NFL History Quotes

NFL History Quotes

They Said It

"If I have to integrate heaven, I don't want to go."

- Woody Strode, the first Black player in the postwar NFL, 197129

"That Jackie Robinson is the fastest man I've ever seen in uniform. [...] The only time I was worried about the game was when Robinson was in there."


- Chicago Bears defensive end Dick Plasman, after playing in an All-Star game against a team of collegians that included Jackie Robinson, 1941. Robinson played professional baseball rather than football because no NFL team would hire a Black player in the early 1940s.30

"If Jesus were alive today, he'd probably be at the Super Bowl."


- Dr. Norman Vincent Peale31

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


- Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, 195932

"We're going to win Sunday, I'll guarantee you."


- New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, before Super Bowl III, 196933

"The NFL is America's clothier. Walk down the street, and all you see are guys with jerseys on, hats, jackets, whatever it is."


- Sportswriter Dave Anderson34

"There's nothing bigger than being asked to perform at the Super Bowl."


- Paul McCartney, 200535