Matt Besser Quotes

My high-school coach Tony Reginelli was kind of famous for 'Reggie-isms,' kind of like 'Yogi-isms.' He always said if you want to be a good quarterback, when sprinting left you want to be amphibious and throw left-handed. I told him, 'You mean ambidextrous, coach?'

I feel fortunate to be a part of a football community that includes leaders who recognize the power of sport to make a difference and who, like so many of my coaches, are defined not only by their knowledge but by their ability to bring out the best in every member of their teams.

All the way through the youth ranks at Sao Paulo, I've always been the captain.

Nobody's more loyal than me as a football coach, I can tell you that.

If I continue to work as a coach, it is because my passion and love for football, for the players, is still there.

I consider myself a court jester - motivator.

You know, a football coach is nothing more than a teacher. You teach them the same subject, and you have a group of new guys every year.

I believe in Coach Louis Wong. He is so much more than just a football coach.

During my freshman year at Cornell, I joined my dorm's intramural football team. At the first practice, upper classmen pointed out I was tall, so I should try playing QB. Well half an hour later, it was abundantly clear that I should not be the QB.

It's great to have atmosphere at the stadium, but football is all about the players.

To say that my dad pushed me is an understatement. I was never naturally drawn to football.

I'd give my life to be the national team coach.

This is a game, first and foremost. There was only one Vince Lombardi, and he died.

Deacon Jones has been the most inspirational person in my football career.

Ray Lewis, I've grown up watching Ray Lewis. Just watching his intensity, his passion for the game, his love for the game, his work ethic. Everything in a linebacker that you want to be is in Ray Lewis, from leadership qualities, all that.

I obviously take a lot of pride in what I do on the football field, because that has the ability to influence a lot of people. That puts smiles on people's faces. That gives people a pep in their step on Monday morning when they go back to work.

There were high school coaches such as Charles Boston that took me under his wing and taught me the fundamentals of football. And when I went to college there was Robert Hill who took me there and he showed me what hard work and determination would do if you put forth the effort and you take a little time.

Football is such a great game, but football players are so dull.

Three coaches at Notre Dame made a big difference in my life, not that I played any football when I attended Notre Dame. But Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, and Lou Holtz - they all made a difference to me, and I respected them for their attitudes about life and how they handled loss.

I'm a huge fan of sports movies.

I have often wondered why I was never captain of the Lakers.

Zidane is a Real Madrid legend. He teaches us things in every training session - even just by playing with us.

Growing up my favorite coach was Billy Martin.

Every coach talks to their players. Imagine not talking to Lionel Messi - that would be ridiculous.

My dad has a certain spirit, a twinkle in his eye, someone who can set a certain standard for players but also convey it with humor. What I learned from him is that coaching is, more than anything, about connecting with people.