LaVell Edwards Quotes on Work & Career (5 Quotes)

We tend to look at successful athletes and make them almost bigger than life.... I have seen many young men who have achieved greatness. I have also seen those who have come up a little short of their potential. I do know that those who succeed have been able to ... recognize within themselves the potential to do something well and then work hard to prepare themselves for that eventual opportunity. Others wait for the opportunity to come and then start to work, thus coming up a little short.

He will return with a greater understanding of himself, greater leadership capabilities, better work habits, and a better knowledge of what it takes to be successful. It really depends on the young mans desire, commitment, work habits, and how important it is to him when he returns.

Potential does not always ensure success. ... The greatest players have not always been the most endowed. In athletics, we often hear the phrase, 'He has the will to win.' I think this is wrong.... We can have the greatest will to do well. But unless we have prepared, it is of little use. Really, it should be the 'will to prepare.' Those who succeed have this will, whether it be in athletics, whether it be in school, whether it be in their chosen vocation, whether it be on a mission, or in almost any other phase of their life.

In my career I have had many wonderful things happen to me, many more than I ever dreamed would ever happen. But I would like for you young brethren especially to know that all that has happened to me in my chosen profession is a mere drop in the bucket compared to the truly important things in my life. The testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ that I have, along with my wife and my family, are my most important possessions.

Edwards said the greatest moment of his career was winning the national championship. The lowest moment (of my career) happens every time we lose to Utah.