination required to achieve the highest form of victory. It stresses the importance of disavowing any self-doubt in order to make the most of rare opportunities when they are given.

1 Any Given Sunday - “Life Is A Game Of Inches”

The most inspirational speech in all sports movies is performed by Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday . Coach Tony D'Amato (Pacino) gives a speech that is motivational, heartfelt, relatable, and poetic all at once, proclaiming that life itself is a game of inches that must be earned, just like football. The speech is performed like a sermon that highlights the significance of margins of error in both football and life, which makes all the differences between winning and losing. D'Amato's speech perfectly combines passion, intelligence, and philosophy to create the most inspiring sports movie speech of all time.

A List of 10 Greatest Sports Speeches of All Time

By: sven eggers, staff writer june 17, 2022.

What’s the main purpose of speeches in sports? In most cases, speeches are given to boost motivation. This is an effective tool that can lift spirits and improve mood, inspiring sports people to win no matter how big the price is.

How sports speeches work

First of all, sports speeches change your perspective. They alter the way you approach certain issues and offer a different way of seeing things. After listening to a powerful speech, you can transform hurdles into challenges.

What’s more, it’s a proven fact that a nice speech may improve task performance. Why? Because motivation determines the quality of your work, according to psychologists. On top of that, a speech can provide you with real-life examples and tips that can improve how well you operate.

A good speech can also reduce your fears in sports. You might know that feeling when you are afraid of doing something new and being more open-minded. If you want to change that, listen to a motivational speech given by somebody who managed to overcome their fears. Someone’s successful experience can make your life way easier.

Where to find great speeches?

Today, the Internet is full of amazing speeches on different topics. You can read them in online magazines or watch them on YouTube. Depending on your goal, you can find a nice speech on special websites or even order speech writing services tailored for your tone from professional writers. Luckily, there are a lot of experts that offer speeches crafted according to your needs. Maybe, words formulated by an experienced writer will change something in you and you’ll achieve greater success in what you do.

The greatest sports speeches

Below, you can find the best speeches on sports in history. Check them to get more inspiration!

1. Apollos Hester’s Postgame Interview

Apollos Hester is admired by many for his incredible speed and agility. However, those are not the main features of this sportsman. Apollos is also known for his optimistic attitude. He believes in life’s limitless potential, which helps them give amazing motivational speeches.

2. Dave Belisle’s Little League World Series Speech

In his famous speech, Dave Belisle literally gave a masterclass on how to handle disappointment. His words turned listeners’ tears of sadness into tears of joy. For sure, he knows how to help people keep their “heads up high.”

3. Darrel Green’s NFL Hall of Fame Speech

If you want to learn acceptance, you should listen to the speech of Darrel Green given at the NFL Hall of Fame. Many people remember it as one of the most passionate speeches of all time. What’s more, it is full of excellent advice.

4. Kevin Durant’s MVP Speech

Another beautiful and touching motivational speech was given by Kevin Durant at the 2013–14 NBA MVP. He acknowledged all the hard work and sacrifices he endured on his way to success. Durant also credited all the people, including friends, coaches and, who helped him a lot along the way.

5. Jim Valvano’s ESPY Awards Speech

As you know, sports can teach life’s greatest lessons. And Jim Valvano believes in that too, according to his 19943 speech at the first ESPY Awards. In his speech, Valvano gives simple yet wise tips for a fulfilling life: laugh, think, and cry every day. That’s it! And many people believe it really works.

6. Tony Romo’s Press Conference About Dak Prescott

Unfortunately, life was not kind to Tony Romo as he had a serious back injury that resulted in lots of missed time. Even though he lost his dream job of an NFL quarterback, Romo handled it with grace. Instead of complaining about his problems, he is grateful to people for their help.

7. Tony Arcuri’s Speech

Another legendary speech was given by a famous coach Tony Arcuri to the high school football team. His aim was to give a bunch of important lessons to teenagers and he did it quite successfully. Thanks to Arcuri, many players overcame their fear of strong opponents.

8. Drew Brees’ Speech

After breaking Dan Marino’s record in 2011, Drew Brees gave a powerful speech. It motivated not only his teammates but also coaches. It was not only incredibly inspiring but also quite humorous. Check it yourself!

9. Muhammad Ali’s Speeches

Even if you are not familiar with the world, you’ve certainly heard Muhammad Ali ’s quotes, His words inspire millions of people all over the world, making him a star. Muhammad Ali is almost unbeatable when it comes to motivational speaking.

10. Michael Irvin’s Speeches

Michael Irvin, a former NFL wide receiver, was not only a highly professional player but also a great public speaker. He is known for his openness and honesty that are rare in the sports industry. If you feel you can’t keep going towards your goal, remember his words: "Look up, get up, and don't ever give up.”

Author’s BIO

Sven Eggers is a sports coach and motivational speaker. He works mainly with college students, helping them prepare for local and national competitions. Sven has a talent for writing motivational speeches, so he does it for top athletes all over the world.

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Pat Summitt Inspiring Halftime Speech

Jesse Itzler: The Words That We Speak Matter

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The 9 Most Inspirational Sports Speeches Ever

CollegeTimes decided to put together a few lists of our favourite speeches throughout history because they rock, even if you don't play sports. Here are the best and most inspirational speeches by sports figures of all time. Get ready to be pumped.

Paul O 'Connell

The now infamous 'Manic Agression' Speech. In the absence of captain Brain O'Driscoll in 2007 v France POC stepped in at the last minute to make one of the best speeches ever by an Irishman.

Tashard Choice

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Georgia Tech captain Tashard Choice gave one of the most epic pregame speeches after missing some time with an injury before his teams battle and win over arch rivals Clemson in which Choice gave a MVP performance. Talk about goosebumps.

Michael Irvin

Michael Irvin will go down as one of the best players to play in the NFL but his off-the-field issues often overshadowed his accomplishments on it. The Hall of Fame speeches are known for big men breaking down but this speech really almost had us in tears.

Ok, last of the American Foozeball speeches but they're just so good at making dramatic Oscar-like moments. None more so then Son-of-God Tim Tebow, you should know who this guy is by now but if you didn't, this will give you an understanding of his mentality. All he does is win.

I Am A Champion

Random, unknown high school coach gives one of the most intensely motivating pre whatever speeches. Listen to it in the morning before school or work, listen before a game, listen when you go to bed... You will feel like a champion.

Sir Ian Mc Geechan

Some legendary stuff from the most legendary Lions coach of all time. Geech gave a calm emotional speech before breaking down in tears just hours before the final Lions test of the 2009 tour in South Africa and the final game of his Lions career, a game they won.

The Greatest Ever

Muhammad Ali is arguably the greatest boxer of all time, and without doubt the most charismatic, energetic and best self promoting boxer ever. Every time he spoke something great would come out, but perhaps his best speech came prior to his fight with George Foreman. Bad Ass!

Coach Valvano

“Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.”

Jim Valvano was known for coaching the massive underdog NC State team to a 1973 National Championship in Basketball as well as his massive character and enthusiasm. Upon collecting a humanitarian award in 1993 he gave one of the most entertaining and emotional speeches just weeks before his death.

Neil Warnock

Famous for his rants, footy manager Neil Warnock gave his Huddersfield side absolute hell when they came into the changing room trailing at half time. It motivated them to go on and win however.

Can You Name The Fictional Tech Companies From These Well Known Films?

Tech is EVERYWHERE, and it's especially prevalent in the world of film.

If you want to get involved in the world of tech, why not apply for the Vodafone Graduate Programme? Applications are open for September 2022 and more information can be found here .

In Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr's lead character is the owner of what tech company?

Listen, we won't say anything if you don't....

Not to worry, this quiz isn't legally binding, you can still get involved in the world of tech.

It wasn't the worst showing in the world, but improvement is needed!

