Vince Lombardi

American football coach, 1913–1970. Explained quotes and 1 wrongly credited to them.

✕ Misattributed · Start here

“Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing.”

Often credited to Vince Lombardi · 1950

✕ Misattributed

“Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing.”

Often credited to Vince Lombardi · Henry “Red” Sanders, football coach, as reported in the Los Angeles Times · 1950

A coach's line that only victory counts. UCLA coach Red Sanders said it first; Lombardi used it later and said he regretted how it was understood.

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About Vince Lombardi

Vince Lombardi coached the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967, winning five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls. The Super Bowl trophy is named after him, and he is often remembered as the model of a demanding, motivating coach.

Lombardi gave many talks on leadership and winning, and the line most associated with him has a longer and more complicated history than most people realize.