TL

Tom Landry

77quotes

Tom Landry: The Legendary Coach of Football Excellence


Full Name and Common Aliases


Thomas Wade "Tom" Landry was an American football player, coach, and executive who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on September 11, 1924, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Tom Landry passed away on February 12, 2000, at the age of 75.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Tom Landry was an American football coach and executive. He spent his entire coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as head coach from 1966 to 1988.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Tom Landry developed a passion for sports at an early age. His father, William Hampton Landry, was a schoolteacher who instilled in his son the importance of hard work and discipline. Tom's natural athletic ability earned him a scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he played football as a halfback. After serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, Landry returned to SMU and began his coaching career.

Major Accomplishments


As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry led the team to five Super Bowl appearances, including two victories (VI and XII). He also won two NFL championships prior to the creation of the Super Bowl. Landry's innovative approach to the game, which emphasized a strong passing offense and defensive discipline, revolutionized football strategy.

Notable Works or Actions


Tom Landry was known for his iconic appearance on the sidelines, sporting a signature fedora hat and sunglasses. He was also famous for his "bulletin board" concept, where players were given a large piece of paper to track their performance and make adjustments accordingly. This innovative approach helped the Cowboys dominate the league during the 1970s.

Impact and Legacy


Tom Landry's impact on football extends far beyond his on-field successes. He was one of the first coaches to emphasize player development, recognizing that each individual had unique strengths and weaknesses. His "coach-player" relationship approach prioritized building trust and communication between coach and player. As a result, many of his players went on to become successful coaches in their own right.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Tom Landry's quotes and sayings are still widely referenced today due to their timeless wisdom. Phrases like "Hard work, discipline, and attention to detail" and "The most important thing is to be prepared for what you want to do" have become synonymous with the values he embodied as a coach and leader.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tom Landry's commitment to excellence and innovation left an indelible mark on the world of football. His legacy continues to inspire generations of coaches, players, and fans alike, cementing his place as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

Quotes by Tom Landry

Tom Landry's insights on:

People will forget me pretty quick.
"
People will forget me pretty quick.
TL
If you eliminate our way of life, the American way of life, what is the effect... what are the alternatives?
"
If you eliminate our way of life, the American way of life, what is the effect... what are the alternatives?
TL
Generally, achieving goals... which in many cases means winning... is really the ultimate in this life we live in.
"
Generally, achieving goals... which in many cases means winning... is really the ultimate in this life we live in.
TL
You don't have to drink or swear or hit people in the face when they're not looking, but you do have to be tough to win.
"
You don't have to drink or swear or hit people in the face when they're not looking, but you do have to be tough to win.
TL
Take away winning, and you take away everything that is strong about America.
"
Take away winning, and you take away everything that is strong about America.
TL
I've come to the conclusion that players want to be treated alike.
"
I've come to the conclusion that players want to be treated alike.
TL
The greatest thing is to win your first Super Bowl.
"
The greatest thing is to win your first Super Bowl.
TL
Look at Bjorn Borg or Jack Nicklaus. Those guys really concentrate. With the world on their shoulders, they're so absorbed with what they're doing.
"
Look at Bjorn Borg or Jack Nicklaus. Those guys really concentrate. With the world on their shoulders, they're so absorbed with what they're doing.
TL
Every coach has his own style of play, but when you spend your whole life as a Cowboy, you have to be influenced by what we did.
"
Every coach has his own style of play, but when you spend your whole life as a Cowboy, you have to be influenced by what we did.
TL
I wouldn't think I would coach again, because it would just be hard not being in the Cowboys' blue.
"
I wouldn't think I would coach again, because it would just be hard not being in the Cowboys' blue.
TL
Showing 1 to 10 of 77 results