Probably one of the greatest motivators of all time. He had the unique ability to make people perform at a higher level than they were capable of.
"I can reach a kid who doesn't have any ability as long as he doesn't know it."
"The first time you quit, it's hard. The second time, it gets easier. The third time, you don't even have to think about it."
"What matters...is not the size of the dog in the fight, but of the fight in the dog."
"Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself."
"In life, you'll have your back up against the wall many times. You might as well get used to it."
"I'm known as a recruiter. Well you've got to have chicken to make chicken salad."
"Hell, no! A tie is like kissing your sister!"
You boys were eight and ten years old last time Alabama was on top. That was before any of you were paying much attention to it. What are you doing here? Tell me why you are here. If you are not here to win a national championship, you're in the wrong place. You boys are special. I don't want my players to be like other students. I want special people. You can learn a lot on the football field that isn't taught in the home, the church, or the classroom. There are going to be days when you think you've got no more to give and then you're going to give plenty more. You are going to have pride and class. You are going to be very special. You are going to win the national championship for Alabama." -- Coach Paul Bryant in his first meeting with his first team at Alabama, 1958.