"The only way I know how to coach the game is all the way."

Vince Lombardi was without question the greatest football coach of his time, perhaps of all time. But the man himself was more, much more. He wasa thoughtful man with uncommon passion, a motivator with uncompromising values--and a leader with unprecedented wisdom and authority.

"Winning is the name of the game ... Be a hard loser"

More than a generation since his untimely passing, Vince Lombardi's fiery words continue to resonate. The Essential Vince Lombardi compiles Lombardi's most quotable, memorable expressions into one extraordinary volume. Down-to-earth yet inspiring, it reintroduces us to the thoughts and ideas that drove Vince Lombardi to the top.

"The leader must always walk the tightrope between the consent he must win and the control he must exert."

Vince Lombardi was a football coach by trade, but a leader by instinct. The Essential Vince Lombardi reveals the man through his words, provides insights into what made him tick, and explains how we can use those insights to power our own lives and careers.

Vince Lombardi lived each day with urgency, passion, and conviction. His uncanny ability to inspire greatness, and to motivate his followers to test the limits of their endurance, made him the standard by which leaders in all walks of life have come to be measured.

For the first time ever, The Essential Vince Lombardi collects Lombardi's most memorable and inspirational quotes in one easily referenced volume. Alphabetically-arranged subject headings provide instant access to Lombardi's thoughts, attitudes, and opinions. Fascinating to read front-to-back and equally valuable as a spirited and insightful reference, this amazing volume allows the greatest coach in the history of football to hold court on his favorite subjects:

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More than just a simple quote book, however, The Essential Vince Lombardi contains observations from its author, Vince Lombardi Jr.; reminiscences from Lombardi family members and associates; rare, previously unpublished photographs; "Lombardi Lessons" for applying Lombardi's wisdom to everyday situations; and more. Itplaces Lombardi's favorite thoughts and quotes into the context of everyday life, without compromising any of their striking power or originality

The Essential Vince Lombardi--indispensable to Lombardi aficionados--will also be valuable to all readers for the strength of its prose, the passion of its opinions, and the wisdom that shines through on every page. Vince Lombardi's stay on earth was far too fleeting; in The Essential Vince Lombardi, his words live on to motivate and inspire--today, and for generations to come.