Jimmy Johnson Quotes

Powerful Jimmy Johnson for Daily Growth

About Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy Johnson, born on October 17, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, is a renowned American football coach and analyst known for his successful coaching career in the National Football League (NFL). After an impressive college football career as a player at the University of Arkansas, Johnson began his professional journey in 1966 with the Baltimore Colts. His coaching career took off when he became the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 1984, leading them to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1985 and 1987, making him one of only two coaches in NFL history to achieve this feat. His influence on the game extended beyond the field as well; he was a key figure in the development of the Wildcat formation, which has since become a popular offensive strategy in football. In 1990, Johnson moved to the Dallas Cowboys, where he led the team to three Super Bowl appearances within four years. Despite not winning another championship, his tenure is remembered for his innovative coaching style and ability to motivate players. Post-retirement, Johnson has remained active in football, serving as an analyst for CBS Sports and NBC Sports. He is also known for his insightful quotes that reflect his wisdom and passion for the game. One of his most famous quotes, "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing," encapsulates his competitive spirit and unwavering focus on success. Jimmy Johnson's life and work continue to influence football coaches and players around the world, making him a true legend in American sports history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."

This quote by Jimmy Johnson emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire to achieve success, rather than simply focusing on winning itself. The desire to win encompasses the passion, determination, and effort one puts into achieving their goals. It suggests that the journey towards victory is just as significant as the destination, implying that personal growth, teamwork, and character development are valuable aspects of competition. Essentially, Johnson's quote underscores that a burning ambition to succeed is crucial for overall development and fulfillment in life.


"Success is not forever and failure isn't fatal. It's courage and determination that matter."

This quote by Jimmy Johnson emphasizes that success, while desirable, is not a permanent state, and setbacks or failures are common in life. However, the true essence lies in one's ability to persevere in the face of adversity. It suggests that courage, resilience, and determination are more significant indicators of character than fleeting successes or temporary setbacks. By focusing on these qualities, individuals can continue to strive for their goals and overcome obstacles, ultimately leading to sustainable success over time.


"You can't coach football with a clipboard."

Jimmy Johnson's quote, "You can't coach football with a clipboard," emphasizes the importance of active participation and leadership in coaching, rather than relying solely on technical tools or resources like a clipboard. It implies that successful coaching requires a hands-on approach, engaging directly with players, understanding their needs, motivating them, and shaping strategies based on game situations. The quote highlights the need for coaches to be dynamic, strategic, and involved in the game rather than passive observers.


"The secret of life is to make it as interesting as possible."

Jimmy Johnson's quote, "The secret of life is to make it as interesting as possible," emphasizes the importance of finding joy and excitement in our daily experiences. It encourages us to approach life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn and grow. By seeking out new challenges, exploring unfamiliar territories, and pursuing our passions, we can inject meaning and purpose into our lives and create a rich tapestry of memories that make our journey worthwhile. Essentially, it's about embracing the adventure that life presents and making the most of every moment.


"It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference."

The quote emphasizes that it is not merely having the desire to win, but rather the dedication and effort put into preparing for victory that ultimately sets apart successful individuals or teams. Success doesn't only come from having ambition; it arises from meticulous planning, hard work, and diligent practice before the competition even begins. It underscores the importance of preparation in achieving one's goals and aspirations.


Football is such a team sport, so no one individual does it. No one coach or no one assistant coach or no one player, it's a great team sport, so I don't get carried away with a bunch of accolades.

- Jimmy Johnson

Away, Individual, Carried, Great Team

But I was always a bit of a gypsy, anyway. I spent five years at Oklahoma State, five years at Miami and moved on after winning the national championship, and five years with the Cowboys. So, I was ready to move on. We won back-to-back Super Bowls, and I felt that I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish.

- Jimmy Johnson

Gypsy, Bowls, Moved, Moved On

Give people enough guidance to make the decisions you want them to make. Don't tell them what to do, but encourage them to do what is best.

- Jimmy Johnson

Want, Give, Tell, Decisions

Like I always say, it's not how many great plays you make; it's how few bad ones you make. I know fans, and even some losing coaches, are enamored with long pass completions or the great run plays, but that doesn't offset the interception or the fumble.

- Jimmy Johnson

Run, Bad, Some, Bad Ones

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

- Jimmy Johnson

Extraordinary, Difference, Extra

Two to three years down the road, other companies not on a model like Dell's will be in trouble.

- Jimmy Johnson

Will, Other, Like, Down The Road

With 'Survivor' - I didn't get any sleep, there was no food, we had to boil our water... plus, it was physically taxing during the day. That's what made it more difficult than three-a-day practices.

- Jimmy Johnson

More, Difficult, Made, Taxing

The other thing was that when I was at the University of Miami, we ran a pro-style offense and defense. I started each year by going to a pro training camp, I visited with various pro coaches, and I did this for five years.

- Jimmy Johnson

Year, Other, Offense, Camp

The only thing worse than a coach or CEO who doesn't care about his people is one who pretends to care. People can spot a phony every time.

- Jimmy Johnson

CEO, The Only Thing, About, Every Time

I think as far as any kind of pressure on a football team or on an individual in professional sports really depends not only on that individual but the leadership they have on the team and the leadership they have on the coaching staff. A lot of times, they can divert some of those pressures off of the individual and off of the team.

- Jimmy Johnson

Professional, Some, I Think, Pressures

I've heard all the coaches complaining about the new CBA rules limiting padded practice. I don't like the reduction to just 15 padded practices during the season. When I coached, we always practiced in pads; and three days a week.

- Jimmy Johnson

Practice, Week, Coached, Season

There is a way to practice hard and be physical without pads. You can still be a physical football team and be efficient in practice without pads. The 49ers practiced like that for a long period of time in the 1980s under Bill Walsh and were extremely successful when all the other teams were practicing in pads.

- Jimmy Johnson

Practice, Other, Long Period, 1980s

I can't confirm any rumors. I'm happy doing what I'm doing. I have no interest in going back to coaching.

- Jimmy Johnson

Happy, Doing, Going, Coaching

An objective truth and individual reason are feared above all.

- Jimmy Johnson

Truth, Reason, Individual, Objective

Military leaders aren't made. They are born. To be a good leader, you have to have something in your character to cause people to follow you.

- Jimmy Johnson

Leader, Born, Made, Military

Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?

- Jimmy Johnson

Chance, Want, Take, Safe

And the main thing was that I wanted to live in south Florida. That's why I left the Cowboys; to live in south Florida.

- Jimmy Johnson

Why, Main Thing, South, Florida

Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a person as if he were where he could be and should be, and he will become what he could be and should be.

- Jimmy Johnson

Treat, Will, Person, Remain

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