You're well on your way, keep going!

You are beauty, you are grace, you are MAGNIFICENT!

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Home › 100 Most Inspirational Sports Quotes Of All Time

100 Most Inspirational Sports Quotes Of All Time

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For sports fans, sports are the epitome of hard work and dedication. To get to the pinnacle of their sport, even the most naturally gifted athletes have to give it their all. Yes, we watch sports for the excitement, but even more so for the drama. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a team come back to win that 4th game after being down 0-3, or a fighter getting off the canvas to score a comeback after a knock-out.

Sports are about those incredible moments where sheer human will and desire overcomes the odds. These are the moments we remember.

Given the nature of sports, it’s not surprising that athletes have had some inspiring and motivational things to say about hard work , perseverance, leadership , winning, and much more. Here are the most inspirational sports quotes for athletes and fans.

100 Inspiring Sports Quotes

The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose. Ernie Banks

When you’re riding, only the race in which you’re riding is important. Bill Shoemaker

Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability. Bruce Jenner

A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever. Mary Lou Retton

Number one is just to gain a passion for running. To love the morning, to love the trail, to love the pace on the track. And if some kid gets really good at it, that’s cool too. Pat Tyson

Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown. Ross Perot

You have to do something in your life that is honorable and not cowardly if you are to live in peace with yourself. Larry Brown

Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer. Ted Williams

One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it. Knute Rockne

The five S’s of sports training are: stamina, speed, strength , skill, and spirit; but the greatest of these is spirit. Ken Doherty

An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head. Emil Zatopek

Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her. Mia Hamm

Never give up , never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss. Doug Williams

It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters. Paul “Bear” Bryant

Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement. Marv Levy

I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat. Tom Landry

Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears. Laird Hamilton

I became a good pitcher when I stopped trying to make them miss the ball and started trying to make them hit it. Sandy Koufax

If you can’t outplay them, outwork them. Ben Hogan

People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. Rogers Hornsby

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second. William James

Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play. Mike Singletary

Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential. Liane Cardes

Good is not good when better is expected. Vin Scully

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. Tommy Lasorda

Champions keep playing until they get it right. Billie Jean King

You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours. Herb Brooks

If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail. Mark Spitz

How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser. Lou Holtz

Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement. Matt Biondi

Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence. George F. Will

The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before. Steve Young

You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy. Arthur Ashe

What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose. Andre Agassi

The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning. Pele

It ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa

Most talented players don’t always succeed. Some don’t even make the team. It’s more what’s inside. Brett Favre

One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team , but one man cannot make a team. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Stubbornness usually is considered a negative; but I think that trait has been a positive for me. Cal Ripken Jr.

You’ve got to take the initiative and play your game. In a decisive set, confidence is the difference. Chris Evert

When you win, say nothing, when you lose, say less. Paul Brown

The hardest skill to acquire in this sport is the one where you compete all out, give it all you have, and you are still getting beat no matter what you do. When you have the killer instinct to fight through that, it is very special. Eddie Reese

The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent. Arnold Schwarzenegger

During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball. Mickey Mantle

I never left the field saying I could have done more to get ready and that gives me peace of mind. Peyton Manning

Leadership, like coaching, is fighting for the hearts and souls of men and getting them to believe in you. Eddie Robinson

You win some, you lose some, and some get rained out, but you gotta suit up for them all. J. Askenberg

Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you. Arnold Palmer

To uncover your true potential you must first find your own limits and then you have to have the courage to blow past them. Picabo Street

Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you a guy you can beat every time. Lou Brock

You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both those methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self motivation. Homer Rice

You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave–win or lose. Gordie Howe

My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging. Hank Aaron

I didn’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 the field and be prepared to play a good game. Tom Landry

Your biggest opponent isn’t the other guy. It’s human nature. Bobby Knight

If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it. Ronnie Lott

If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win. Carl Lewis

Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

Make each day your masterpiece. John Wooden

Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. Pat Riley

Win If You Can, Lose If You Must, But NEVER QUIT! Cameron Trammell

If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough. Mario Andretti

What do do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it. Dean Smith

Push yourself again and again. Don’t give an inch until the final buzzer sounds. Larry Bird

If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all? Joe Namath

You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get. Michael Phelps

Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do. John Wooden

Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. Phil Jackson

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital. Joe Paterno

Adversity cause some men to break; others to break records. William A. Ward

Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. Satchel Paige

Some people say I have attitude – maybe I do…but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there. Venus Williams

It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters. Evander Holyfield

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ Muhammad Ali

There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between. Pat Riley

A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t. Jack Dempsey

It ain’t over till it’s over. Yogi Berra

You’re only as strong as your weakest link. Phil Jackson

Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding. Jim Valvano

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretzky

The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day, that I never dog it. Wayne Gretzky

Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts. Dan Gable

I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. Michael Jordan

Hope you enjoyed these 100 inspirational quotes for athletes. If we left anything out, we’d love to hear the quotes that make you love sports and get you motivated to play them.

Quincy Seale

8 thoughts on “100 Most Inspirational Sports Quotes Of All Time”

Here is my favorite: “Never say never, because limits, are often just an illusion.” This is the quote that made me play basketball, and I say it to myself everyday.

Big time player make big time plays- Santana Moss

A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.” – Jack Dempsey I think that this is a very strong and inspirational quote to kids that are in sports and are struggling and getting let down by teammates or coaches if according to other players on the team or the coaches. So, thanks to Jack by coming up with this amazing quote.

“Pain is Temporary, Quiting Lasts Forever”-Danny Duncan

Mia Hamm… And: No, not important

“Access to success is through the mind.” Jack Nelson

“Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success.” by Ross Perot This is one of my favorites. All too often in everything we do we just fall short of reaching our goals. Just a few more steps, just around the next corner, we just need to keep on pushing through and we’ll get where we want to be.

Here’s my favorite:

“If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.” – The Rock

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Watch CBS News

5 Inspirational Sports Speeches

August 21, 2014 / 11:22 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

If you haven't stumbled across the  inspiring video of  Rhode Island Little  League coach Dave Belisle's speech to his team after their loss in the Little League World Series that's gone viral this week you may have been on vacation...on a deserted island.

With all the complaints about sports we hear: the absurd money, the injury risks, the poor sportsmanship, the crazy parents & abusive coaches...

The true power & valuable lessons that sports can provide:  discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, sportsmanship; winning & losing graciously, achieving goals are often forgotten

Sometimes we need a reminder of those ideals & Coach Belisle gave us the prefect reminder as we head into the NFL regular season & the MLB Playoffs.

Here's 5 of the greatest sports speeches ever given (& Coach Belisle's at the bottom if you just got back from the island).

5.  Ray Lewis: It Ain't About One Play

Ray Lewis gives the Ravens perspective on wins & losses & what it means after a tough loss in the 2012 AFC Championship game in New England.

Bonus Ray : Pissed Off For Greatness

4.  Jack Buck: 9/11 Poem

One of the greatest sportscasters ever gave this moving speech/poem that he authored 6 days after the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.

"We do not covet the possessions of others; we are blessed with the bounty we share."

3. Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man On The Face Of The Earth

As everyone is currently dumping ice water on their heads to help support ALS, the man whose name graces the awful disease must be on this list. Lou Gehrig gave one of histories most brave & inspiring farewell speeches.

2.  Herb Brooks: Miracle On Ice (delivered by Kurt Russell)

"Great Moments are born from great opportunity."  The victory over Russia for the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal in Hockey is one of the greatest moments in US sports history  & Coach Brooks' speech stands as one of the great speeches.

1. Jimmy V: Never Give Up (1993 Espys)

Loved & respected long-time North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano received the Arthur Ashe Courage & Humanitarian Award as he was battling cancer. His speech will remain as one of the all-time great speeches. Inspiring, brave & giving perspective on life & sports as only he could.

