A motivational sport article about Mike Ditka and Tommy Lasorda.

Despite his termination from the New Orleans Saints in 1999 after three straight losing seasons, no one can deny “Iron” Mike Ditka’s legendary, and colorful, contribution to football history. He is easily one of the most recognized figures in football today. Most people have heard of Mike Ditka, even if they don’t follow the sport that made him famous.

Motivational sport quote from Mike Ditka:

Born in Pennsylvania, Ditka has often said that his upbringing was peppered with discipline by “… an old leather marine belt.” That discipline, however only seemed to inspire Ditka to become one of the most successful athletes in NFL history. As one of only two men who can claim Super Bowl victory as both an athlete, assistant coach and head coach, Ditka states, “Success is measured by your discipline…”

Ditka’s career has certainly been full of success. Ditka began his amazing career when he signed on with the Bears in 1961. He immediately earned NFL Rookie of the Year Honors and that was just the beginning. Before moving from the role of athlete to coach, Ditka would play with both the Eagles and the Cowboys. His impressive career with the Cowboys is still remembered, some thirty years later. After moving into the field of coaching, Ditka motivated the Chicago Bears, the sports team who had deteriorated to a dismal record over the years, to victory in the 1986 Super Bowl.

Motivation seems to play a key role in Ditka’s success, both on the field and on the sidelines. He has often been known for this motivational sport quote “Believe you can do it….and you will.”

Tommy Lasorda is an expert in motivational teamwork. His dedication, motivation and take on teamwork are nothing short of awe inspiring. Lasorda has spent over 40 years perfecting the concept of motivational teamwork with the same team.

Motivational sport quote from Tommy Lasorda:

After signing on with the Dodgers as a pitcher, Lasorda has spent his amazing career with that same team in the roles of scout, farm team manager and third base coach. With Lasorda as manager, the Dodgers have gone onto to win an impressive five divisional titles, four National League pennants and two World Series.

The Dodger’s success is often credited to Lasorda’s comprehension of motivational techniques. This is more than obvious in Lasorda’s motivational quote “If you take 25 players, seven coaches, a manager and the front-office staff and put them all on one end of a rope pulling together, they will win. They can’t be stopped.” That’s teamwork!