Doug Flutie Quotes

Powerful Doug Flutie for Daily Growth

About Doug Flutie

Douglas Robert Flutie, more commonly known as Doug Flutie, is an American former professional football player turned author, best recognized for his outstanding career in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on October 23, 1964, in Auburn, Massachusetts, Flutie grew up in a family with a strong sports background. His father, Doug Flutie Sr., was an accomplished basketball player at Boston University, while his younger brother, Darren Flutie, also enjoyed success as a professional football player. Flutie's athletic prowess emerged during his high school years at Natick High School in Massachusetts, where he excelled in various sports including basketball and baseball. However, it was in American football that Flutie truly shone, earning him a scholarship to the University of Boston. In college, Flutie gained national fame with his "Hail Mary" pass during the 1984 season against Miami (Ohio), a play that is still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in college football history. His exceptional performances earned him the Heisman Trophy in 1984 and recognition as an NCAA Division I-AA consensus All-American. Flutie's professional career saw him playing for several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Montreal Alouettes, Calgary Stampeders, and Boston Renegades. Throughout his career, he set numerous records in both the NFL and CFL, and was twice named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP). After retiring from professional football, Flutie has focused on various philanthropic efforts, including his Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, which he established with his wife Laurie in 1998 to help families affected by autism spectrum disorder. In addition, he has written a book titled "Flutie's Favorites: The Ultimate Football Cookbook," published in 2006, where he shares favorite recipes and football-themed stories from his personal life and career. Throughout his life, Doug Flutie continues to be an inspiration on and off the field, leaving a lasting impact on sports, literature, and charitable organizations.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To be the best, you can't play small-town football your whole life."

This quote implies that to achieve greatness or to excel at a significantly higher level, one may need to step out of their comfort zone and confront challenges beyond their immediate surroundings, i.e., the 'small-town' environment they are familiar with. The message encourages personal growth and expansion, suggesting that exposure to diverse experiences and opportunities is essential for reaching one's full potential. In other words, to be the best, one might need to break free from local limitations and embrace new horizons.


"You've got to dream your practice, see it in your mind, then visualize and believe in that."

This quote by Doug Flutie emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in achieving success. He suggests that before engaging in physical practice, one should first envision their desired outcome - this is the "dream" phase. Then, they must visualize that outcome during the practice itself - this is the "practice" phase. Lastly, belief in that visualized outcome is crucial as it fuels determination and motivation. In other words, success begins in the mind before it can manifest on the field.


"If you want something badly enough, no obstacle will seem insurmountable."

This quote by Doug Flutie emphasizes the power of determination and persistence in overcoming challenges. It suggests that when one has a strong desire or passion for something, they are capable of surpassing any apparent obstacles that stand in their way. Essentially, it encourages individuals to strive relentlessly towards their goals despite seemingly insurmountable difficulties.


"Every time you step on the field, you have a chance to be a hero."

This quote emphasizes that every opportunity to participate in any activity or competition presents an individual with the potential to exhibit courage, skill, and determination – qualities that can elevate them to the status of a "hero" within their sphere. Essentially, Doug Flutie suggests that we should seize each moment as an opportunity to make a positive impact and become extraordinary.


"The difference between winning and losing is most often made at the mental level, not the physical or skill level."

This quote emphasizes that the psychological aspect often plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a competition or challenge more so than physical abilities or skills. It suggests that one's mindset—confidence, determination, focus, resilience—can tip the scales between success and failure. In other words, having the mental fortitude to persevere despite adversity can lead to victory even when faced with opponents who may have superior physical attributes or technical skills.


My daughter is very strong-willed and is a great kid. She doesn't drink. She doesn't smoke. She doesn't fold to peer pressure. I think how affectionate my wife and I have been with her over the years all plays into that. She realizes the more people she is exposed to that kids who have both parents around grow up to be much better people.