BONUS: Dave Belisle's speech to the Cumberland (RI) Americans. Moving & pitch perfect.

Chris Spiridigliozzi Web Administrator for CBS Radio Baltimore - Ravens, Orioles & snark enthusiast.

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10 Most Inspiring Sports Movie Speeches of All-Time

"There's no crying in Baseball"

In practically every sport's movie, there comes a pivotal moment in the plot where a certain player, coach, or team needs to step up and make a passionate speech to inspire others. It's a necessity, and for many of these films it is the most memorable part.

RELATED: 10 Best Sports Movies to Watch if You Don't Like Sports

These speeches range from making you want to cry, to making you want top run through a wall. From Al Pacino 's "Inch by Inch" speech in Any Given Sunday (1999), to Rocky's emotional speech to his son in Rocky Balboa (2006), sports movies have some of the best speeches across film, and it makes them fun and iconic.

'D2: The Mighty Ducks, "Ducks fly together"

Gordon Bombay ( Emilio Estevez ) returns to Minnesota after a career ending injury with a chance to coach a United States team at the Junior Goodwill Games. He collects most of his previous Mighty Ducks squad, with a couple new additions. Bombay is not the same coach, frustrated with his own life, he runs the kids into the ground, and it effects their play.

Eventually, he is able to see what he is doing to the kids and gives a rousing speech during the championship game against Iceland, who beat them badly in the early part of the tournament. They swap out their Team USA sweaters for new Mighty Ducks ones and go on to win in a shootout.

'Remember the Titans' (2000), "You Blitz all night"

When the newly integrated Titans reach the State Semi-Finals, Coach Yoast ( Will Patton ), the former Head Coach, is told by the school board he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame once the Titans finally lose. This will also get Coach Boone ( Denzel Washington ) fired.

When the game starts, the refs are calling everything against the Titans, prompting Boone to lose his cool. It's obvious the game is rigged against them. Yoast recognizes what's happening, and rallies his defense, instructing them to "Blitz all night." In reality, not the best defensive scheme, but it works for the Titans, and this moment sends chills down your spine.

'Coach Carter' (2005), "Our deepest fear"

The only speech of these movies that has the player getting everyone else emotional. After Timo Cruz ( Rick Gonzalez ) is dismissed from the team and then reinstated, the team locks themselves in the gym with desks to prove to their coach that they can achieve the required grades to play.

Cruz drops an absolute gem of wisdom here, in an emotional speech in front of his teammates, and thanks Coach Carter ( Samuel L. Jackson ) for saving his life. "Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." A lot of knowledge from a high school basketball player.

'Field of Dreams' (1989), "People will come"

After finally building the field, and having all these legendary baseball players, Ray ( Kevin Costner ) is pressured to sell his farm and the field, or the bank will foreclose him. His daughter Karin ( Gaby Hoffmann ) and Terence Mann ( James Earl Jones ) insist that people will come to watch.

Mann tells Ray that they'll be enthralled with recapturing their childhood innocence, and they won't think twice about handing over $20 to explore the grounds and take in a baseball game in the middle of Iowa. People love a good baseball game.

A League of Their Own (1992), "There's no crying in Baseball"

This isn't a very nice exchange, but it absolutely belongs on here. Jimmy Dugan ( Tom Hanks ), the broken alcoholic manager of the Peaches, really gets after Evelyn ( Bitty Schram ) when she makes a mistake on the field that gives the opponent the lead.

After he berates Evelyn, she starts to cry, which causes a mix of disgust and confusion in Dugan, prompting the line "There's no crying in Baseball!" Dugan then makes an inappropriate comment to the Umpire after he tells Dugan to treat the players like he'd treat his mother, which causes a big laugh for the Peaches and breaks the tension.

'Hoosiers' (1986), "I don't care what the scoreboard says"

Coach Dale's ( Gene Hackman ) pregame speech to the Hickory Huskers may be a bit cheesy, but it inspires young athletes to play for pride and as a team to this day. No matter how big and scary the opponent is or however long the odds are, you play for the person next to you.

It is a true movie moment that can resonate in real life all these years later. The slow clap is probably the cheesiest part, but that's ok, too. And of course, although they seem to be outmatched, Hickory comes away with the victory.

'Rocky Balboa' (2006), "It ain't about how hard you can hit"

Retired from boxing, in his 50s and now a widow, Philadelphia legend Rocky Balboa ( Sylvester Stallone ) enjoys managing his Italian restaurant named after his late wife, Adrian. However, a new Heavyweight champ, Mason "The Line" Dixon ( Antonio Tarver ) is criticized for having not beat a true contender.

When ESPN runs a simulation of Dixon and Rocky fighting in their prime, Rocky wins by knockout, inspiring him to renew his boxing license, which makes headlines. The two heavyweights set up an exhibition match , but when Rocky's estranged son Robert ( Milo Ventimiglia ) tries to deter him from fighting, pointing to his own failings as a consequence of Rocky's career, Rocky delivers this profound monologue about never giving up.

'Friday Night Lights' (2004), "Being perfect"

At halftime of the Texas State Championship for the Permian Panthers, Coach Gaines ( Billy Bob Thornton ) redefines how he views perfection to his team. For the entire movie, this Texas high school football team has been tasked with the weight of their entire community on their shoulders, expecting perfection.

Here, Gaines lets these kids know that this may be the last two quarters of football they ever play. He tells his team that perfection isn't about winning, it's about knowing you tried everything you could. That you could look your teammate in the eye knowing there wasn't anything else you could do, and that's ok. It is an emotional speech that sets up an emotional ending.

'Any Given Sunday' (1999), "Life is a game of inches"

Another football speech, this time for the underrated film Any Given Sunday. Coach D'Amato (Pacino) tells his team about his failures, and tells them they're in hell - but it's up to them together to drag themselves up and out. Comparing life's ups and downs to football, with inches of difference all around them that can decide an outcome.

Fighting for every inch, in life and in football, matters. And it's important to fight for what you want and what you have. It is truly one of the most riveting monologue that has ever been put to film. And among all of Pacino's performances, this speech really stands out.

'Miracle' (2004), "Great moments come from great opportunity."

The 1980 Olympics Gold Medal game between the USA and USSR lives on today as probably the greatest upset in sports history. Amateur USA players against professional Hockey players on Russia's side. Coach Herb Brooks ( Kurt Russell ) gives the greatest sports movie speech of all-time, pre-game to the Gold Medal match.

He tells his players they were born to be hockey players. That if they "played the Soviets 10 times, they might win nine," but that doesn't matter. All the matters is that for tonight, one game, they are the "greatest hockey team on the planet." Bone chilling speech and inspirational.

KEEP READING: 10 Movies That Will Make You Want to Join a Sports Team

457 BEST Motivational Sport Speeches and Quotes

• List of 457 BEST Motivational Sport Speeches and Quotes
• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on Motivational Sport Speeches
• Please note

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Welcome to the ultimate treasure trove of motivation!

If you're seeking the spark to ignite your journey, you've come to the perfect place.

Get ready to dive into a sea of rousing speeches and pithy quotes that have the power to fuel your spirit, push your limits, and drive you towards your athletic dreams.

These powerful words, distilled from the wisdom of the greatest athletes and coaches, are more than just lines; they are tools to shatter glass ceilings and redefine the boundaries of your potential.

So, strap in and prepare to be invigorated, because once you start reading, there's no looking back.

You're not merely a visitor, but a part of our ever-growing community of champions.

Step in, for the arena of inspiration awaits you!

