Woody Hayes, born Wayne Woodrow Hayes, was an American football player and coach who made a significant impact on the game. He is best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from 1951 to 1978. Hayes’ coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, hard work, and dedication, which led the Buckeyes to numerous victories and championships.
Throughout his career, Woody Hayes shared his wisdom and insight through memorable quotes that continue to inspire athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts today. In this article, we bring you a compilation of some of the most profound Woody Hayes quotes that reflect his passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Whether you are an aspiring athlete seeking motivation or a football fan looking for inspiration, these Woody Hayes quotes are sure to resonate with you. Let’s dive into the timeless words of this legendary coach:
Read these Woody Hayes Quotes
“There’s nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you.”
“Paralyze resistance with persistence.”
“Winning is not a ‘sometime’ thing; it’s an all-time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit.”
“The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.”
“Success is the only motivational factor that a boy with character needs.”
“Football is, after all, a wonderful way to get rid of your aggressions without going to jail for it.”
“Without winners, there wouldn’t even be any civilization.”
“There are three things that can happen when you throw a pass, and two of them are bad.”
“Paralyze resistance with persistence.”
“The score on the board doesn’t mean a thing. That’s for the fans. You’ve got to do it from the heart.”
“Luck is the residue of design.”
“A man is always better than he thinks.”
“The true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.”
“The only way to whip an opponent is to do it physically and mentally.”
“There is nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you.”
“Nothing that comes easy is worth a dime.”
“I’ve had smarter people around me all my life, but I haven’t run into one yet that can outwork me. And if they can’t outwork you, then smarts aren’t going to do them much good. That’s just the way it is. And if you believe that and live by it, you’d be surprised at how much fun you can have.”
“I’ll never be mistaken for an easy mark. I never have been. Don’t you be, either.”
“Adversity cause some men to break; others to break records.”
“If you take the ‘inter’ out of ‘interference,’ you’ve got ‘ference,’ which means ‘no difference.'”
These Woody Hayes quotes encapsulate the essence of his coaching philosophy and provide valuable life lessons for anyone striving for success. Whether it’s about perseverance, dedication, or the importance of hard work, these words of wisdom continue to inspire generations of athletes and individuals. Let Woody Hayes’ legacy live on through his timeless quotes that remind us of the power of determination and the pursuit of excellence.
