Inspire 21 Inspiring Words for the 21st Century
Related Articles
— By Bobby Dodd
Football is one of our great American games. It is the duty and responsibility of each of us to see that it is kept in its proper perspective, and that it is protected. We should see that it is used to attain the objectives that mean so much to our way of life.
We feel that the spectator can be most influential and instrumental in helping to achieve these objectives, if he will develop the right attitudes. May we suggest a few?
First, and foremost among these attitudes that must be developed, is the realization that in football there must be a winner and a loser (excepting the occasional tie). The fan who recognizes this principle gets a great deal more enjoyment from the game than one who becomes irritated, aggravated, and rambunctious when “his” team loses. We would never minimize the importance of winning, but it is very unfair to the coach, the player, and the school when the fan forgets it is impossible to “repudiate the law of mathematics” – i.e., there must be a winner and a loser.
It is important that each of us develop the art of appreciating great plays made by the opposition. We should always give our opponents credit, rather than criticize our team when the opposition makes a great play. We believe perfection in the execution of a great play in football is to be admired and appreciated, just as we appreciate and admire the work of a great artist in any field.
The spectator should remember the football players are just human beings. They perform at times under great pressure, and they, as all other earthly inhabitants, are likely to make mistakes. It behooves all of us to remember, “To err is human, to forgive, divine.”
Finally, we should always keep uppermost in mind that football, with all its glamour, glitter, thrills and chills, plus everything that makes it great, has one thing more important than all of these combined – that is, “the boy who plays it.”
Robert L. “Bobby” Dodd
Head Coach and Athletic Director
Georgia Institute of Technology
1954
——–
Bobby Dodd remains one of college football’s legendary figures as both a player and coach. A native of Galax, Virginia, he played college football at the University of Tennessee, gathering 24 wins, one loss and one tie as the starting quarterback from 1928-1930. He was named to the All-Southern team in 1928 and 1930, and after his last season, was named first team All-American.
Dodd began his coaching career with Georgia Tech in the spring of 1931. He served 14 years as William A. Alexander’s top assistant before replacing him in 1945 as Georgia Tech’s third head coach. Over the next 22 years, Dodd led the Yellow Jackets to a stellar 165 wins, 64 losses and eight ties. His teams won nine of their 13 post-season bowl game appearances, and 22 of his players were honored as first team All-Americans. Learn more about Bobby Dodd here: bobbydoddfoundation.com/