1. "The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

2. "Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game." - Michael Jordan

3. "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi

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4. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

5. "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

6. "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

7. "It's not the will to win that matters, it's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul Bryant

8. "Don’t count the days; make the days count." - Muhammad Ali

9. "What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle, and giving 110% all the time." - Don Zimmer

10. "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

11. "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

12. "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

13. "It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up." - Babe Ruth

14. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O'Brien

15. "Make each day your masterpiece." - John Wooden

16. "Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." - Babe Ruth

17. "The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

18. "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali

19. "You’re never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

20. "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

21. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke

22. "I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat." - Tom Landry

23. "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

24. "It's what you do before the season start that makes a champion." - Paul Bryant

25. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

26. "The key is not the 'will to win'… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

27. "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." - Joe Paterno

28. "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination." - Tommy Lasorda

29. "Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean King

30. "To uncover your true potential you must first find your own limits and then you have to have the courage to blow past them." – Picabo Street

31. "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

32. "You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it." - Lionel Messi

33. "Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." - Dean Karnazes

34. "You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy." - Arthur Ashe

35. "The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible." - Charles Kingsleigh

36. "You don't play against opponents, you play against the game of basketball." - Bobby Knight

37. "We must train hard. It’s not about denying a weakness may exist but about denying its right to persist." - Vince McConnell

38. "The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race." - Unknown

39. "The difference between the greats and the average, the difference between the successful and the nobodies of the world, is not a better body, or a better mind. It's not a higher IQ or a higher EQ. But it's a different level of commitment." - CT Fletcher

40. "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

41. "Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it." - Muhammad Ali

42. "The only one who can tell you 'you can't ' is you. And you don't have to listen." - Nike

43. "Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there." - Bo Jackson

44. "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali

45. "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." - Michael Jordan

46. "The past is not a package one can lay away." - Emily Dickinson

47. "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine

48. "Adversity cause some men to break; others to break records." - William Arthur Ward

49. "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan

50. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Archie Griffen

51. "I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat." - Tom Landry

52. "Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your own two ears." - Laird Hamilton

53. "Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play." - Mike Singletary

54. "The more I practice, the luckier I get." - Gary Player

55. "Today, you have 100% of your life left." - Tom Landry

56. "I can't believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary." - Lou Holtz

57. "The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

58. "If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

59. "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." - Bobby Unser

60. "I became a good pitcher when I stopped trying to make them miss the ball and started trying to make them hit it." - Sandy Koufax

61. "The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

62. "Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision." - Muhammad Ali

63. "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

64. "Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way." - Satchel Paige

65. "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

66. "Sports do not build character. They reveal it." - Heywood Broun

67. "Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi

68. "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." - Wayne Gretzky

69. "It ain’t over till it’s over." - Yogi Berra

70. "The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

71. "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

72. "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson

73. "Just keep going. Everybody gets better if they keep at it." - Ted Williams

74. "It's not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul Bryant

75. "Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion." - Michael Jordan

76. "The road to success is always under construction." - Lily Tomlin

77. "It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey." - Zig Ziglar

78. "It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game." - Grantland Rice

79. "If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat." - Herschel Walker

80. "Victory is in having done your best. If you’ve done your best, you’ve won." - Billy Bowerman

81. "The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win." - Bobby Knight

82. "A champion is someone who gets up when they can’t." - Jack Dempsey

83. "It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Archie Griffin

84. "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi

85. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

86. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O’Brien

87. "Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you a guy you can beat every time." - Lou Brock

88. "It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself." - Muhammad Ali

89. "The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

90. "You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." - Herb Brooks

91. "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

92. "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." - Tommy Lasorda

93. "The only disability in life is a bad attitude." - Scott Hamilton

94. "It's not about the trophies and the awards. It's about the satisfaction of knowing that you've done your best." - Jesse Owens

95. "Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi

96. "The will to succeed is important, but what's more important is the will to prepare." - Bobby Knight

97. "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Michael Phelps

98. "You can't win unless you learn how to lose." - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

99. "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you learn from the mistakes that matter." - Serena Williams

100. "Success is not an accident, success is a choice." - Stephen Curry

101. "Champions aren't born. They are made from something deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vison, a goal." - Jackie Joyner Kersee

102. "You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself and when you reach your limits, that is real joy." - Arthur Ashe

103. "Success in sport isn't about winning; it's about overcoming." - Usain Bolt

104. "I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet." - Nadia Comaneci

105. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." - Vince Lombardi

106. "Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your ears." - Laird Hamilton

107. "It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey." - Zig Ziglar

108. "I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat." - Tom Landry

109. "Victory is in having done your best. If you've done your best, you've won." - Billy Bowerman

110. "The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

111. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

112. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O’Brien

113. "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi

114. "Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I’ll show you a guy you can beat every time." - Lou Brock

115. "It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself." - Muhammad Ali

116. "If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

117. "The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

118. "You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." - Herb Brooks

119. "It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up." - Muhammad Ali

120. "Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence." - George F. Will

121. "If it doesn’t challenge you, it won't change you." - Fred Devito

122. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard." - Tim Notke

123. "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

124. "When you’re riding, only the race in which you’re riding is important." - Bill Shoemaker

125. "A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever." - Mary Lou Retton

126. "You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation." - Homer Rice

127. "The man who has no imagination has no wings." - Muhammad Ali

128. "You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." - Herb Brooks

129. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

130. "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." - Paul Brown

131. "The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day." - Wayne Gretzky

132. "Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way." - Satchel Paige

133. "The more I practice, the luckier I get." - Gary Player

134. "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." - Joe Paterno

135. "The true champion believes in the impossible." - Billie Jean King

136. "Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period." - Lou Holtz

137. "An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head." - Emil Zatopek

138. "The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

139. "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." - Tommy Lasorda

140. "Sports do not build character. They reveal it." - Heywood Broun

141. "Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up." - Rocky Balboa

142. "Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts." - Dan Gable

143. "I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat." - Tom Landry

144. "Just keep going. Everybody gets better if they keep at it." - Ted Williams

145. "The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle." - Unknown

146. "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

147. "If you think you can't, you're right." - Mary Kay Ash

148. "If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do." - Michael Phelps

149. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

150. "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

151. "It's what you do before the season start that makes a champion." - Bobby Knight

152. "If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it." - Ronnie Lott

153. "The harder you work, the luckier you get." - Gary Player

154. "The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

155. "It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

156. "The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success." - David Sarnoff

157. "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

158. "The secret of winning football games is working more as a team, less as individuals. I play not my 11 best, but my best 11." - Knute Rockne

159. "Success is about having, excellence is about being. Success is about having money and fame, but excellence is being the best you can be." - Mike Ditka

160. "Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play." - Mike Singletary

161. "Winning is not everything, but making the effort to win is." - Vince Lombardi

162. "Your biggest opponent isn't the other guy. It’s human nature." - Bobby Knight

163. "If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

164. "You can't win unless you learn how to lose." - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

165. "What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose." - Andre Agassi

166. "Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

167. "Show me a guy who's afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat every time." - Lou Brock

168. "You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that makes you a winner right there." - Venus Williams

169. "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

170. "Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability." - John Wooden

171. "Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion." - Michael Jordan

172. "Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better." - Pat Riley

173. "It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters." - Bear Bryant

174. "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." - Derek Jeter

175. "Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean King

176. "It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra

177. "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." - Bobby Unser

178. "Victory is fleeting. Losing is forever." - Billie Jean King

179. "You can't make a great play unless you do it first in practice." - Chuck Noll

180. "The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

181. "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson

182. "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan

183. "The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

184. "It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game." - Grantland Rice

185. "The only way to overcome is to hang in. Even I’m starting to believe that." - Dan O'Brien

186. "Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears." - Laird Hamilton

187. "The only way to achieve real success is to make sure your personal mission statement comes from within you." - Stephen Covey

188. "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." - John Wooden

189. "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." - Unknown

190. "I became a good pitcher when I stopped trying to make them miss the ball and started trying to make them hit it." - Sandy Koufax

