Michael Lombardi > Quotes

“Exhibit a ferocious and intelligently applied work ethic directed at continual improvement. Demonstrate respect for each person in the organization. Be deeply committed to learning and teaching. Be fair. Demonstrate character. Honor the direct connection between details and improvement; relentlessly seek the latter. Show self-control, especially under pressure. Demonstrate and prize loyalty. Use positive language and have a positive attitude. Take pride in my effort as an entity separate from the result of that effort. Be willing to go the extra distance for the organization. Deal appropriately with victory and defeat, adulation and humiliation. Promote internal communication that is both open and substantive. Seek poise in myself and those I lead. Put the team’s welfare and priorities ahead of my own. Maintain an ongoing level of concentration and focus that is abnormally high. Make sacrifice and commitment the organization’s trademark.”
― Michael Lombardi, Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL

“CULTURE COMES FIRST. You can have the best game plan (or strategy or tactics)”
― Michael Lombardi, Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL

“Be deeply committed to learning and teaching. Be fair. Demonstrate character. Honor the direct connection between details and improvement; relentlessly seek the latter. Show self-control”
― Michael Lombardi, Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL

“The great quarterbacks in future years will have to run as well as pass to survive pro lines, which seem to get rougher and faster every season. The defense places a greater emphasis on rushing the passer….The new development in pro football, therefore, will have to be the running quarterback.”
― Michael Lombardi, Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL