Joe Paterno Quotes

When I'm thinking of sports, when I'm thinking of a boy growing up and being a man, I'm thinking of three things - honor, integrity, and toughness.

I don't know anything that builds the will to win better than competitive sports.

In general, I enjoy athletes who have a strong character who let their abilities speak for themselves.

I think any football is a guy that is able to one, be able to be humble and hungry off the field, but at the same time on the football field understand what they have to get done and be a little bit ferocious.

Humanity is in my heart. Do I suffer fools? No. Am I a stickler for my profession? Yes. I am a task master? Yes. My military background, football background, I'm a team player all the way, and I love winning.

I had three rules for my players: No profanity. Don't criticize a teammate. Never be late.

It's the philosophies of being an athlete that carry me today.

I respect all my opponents, but I fear no one.

Some of the best lessons that I've ever learned are on a ball field - basketball, football, baseball, golf. And I learned great lessons from my coaches - being on time, being mentally tough, having some discipline, and being part of a team.

We all know what my game is, to play hard. Not dirty, but play hard.

I don't change the way that I play. I love the game of basketball, man. I ride with these guys in this locker room. They know that. If I've got something to say to them, I will say it. You may not like the way that it comes across. That's fine. But that's who I am.

Captains need to lead well and play within the laws of the game. There cannot be any compromise on that count.

As athletes, the biggest asset that we bring to the workplace is our work ethic, our confidence, our never-say-die attitude. We're about winning.

At the end of the day, in football, you need more than technique to win. You need other values that can push you on during difficult times.

As a player, if your attitude is questioned, it's horrible.

I think, in football, you have to go through difficulties.

But I'm going to play with the same passion and desire every night, and nobody's going to change that. Not referees. Nobody.

At Kentucky, you have to be a competitor. If you're not, you're going to look weak. You're going to look like you don't belong.

You have to master the ball, play with confidence and play with character and courage.

I think you can win in the NFL without being a 'bad boy.'

You can't play with fear in football. There is a lot of respect - you have respect for everybody, the ones on top and the bottom - but never fear.

A captain has to be able to look a player in the eye before he starts his run-up or goes out to bat.

I took my sports experience to my life on stage. That's why I'm so disciplined. Playing sports, I was always underestimated. I was never picked first to do anything. This always helped me. It taught me how to push myself.

I was taught you never, ever disrespect your opponent or your teammates or your organization or your manager and never, ever your uniform.

Sports are sports. Its all about how we carry ourselves out of the ring.