191. "The harder you work and the more prepared you are for something, you're going to be able to persevere through anything." - Carli Lloyd

192. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela

193. "A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever." - Mary Lou Retton

194. "Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind." - Jackie Joyner-Kersee

195. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size in the fight of the dog." - Archie Griffin

196. "Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you." - Bethany Hamilton

197. "The only disability in life is a bad attitude." - Scott Hamilton

198. "The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

199. "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." - Babe Ruth

200. "Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill." - Muhammad Ali

201. "Success isn't owned, it's leased. And rent is due every day." - J.J. Watt

202. "The main thing to do is relax and let your talent do the work." - Charles Barkley

203. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

204. "To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, do what you can." - Arthur Ashe

205. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." - Vince Lombardi

206. "Adversity causes some people to break; others to break records." - William Arthur Ward

207. "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

208. "Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character." - John Wooden

209. "Gold medals are made out of sweat, blood and tears, and effort in the gym every day." - Gabby Douglas

210. "It's not about the shoes. It's about knowing where you're going. Not forgetting where you started. It's about having the courage to fail. Not breaking when you are broken." - Michael Jordan

211. "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzky

212. "The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible." - Charles Kingsleigh

213. "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson

214. "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali

215. "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain

216. "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

217. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke

218. "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

219. "The body achieves what the mind believes." - Napoleon Hill

220. "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

221. "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vidal Sassoon

222. "The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion when no one else is watching." - Anson Dorrance

223. "It's not the will to win that matters, everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul 'Bear' Bryant

224. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

225. "It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey." - Zig Ziglar

226. "Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi

227. "I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat." - Tom Landry

228. "Make each day your masterpiece." - John Wooden

229. "You’re never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

230. "It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." - Lou Holtz

231. "If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it." - Ronnie Lott

232. "Success is about having, excellence is about being." - Mike Ditka

233. "Your biggest opponent isn't the other guy. It's human nature." - Bobby Knight

234. "A champion needs a motivation above and beyond winning." - Pat Riley

235. "Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there." - Bo Jackson

236. "It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog!" - Archie Griffin

237. "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

238. "I don’t plan on being disappointed. We plan on being really good, and obviously we plan on winning." - Gregg Troy

239. "The more I practice, the luckier I get." - Gary Player

240. "You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." - Herb Brooks

241. "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson

242. "It's not about perfect. It's about effort." - Jillian Michaels

243. "You can't win unless you learn how to lose." - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

244. "You're never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

245. "The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

246. "It's not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul 'Bear' Bryant

247. "Success isn't given, it's earned. On the track, on the field, in the gym. With blood, sweat, and the occasional tear." - Nike

248. "Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability." - John Wooden

249. "It's not about the name on the back of the jersey, it's about the badge on the front." - David Beckham

250. "You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both of these methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation." - Homer Rice

251. "I've worked too hard and too long to let anything stand in the way of my goals." - Mia Hamm

252. "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

253. "I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

254. "You have to do something in your life that is honorable and not cowardly if you are to live in peace with yourself." - Larry Brown

255. "Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding." - Jim Valvano

256. "Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan

257. "Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second." - William James

258. "Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential." - Liane Cardes

259. "One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team." - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

260. "The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100%." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

261. "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi

262. "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." - Bobby Unser

263. "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

264. "The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

265. "You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

266. "I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures." - Earl Warren

267. "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

268. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

269. "Leadership, like coaching, is fighting for the hearts and souls of men and getting them to believe in you." - Eddie Robinson

270. "You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave–win or lose." - Gordie Howe

271. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

272. "You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there." - Venus Williams

273. "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. That is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

274. "Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't, pretend that you do and, at some point, you will." - Venus Williams

275. "If you can't outplay them, outwork them." - Ben Hogan

276. "The pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming." - Muhammad Ali

277. "Victory is in having done your best. If you've done your best, you've won." - Bill Bowerman

278. "Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean King

279. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

280. "Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit." - Usain Bolt

281. "The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

282. "The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

283. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke

284. "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

285. "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." - Derek Jeter

286. "Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your own two ears." - Laird Hamilton

287. "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in combat." - Richard Marcinko

288. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

289. "The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides a champion from someone who is not a champion." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

290. "The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

291. "A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever." - Mary Lou Retton

292. "You're never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

293. "Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way." - Satchel Paige

294. "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi

295. "There's no substitute for guts." - Paul 'Bear' Bryant

296. "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." - Joe Paterno

297. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O'Brien

298. "You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." - Herb Brooks

299. "It's not about the name on the back of the jersey, it's about the badge on the front." - David Beckham

300. "The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

301. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Archie Griffin

302. "Win If You Can, Lose If You Must, But NEVER QUIT!" - Cameron Trammell

303. "Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period." - Lou Holtz

304. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

305. "Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it." - George Halas

306. "It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe." - Muhammad Ali

307. "To be as good as it can be, a team has to buy into what you as the coach are doing." - Phil Jackson

308. "It's not the will to win that matters — everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Bear Bryant

309. "The man who has no imagination has no wings." - Muhammad Ali

310. "It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen." - Muhammad Ali

311. "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan

312. "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson

313. "If you are afraid of failure you don’t deserve to be successful." - Charles Barkley

314. "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

315. "You're never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

316. "The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

317. "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." - Babe Ruth

318. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

319. "I’ve learned that something constructive comes from every defeat." - Tom Landry

320. "Make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your own two ears." - Laird Hamilton

321. "You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there." - Venus Williams

322. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O'Brien

323. "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." - Wayne Gretzky

324. "The mindset of a champion is that I put myself in a certain situation to win, I don't play to lose, I don't prepare to lose, I hate second place and I hate losing more than I love winning." - Deion Sanders

325. "The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day." - Wayne Gretzky

326. "It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference." - Bear Bryant

327. "You can't make a great play unless you do it first in practice." - Chuck Noll

328. "Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability." - John Wooden

329. "The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

330. "The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell

331. "Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up." - Rocky Balboa

332. "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." - Bobby Unser

333. "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

334. "The only way to achieve your goals is to bite off more than you can chew and fu_kin’ chew it!" - Mickey Rourke

335. "When you're riding, only the race in which you're riding is important." - Bill Shoemaker

336. "You have to believe in yourself. That's the secret." - Charlie Chaplin

337. "If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it." - Ronnie Lott

338. "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali

339. "There's no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession." - Conor McGregor

340. "Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't." - Jerry Rice

341. "The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

342. "It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe." - Muhammad Ali

343. "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali

344. "You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." - George Lorimer

345. "The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in the game." - Unknown

346. "The harder the fight, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

347. "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

348. "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." - Michael Jordan

349. "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

350. "When you win, say nothing, when you lose, say less." - Paul Brown

351. "Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision." - Muhammad Ali

352. "It's not about the shoes. It's about what you do in them." - Michael Jordan

353. "You can't win unless you learn how to lose." - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

354. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O'Brien

355. "The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win." - Roger Bannister

356. "Winners never quit and quitters never win." - Vince Lombardi

357. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

358. "What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose." - Andre Agassi

359. "If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

360. "Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game." - Michael Jordan

361. "To give any less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine

362. "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

363. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke

364. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Archie Griffin

365. "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi

366. "Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

367. "Don't count the days, make the days count." - Muhammad Ali

368. "I've learned that it doesn't matter how many times you failed. You only have to be right once." - Mark Cuban

369. "The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides a champion from someone who is not a champion." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

370. "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

371. "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." - Derek Jeter

372. "I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali

373. "If you think lifting is dangerous, try being weak. Being weak is dangerous." - Bret Contreras

374. "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vince Lombardi

375. "The clock is ticking. Are you becoming the person you want to be?" - Greg Plitt