- Doug Flutie

Been, I Think, Very, Fold

I think the only time I doubted myself was my senior year in high school. I was not offered a Division I scholarship. I remember a scout from Ohio State coming in and looking at my film. He was all excited to meet me. Then he met me and I was 5'10" and he said that I was not a Division I quarterback.

- Doug Flutie

I Remember, I Think, Doubted, Senior

The biggest issue about the height factor is the bias that the NFL has about it.

- Doug Flutie

NFL, Biggest, Issue, Bias

The day I retire is the day I'll feel old. I'm not there yet.

- Doug Flutie

Day, Old, Feel, Retire

It's my whole life of being the little guy and having a little chip on my shoulder, from year to year trying to prove myself, and at the end of the day to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a very special honor for me.

- Doug Flutie

College, Prove, Very, Shoulder

My biggest frustration with the Heisman is it's become the MVP of the national champion, or a team going to the National Championship game. That's what it's turned into. If you're not undefeated, you're out of the running.

- Doug Flutie

Game, Going, Turned, Undefeated

Hey, I'm just looking for an excuse to retire so I can play summer league baseball, go coach my nephews, play pickup basketball. I've always had that ability to move on to the next thing.

- Doug Flutie

Play, Next, Had, Just Looking

Football is my profession now. I'm getting married in August... It's a new experience for me as someone just getting out of college. I still have the same attitude about football I always had. I play hard. I enjoy practice. I'd rather be throwing in passing drills than sitting around and watching TV.

- Doug Flutie

College, Practice, Play, Drills

My daughter just graduated college and she's a dance major. She's done a couple of dance videos already and won Miss Massachusetts a couple of weeks ago. She's going out for Miss United States the second week of July, out in Las Vegas. She will probably wind up going to New York and trying the Broadway thing.

- Doug Flutie

College, Couple, Las Vegas, Massachusetts

A guy that's undersized has to prove himself right away.

- Doug Flutie

Prove, Away, Himself, Right Away

My first two years in the CFL, all I thought of was getting back to the NFL - it was like 'I'll put my time in up here and go back.' Then I went and signed a nice contract in Calgary and was like, 'Hey, I can make a living up here, this is great football, and I'm having a blast.'

- Doug Flutie

Thought, Back, Here, Hey

I live for the Red Sox. I thoroughly enjoy them. For whatever reason, baseball has been a lot more fun for me in recent years. I loosely follow the Patriots and I root for them. I loosely follow the Celtics and then it gets to playoff time and I don't miss a game. Same with the Bruins. I'm not the diehard fan anymore.

- Doug Flutie

Game, Reason, Been, Loosely

The public doesn't care about my size. It's just something for the media to talk about.

- Doug Flutie

Size, Public, About, Just Something

The trouble is that right now I want to put as much work into football as I can. It's very important for me to get off to a good start. By the same token, I feel a responsibility to handle the media and those sort of things.

- Doug Flutie

Media, Feel, Very, Token

My favorite song to play is 'Smokin' by Boston. I actually had a chance to play that with the band Boston live.

- Doug Flutie

Song, Play, Boston, Smokin

When I go back to NFL functions today, I feel a bit on the outside looking in. I played 13 years in the NFL, and I loved it - made a Pro Bowl and went to the playoffs - but I always felt like I was having to knock the door down to get in.

- Doug Flutie

Door, Knock, Functions, NFL

The Flutie Bowl is a great event that brings together people who really care about the autism community. We always have a great time bowling and playing music.

- Doug Flutie

Great Time, Always, About, Autism

That's the way I like it because there's no time to have nerves about it. You just run out and do it.

- Doug Flutie

Like, No Time, About, Nerves

Any game is important to me. At Boston College, when I went out for the spring games, I wanted to win. Maybe it is more important than other preseason games. It's just that everyone is expecting a lot from me in my first week of professional football. I want to confirm my expectations.

- Doug Flutie

College, Game, Boston, Expectations

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