Lou Holtz is one of the most respected names in American college football. Born on January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz built a remarkable legacy as a football coach, author, and motivational speaker. Best known for coaching the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1988, he also revitalized programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, and South Carolina.

Beyond the gridiron, Lou Holtz is celebrated for his wit, wisdom, and ability to inspire players and audiences alike. His powerful quotes and speeches continue to motivate people to achieve success through discipline, faith, and hard work.

10 Best Lou Holtz Quotes

1. “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
2. “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.”
3. “When all is said and done, more is said than done.”
4. “Don’t ever promise more than you can deliver, but always deliver more than you promise.”
5. “If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.”
6. “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”
7. “You were not born a winner, you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself to be.”
8. “Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.”
9. “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.”
10. “Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they’re making to win.”