376. "Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right." - Henry Ford

377. "The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." - Bruce Lee

378. "You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

379. "Action is the foundational key to all success." - Pablo Picasso

380. "Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out." - John Wooden

381. "Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." - Henry David Thoreau

382. "All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." - Michael John Bobak

383. "If you want to achieve greatness stop asking for permission." - Anonymous

384. "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." - Abraham Lincoln

385. "If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary." - Jim Rohn

386. "Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

387. "Just remember, you can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

388. "Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." - John D. Rockefeller

389. "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." - Thomas Jefferson

390. "Success is not in what you have, but who you are." - Bo Bennett

391. "It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs." - Jillian Michaels

392. "The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen." - Unknown

393. "All I'm asking you to do today is give me 100%. If you gave me 100% yesterday, give me 5% more." - Ray Lewis

394. "Don't limit your challenges, challenge your limits." - Jerry Dunn

395. "What hurts today makes you stronger tomorrow." - Jay Cutler

396. "Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind that you have to convince." - Unknown

397. "The harder you work and the more you sweat, the luckier you get." - Gary Player

398. "Passion first and everything will fall into place." - Holly Holm

399. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

400. "The last thing you want to do is finish playing or doing anything and wish you would have worked harder." - Derek Jeter

401. "To uncover your true potential you must first find your own limits and then you have to have the courage to blow past them." - Picabo Street

402. "You're never a loser until you quit trying." - Mike Ditka

403. "You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits." - Michael Phelps

404. "Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

405. "Blood, sweat and respect. The first two you give. The last one you earn." - Dwayne Johnson

406. "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

407. "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

408. "If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it." - Ronnie Lott

409. "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." - Pele

410. "Practice like you've never won. Perform like you've never lost." - Bernard F. Asuncion

411. "It's not the will to win that matters. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul "Bear" Bryant

412. "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Mahatma Gandhi

413. "Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." - Sam Levenson

414. "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali

415. "A champion is someone who gets up, even when he can't." - Jack Dempsey

416. "It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi

417. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard." - Tim Notke

418. "Make each day your masterpiece." - John Wooden

419. "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzky

420. "Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is." - Vince Lombardi

421. "The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory." - Les Brown

422. "If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

423. "You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself." - Arthur Ashe

424. "The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning." - Pele

425. "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

426. "It’s not about the name on the back of the jersey, it’s about the badge on the front." - David Beckham

427. "You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both those methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation." - Homer Rice

428. "What does it take to be a champion? Desire, dedication, determination, concentration and the will to win." - Patty Berg

429. "The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." - Bobby Knight

430. "To be as good as it can be, a team has to buy into what you as the coach are doing." - Phil Jackson

431. "You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps

432. "It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game." - Grantland Rice

433. "Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding." - Jim Valvano

434. "The only way to prove you're a good sport is to lose." - Ernie Banks

435. "There may be people that are more talented than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." - Derek Jeter

436. "I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

437. "If you can’t outplay them, outwork them." - Ben Hogan

438. "I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it." - Gale Sayers

439. "If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat." - Herschel Walker

440. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Archie Griffin

441. "Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts." - Dan Gable

442. "It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference." - Bear Bryant

443. "The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer." - John Madden

444. "Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play." - Mike Singletary

445. "I’ve got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end." - Larry Bird

446. "You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." - Herb Brooks

447. "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi

448. "You can't win unless you learn how to lose." - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

449. "What do you do with a mistake: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, forget it." - Dean Smith

450. "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." - Joe Paterno

451. "The pain you feel today, will be the strength you feel tomorrow." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

452. "The only way to overcome is to hang in." - Dan O'Brien

453. "If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" - Joe Namath

454. "The road to victory is uphill." - Unknown

455. "Victory is in having done your best. If you've done your best, you've won." - Billy Bowerman

456. "Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible." - Frank L. Gaines

457. "The highest compliment that you can pay me is to say that I work hard every day." - Wayne Gretzky

1. What is a motivational sports speech?

A motivational sports speech is a powerful address delivered with the intent to inspire and encourage athletes. It aims to boost their morale, cultivate a winning mentality, and instill perseverance and dedication

2. Who usually gives motivational sports speeches?

Motivational sports speeches are typically given by coaches, team leaders, professional athletes, sports psychologists, or even motivational speakers specialized in sports

3. What are some famous motivational sports speeches?

Some famous motivational sports speeches include Al Pacino's "Inch by Inch" speech in the movie "Any Given Sunday", Lou Gehrig's "Luckiest Man Alive" speech, and Vince Lombardi's "What It Takes to Be Number One" speech

4. How can I write an effective motivational sports speech?

To write an effective motivational sports speech, convey your passion for the sport, use personal stories or anecdotes, emphasize the importance of teamwork and perseverance, and inspire your audience to overcome challenges

5. What key elements should a motivational sports speech include?

A motivational sports speech should include an engaging opening, a powerful body that ignites passion and determination, and an impactful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression

6. How long should a motivational sports speech be?

The length of a motivational sports speech can vary, but they typically range from 5 to 15 minutes

7. Can I use quotes in a motivational sports speech?

Yes, appropriate and inspiring quotes from famous athletes or sports figures can be a great addition to a motivational sports speech

8. Should I rehearse my motivational sports speech?

Yes, rehearsing your speech can help you deliver it more confidently and effectively

9. Is it necessary to use humor in a motivational sports speech?

While not necessary, humor can make your speech more engaging and relatable, helping to ease tension and connect with your audience

10. Can I use motivational sports speeches in a non-sports setting?

Yes, the themes of determination, teamwork, and overcoming challenges in motivational sports speeches are universally applicable and can inspire audiences in any field

11. What should be the tone of a motivational sports speech?

The tone of a motivational sports speech should be inspirational, passionate, and positive

12. Do motivational sports speeches work?

Motivational sports speeches can effectively inspire athletes, boost their morale, and enhance their performance

13. Can I use props in a motivational sports speech?

Props can be used if they support the message of your speech and help to engage your audience

14. Should a motivational sports speech address failures and obstacles?

Yes, addressing failures and obstacles can make your speech more relatable and highlight the importance of resilience and perseverance

15. How important is body language in delivering a motivational sports speech?

Body language is crucial in delivering a motivational sports speech. Energized, positive body language can help convey your passion and excitement, enhancing the impact of your message

16. How can I make my motivational sports speech memorable?

To make your speech memorable, use powerful, emotive language, share personal stories or anecdotes, repeat key messages, and end with a strong, inspiring conclusion

17. What should be avoided in a motivational sports speech?

Avoid negativity, overly complex language, unnecessary jargon, and making your speech too long

18. What makes Al Pacino's "Inch by Inch" speech so successful?

Al Pacino's "Inch by Inch" speech is successful due to its intense passion, captivating storytelling, and powerful message about the importance of teamwork and perseverance

19. Are there any good books on writing motivational sports speeches?

Yes, books such as "Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln" by James C. Humes offer valuable advice on effective public speaking, including sports speeches

20. Can motivational sports speeches improve team cohesion?

Motivational speeches can indeed help build and strengthen team cohesion by instilling a shared sense of purpose and mutual support

21. How can I use storytelling in my motivational sports speech?

Storytelling can be used to share personal experiences, highlight past successes or challenges, and to illustrate key points in a relatable, engaging way

22. Should I personalize my motivational sports speech?

Yes, personalizing your speech can make it more relatable and impactful. Understand your audience and tailor your message to their experiences and aspirations

23. How can I handle nerves when delivering a motivational sports speech?

Preparation and rehearsal are key to handling nerves. Also, remember that your audience is there to be inspired by you, focus on your message, and stay positive

24. How often should I give motivational sports speeches?

The frequency of motivational sports speeches can depend on the needs of your team. They can be particularly useful at the start of a season, before a challenging game or event, or during a tough period

25. How can I continue to motivate my team after giving a speech?

To continuously motivate your team, lead by example, offer words of encouragement and support, recognize their efforts and achievements, and consistently communicate the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Remember to also regularly revisit the themes of your motivational speech to reinforce its impact. Overall, the key to writing an effective motivational sports speech is to connect with your audience and inspire them through passion, personal experiences, and a powerful message about teamwork and perseverance.

26. Are there specific phrases or words that work well in a motivational sports speech?

Yes, using powerful and emotive language can enhance the impact of your speech. Phrases that inspire determination, such as "never give up," "reach for the stars," or "you have what it takes," can be particularly effective.

27. Should I use visual aids during my motivational sports speech?

While not necessary, visual aids like videos, diagrams, or photos can help illustrate your points and make your speech more engaging. However, the use of visual aids should not distract from your message

28. Can I involve the audience in my motivational sports speech?

Absolutely. Involving the audience can increase engagement and make the speech more memorable. This could include asking rhetorical questions, encouraging audience participation, or using interactive activities

29. How do I end a motivational sports speech effectively?

To end your speech effectively, you should bring your message to a powerful, inspiring conclusion. You could revisit the main points of your speech, end with a stirring call to action, or share a poignant story or quote that encapsulates your message

30. Is it appropriate to use a script when delivering a motivational sports speech?

While scripts can help with preparation, they should not be relied upon entirely during the speech delivery. Speaking freely and authentically can help you better connect with your audience and convey your passion

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12 Best Motivational Sports Speeches To Inspire Kids

These are guaranteed to give your kid a boost before the big game or pick them up after a tough loss.

Kids need words of wisdom. But even the very best coaches are sometimes at a loss for words. Not everyone who has kids in sports is a Ted Lasso, and even Ted Lasso borrows inspiration from other people!

Some of the best sports speeches seemingly apply to every situation: the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, the importance of teamwork , and the discipline required to reach great heights. With this in mind, we gathered some of the best inspirational speeches available on YouTube, delivered by pro athletes, coaches, and even a little kid who dropped some knowledge after taking a tumble off his bike. Don’t be surprised to find yourself fired up and ready for another attempt, whether that’s in the boardroom or batting cages.

1. Apollos Hester’s Postgame Interview

East View High’s Apollos Hester is coveted by college scouts for his incredible speed and agility, great hands, and optimistic attitude about life’s limitless potential. As is obvious from this great sport speech, the Texan is also one hell of a motivational speaker. This speech marked the first time in history a teenager thought they knew more than every adult in the world and was actually correct.

Choice Quote: “Regardless of the situation, regardless of the scoreboard, you’re going to be successful because you’ve put in all the time, all the effort, all the hard work, and you know that it’s going to pay off.”

2. Coach Dave Belisle’s Little League World Series Speech

Eleven- and 12-year-old boys aren’t naturally gracious losers, so when the Cumberland Americans were eliminated from the 2014 Little League World Series by just one run, a national TV audience could have witnessed an all-time adolescent meltdown. Instead, coach Dave Belisle delivered an all-time “heads up high” speech that turned tears of sadness into tears of joy. It’s a masterclass in how to handle disappointment.

Choice Quote : “It’s okay to cry because we’re not going to play baseball together anymore. But we’re going to be friends forever.”

3. Kevin Durant’s 2013-2014 MVP Speech

In Durant’s 2013–14 NBA MVP acceptance speech, he takes time to acknowledge all the hard work, setbacks, and sacrifices he endured to arrive at the moment as well as the friends, family, coaches, teammates, and supporters who helped him along the way. It’s the sports speech version of the famous Hillary Clinton “It takes a village” quote, and it’s a beautifully articulated and touching way of acknowledging what it truly takes to be great.

Choice Quote : “So many people believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. So many people doubted me and motivated me every single day to be who I am. I failed so many times and got back up. I’ve been through the toughest times with my family, but I’m still standing.”

4. This Little Kid’s Speech After Learning to Ride a Bike

If your kid won’t take it from you, let ’em take it from one of their own. Hell, you take it from one of their own. With enough confidence in yourself, you’ll know how to deliver an inspirational speech to your child. If you don’t, you’ll get there with practice. Also, shout out to the dad who perfectly set up the kid to deliver the ultimate attaboy for every training wheel-hating kid.

Choice Quote : “Thumbs up, everybody! For rock and roll!”

5. Darrel Green’s NFL Hall of Fame Speech

Green’s NFL Hall of Fame acceptance speech is remembered as one of the most passionate of all time. It’s absolutely riveting — and full of excellent advice for parents and children alike. Plus, it rhymes, so it’s easy to remember.

Choice Quote : “They said, ‘No,’ and he said, ‘Go.’ The best encouragement you can ever get in life is when a dad encourages his son. Encourage your son. That’s what he did for us.”

6. Coach Flowers’ JV Championship Speech

Playing “Last of the Mohicans” as your personal background music while barking scripted notes like DMX to fire up the junior varsity squad might seem a little overboard. And, well, that may be the case. Still, admit you’d love to see a gang of 6-year-olds scream, “I am champion!” before tripping over a soccer ball for 40 minutes.

Choice Quote : “No one will deny me, no one will define me. And no one will tell me who and what I am and can be. Belief will change my world.”

7. Jim Valvano’s ESPY Speech

At their best, sports can teach life’s greatest lessons. In his acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the first ESPY Awards in 1993, Jim Valvano, basketball player, coach, and broadcaster, delivered a masterclass in that premise. Ten years after leading North Carolina State to an NCAA championship in the greatest upset ever and then battling late-stage, terminal cancer, Jimmy V outlined his blueprint for a fulfilling life in three simple rules: Laugh, think, and cry. Every day. Do it, and you’ll indeed be fulfilled.

Choice Quote : “There are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two: think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears — could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

8. Tony Romo’s 2016 Press Conference About Dak Prescott

After a back injury and lots of missed time, Tony Romo lost his dream job — starting NFL quarterback. His backup, Dak Prescott, proved himself worthy of the starting job with his play. In a press conference, Romo addresses the situation with grace and eloquence. Instead of sulking or complaining, he speaks from the heart about the darkness of not being able to play, gives thanks for the people who helped him when he was younger, and promises to do the same for his protégé. In light of his present gig as an in-demand NFL commentator, it’s obvious his advice has paid off.

Choice Quote: “There are special moments that come from a shared commitment to play a role while doing it together that’s what you remember not your stats or your prestige but the relationships and the achievement that you created through a group.”

9. Coach Tony Arcuri’s 2007 Pregame Speech to the Indian Hill Braves High School Football Team.

This is an important lesson for your kid, who almost certainly will face an opponent (or teammate, for that matter) who is bigger, stronger, and/or faster than they are.

Choice Quote : “They’re bigger. They got athletes, they got guys going to Division 1 schools. All right? We can see that and so can everybody else. But nobody can see the intangible in us. Be the intangible tonight!”

10. Drew Brees’ Speech After Breaking Dan Marino’s Record

In 2011, Drew Brees set the record for most passing yards in a season and gave this motivational sports speech to his coaches and teammates after the game. Ever humble, Brees exhaustively lists every person who helped him along the way, from his teammates to the equipment managers. He also finds time to get in a ball joke. What a pro.

Choice Quote: “There may be only one name that goes in the record book, but it’s all about you guys.”

11. Herb Brooks’ Miracle Pregame Speech

Yes, this speech is from a movie, which violates this list’s only rule. Herb Brooks’ speech before the 1980 Men’s U.S. Olympic hockey team pulled off the “Miracle on Ice” happened behind closed doors. But none of that matters because Junior can’t lose — not this game, not tonight. Also, because the movie recreation, Miracle, led to this kid reciting Brooks’ speech .

Choice Quote : “This is your time. Now go out there and take it!”

