24 Things Champions Think

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

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

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