Vince Lombardi | Official Website | Football Coaching Legend (2024)

Every time a football player goes to ply his trade he’s got to play from the ground up – from the soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys play with their heads. That’s O.K. You’ve got to be smart to be number one in any business. But more importantly, you’ve got to play with your heart, with every fiber of your body. If you’re lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a lot of heart, he’s never going to come off the field second.

Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization – an army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same. The object is to win – to beat the other guy. Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don’t think it is.

It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That’s why they are there – to compete. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules – but to win.

And in truth, I’ve never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn’t appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head to head combat.

I don’t say these things because I believe in the ‘brute’ nature of men or that men must be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”

Vince Lombardi | Official Website | Football Coaching Legend (2024)

FAQs

Did Vince Lombardi ever play football? ›

Two years later, Lombardi transferred to St. Francis Preparatory and played fullback for their football team. Lombardi next attended Fordham University and starred on the football team as a member of Fordham's famed “Seven Blocks of Granite.”

What made Vince Lombardi a great coach? ›

In 1959, Lombardi led the Packers to their first winning season since 1947 by using these principles. He knew how to balance strict discipline in training, continually pushing for excellence on the field, and cultivating a will to win. He wouldn't tolerate weakness or sloppiness.

What is Vince Lombardi's famous quote? ›

The Greatest Vince Lombardi Quotes

Winners never quit and quitters never win.

How did Vince Lombardi change football? ›

Lombardi was known for his discipline, attention to detail, and relentless focus on fundamentals. He emphasized teamwork, perseverance, and work ethic. His coaching style and philosophy had a profound impact on football.

Who is Lombardi in the NFL? ›

Joseph Philip Lombardi (born June 6, 1971) is an American football coach and former player who is the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers.

What NFL teams have Lombardi? ›

Six: The Pittsburgh Steelers (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008) are tied with the New England Patriots (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018) with six wins. Five: The Dallas Cowboys (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, 1995) and the San Francisco 49ers (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994) are tied for third with five each.

How many Super Bowls did Vince Lombardi win? ›

Vince Lombardi​ No coach in National Football League history achieved more success in less time than Lombardi did during his nine seasons in Green Bay. He won five NFL championships, including Super Bowls I and II, and compiled a remarkable 89-29-4 regular-season record.

What did Vince Lombardi say about winning? ›

“Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing,” Vince Lombardi said. Well, sort of. The legendary football coach isn't the first person to say that, and he later insisted that he was talking about “the will to win” or “making an effort.” The stereotypical American mind would say that's loser talk.

Why is the NFL trophy named after Vince Lombardi? ›

The trophy was named after the former Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi who died of cancer in 1970. He led the Packers to win their first two Super Bowls before passing away and the decision was made by the NFL to honour his legacy. As Lombardi once said, “Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing.”

What is Vince Lombardi's legacy? ›

Coach Vince Lombardi is known as a maker of champions. His ability to teach, motivate and inspire players helped turn the Green Bay Packers into the most dominating NFL team in the 1960s, including five NFL Championships and two Super Bowl victories.

Which city has never hosted a Super Bowl? ›

Which brings us to the final and maybe the most important reason why the city of Denver has not hosted the Super Bowl, the weather. The NFL required temperature in the month leading up to the Super Bowl is an average temperature of 50 degrees. Denver's average is 30.7 degrees.

How many NFL Championships did Vince Lombardi win? ›

Vince Lombardi​ No coach in National Football League history achieved more success in less time than Lombardi did during his nine seasons in Green Bay. He won five NFL championships, including Super Bowls I and II, and compiled a remarkable 89-29-4 regular-season record.

Did Michael Lombardi play football? ›

Lombardi is a graduate of Saint Mary's College High School in Berkeley, California, where he lettered in football and golf and was also a member of the baseball squad. He served as the football team captain in 2006 and was named the golf team's Most Valuable Player in 2007.

Is quarterback Rocky Lombardi related to Vince Lombardi? ›

With a name like Rocky Lombardi, you tend to be remembered. Even of no known relation to the legendary Vince Lombardi (the man who the Super Bowl Trophy is named after), that doesn't mean football isn't still important to his family. The Northern Illinois product checks in at six-foot-three, 227 pounds.

Why is the Super Bowl named after Vince Lombardi? ›

The trophy is named after the legendary Vince Lombardi, who coached the Green Bay Packers to victory in the first two Super Bowls. It was presented for the first time in 1967 to Lombardi himself, though of course it was not yet named for him—that honor followed after his death in 1970.

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