12. Jason McElwain’s Scoring Spree

Because your play should speak for itself.

Choice Quote : [Crowd loses its mind as autistic team manager rains threes to score 20 points in four minutes]

This article was originally published on Sep. 14, 2016

10 of the Most Famous and Inspirational Speeches from History

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

What makes a great and iconic speech? There are numerous examples of brilliant orators and speechmakers throughout history, from classical times to the present day. What the best speeches tend to have in common are more than just a solid intellectual argument: they have emotive power, or, for want of a more scholarly word, ‘heart’. Great speeches rouse us to action, or move us to tears – or both.

But of course, historic speeches are often also associated with landmark, or watershed, moments in a nation’s history: when Churchill delivered his series of wartime speeches to Britain in 1940, it was against the backdrop of a war which was still in its early, uncertain stages. And when Martin Luther King stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, he was addressing a crowd who, like him, were marching for justice, freedom, and civil rights for African Americans.

Let’s take a closer look at ten of the best and most famous speeches from great moments in history.

Abraham Lincoln, ‘ Gettysburg Address ’ (1863).

The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches in American history, yet it was extremely short – just 268 words, or less than a page of text – and Abraham Lincoln, who gave the address, wasn’t even the top billing .

The US President Abraham Lincoln gave this short address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on 19 November 1863. At the time, the American Civil War was still raging, and the Battle of Gettysburg had been the bloodiest battle in the war, with an estimated 23,000 casualties.

Lincoln’s speech has been remembered while Edward Everett’s – the main speech delivered on that day – has long been forgotten because Lincoln eschewed the high-flown allusions and wordy style of most political orators of the nineteenth century. Instead, he addresses his audience in plain, homespun English that is immediately relatable and accessible.

Sojourner Truth, ‘ Ain’t I a Woman? ’ (1851).

Sometimes known as ‘Ar’n’t I a Woman?’, this is a speech which Sojourner Truth, a freed African slave living in the United States, delivered in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. The women in attendance were being challenged to call for the right to vote.

In her speech, Sojourner Truth attempts to persuade the audience to give women the vote . As both an ex-slave and a woman, Sojourner Truth knew about the plight of both groups of people in the United States. Her speech shows her audience the times: change is coming, and it is time to give women the rights that should be theirs.

John Ball, ‘ Cast off the Yoke of Bondage ’ (1381).

The summer of 1381 was a time of unrest in England. The so-called ‘Peasants’ Revolt’, led by Wat Tyler (in actual fact, many of the leaders of the revolt were more well-to-do than your average peasant), gathered force until the rebels stormed London, executing a number of high-ranking officials, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor, Simon Sudbury.

Alongside Tyler, the priest John Ball was an important leading figure of the rebellion. His famous couplet, ‘When Adam delved and Eve span, / Who was then the gentleman?’ sums up the ethos of the Peasants’ Revolt: social inequality was unheard of until men created it.

Winston Churchill, ‘ We Shall Fight on the Beaches ’ (1940).

Winston Churchill had only recently assumed the role of UK Prime Minister when he gave the trio of wartime speeches which have gone down in history for their rhetorical skill and emotive power. This, for our money, is the best of the three.

Churchill gave this speech in the House of Commons on 4 June 1940. Having brought his listeners up to speed with what has happened, Churchill comes to the peroration of his speech : by far the most famous part. He reassures them that if nothing is neglected and all arrangements are made, he sees no reason why Britain cannot once more defend itself against invasion: something which, as an island nation, it has always been susceptible to by sea, and now by air.

Even if it takes years, and even if Britain must defend itself alone without any help from its allies, this is what must happen. Capitulation to the Nazis is not an option. The line ‘if necessary for years; if necessary, alone’ is sure to send a shiver down the spine, as is the way Churchill barks ‘we shall never surrender!’ in the post-war recording of the speech he made several years later.

William Faulkner, ‘ The Agony and the Sweat ’ (1950).

This is the title sometimes given to one of the most memorable Nobel Prize acceptance speeches: the American novelist William Faulkner’s acceptance of the Nobel Prize for Literature at Stockholm in 1950.

In his speech, Faulkner makes his famous statement about the ‘duty’ of writers: that they should write about ‘the human heart in conflict with itself’, as well as emotions and themes such as compassion, sacrifice, courage, and hope. He also emphasises that being a writer is hard work, and involves understanding human nature in all its complexity. But good writing should also remind readers what humankind is capable of.

Emmeline Pankhurst, ‘ The Plight of Women ’ (1908).

Pankhurst (1858-1928) was the leader of the British suffragettes, campaigning – and protesting – for votes for women. After she realised that Asquith’s Liberal government were unlikely to grand women the vote, the Women’s Social and Political Union, founded by Pankhurst with her daughter Christabel, turned to more militant tactics to shift public and parliamentary opinion.

Her emphasis in this speech is on the unhappy lot most women could face, in marriage and in motherhood. She also shows how ‘man-made’ the laws of England are, when they are biased in favour of men to the detriment of women’s rights.

This speech was given at the Portman Rooms in London in 1908; ten years later, towards the end of the First World War, women over 30 were finally given the vote. But it would be another ten years, in 1928 – the year of Pankhurst’s death – before the voting age for women was equal to that for men (21 years).

Franklin Roosevelt, ‘ The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself ’ (1933).

This is the title by which Roosevelt’s speech at his inauguration in 1933 has commonly become known, and it has attained the status of a proverb. Roosevelt was elected only a few years after the Wall Street Crash of 1929 which ushered in the Great Depression.

Roosevelt’s famous line in the speech, which offered hope to millions of Americans dealing with unemployment and poverty, was probably inspired by a line from Henry David Thoreau, a copy of whose writings FDR had been gifted shortly before his inauguration. The line about having nothing to fear except fear itself was, in fact, only added into the speech the day before the inauguration took place, but it ensured that the speech went down in history.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, ‘ Among Us You Can Dwell No Longer ’ (63 BC).

Of all of the great classical orators, perhaps the greatest of all was the Roman statesman, philosopher, and speechmaker, Cicero (whose name literally means ‘chickpea’).

This is probably his best-known speech. At the Temple of Jupiter in Rome, Cicero addressed the crowd, but specifically directed his comments towards Lucius Catiline, who was accused of plotting a conspiracy to set fire to the capital and stage and insurrection. The speech was considered such a fine example of Roman rhetoric that it was a favourite in classrooms for centuries after, as Brian MacArthur notes in The Penguin Book of Historic Speeches .

Queen Elizabeth I, ‘ The Heart and Stomach of a King ’ (1588).

Queen Elizabeth I’s speech to the troops at Tilbury is among the most famous and iconic speeches in English history. On 9 August 1588, Elizabeth addressed the land forces which had been mobilised at the port of Tilbury in Essex, in preparation for the expected invasion of England by the Spanish Armada.

When she gave this speech, Elizabeth was in her mid-fifties and her youthful beauty had faded. But she had learned rhetoric as a young princess, and this training served her well when she wrote and delivered this speech (she was also a fairly accomplished poet ).

She famously tells her troops: ‘I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too’. She acknowledged the fact that her body was naturally less masculine and strong than the average man’s, but it is not mere physical strength that will win the day. It is courage that matters.

Martin Luther King, ‘ I Have a Dream ’ (1963).

Let’s conclude this selection of the best inspirational speeches with the best-known of all of Martin Luther King’s speeches. The occasion for this piece of oratorical grandeur was the march on Washington , which saw some 210,000 men, women, and children gather at the Washington Monument in August 1963, before marching to the Lincoln Memorial. King reportedly stayed up until 4am the night before he was due to give the speech, writing it out.

King’s speech imagines a collective vision of a better and more equal America which is not only shared by many Black Americans, but by anyone who identifies with their fight against racial injustice, segregation, and discrimination.

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