Louis Leo Holtz is a retired American football player, analyst, and coach. He is the only coach to guide four different programs to the final top 20 rankings, as well as the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games.
He led several teams to win with his excellent coaching abilities. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Iowa in 1960, and from there he made stops as an assistant at the College of William and Mary, the University of Connecticut, the University of South Carolina, and The Ohio State University.
He has been a source of inspiration for many players. Aside from being a fantastic coach, Holtz is also known for his motivational speeches. He is widely commended for being one of the most prominent motivational speakers that inspire athletes and players worldwide.
In 2005, Holtz joined ESPN as a college football analyst and retired on November 2004. On May 2008, Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
Below, you’ll find some of the most inspiring and memorable Lou Holtz quotes about life, sports, teamwork, and success.
Fun fact: Lou Holtz is famous for carrying a notecard in his pocket listing his lifelong goals—something he started as a teenager and still does today!
Table of Contents
Famous Lou Holtz Quotes
Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
(Attributed to Lou Holtz in many of his motivational speeches)
Why it resonates: This classic Holtz quote sums up his philosophy: your talent is just the start; what truly matters is your attitude and drive.
I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions.
(From various interviews and public talks)
Why it resonates: Holtz reminds us the key to growth is curiosity and humility.
Lou Holtz On Leadership & Teamwork
No one has ever drowned in sweat.
(Lou Holtz, speaking on hard work and persistence)
Why it resonates: True leadership is about effort—Holtz motivates us to give our all, no matter the circumstances.
Teamwork is the foundation of success. You don’t go as far as your dream, you go as far as your team.
(Paraphrased from Holtz’s coaching interviews)
Why it resonates: Holtz was a master team-builder—his insights remind us that collective effort trumps individual ambition.
The way you motivate people to achieve extraordinary results is by setting the bar high and believing in their potential.
(Lou Holtz, coaching clinics)
Lou Holtz On Success & Motivation
If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.
(Lou Holtz, motivational speech)
Why it resonates: Never rest on past achievements—success is built daily.
It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
(Lou Holtz, on overcoming adversity)
Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they’re making to win.
(Lou Holtz, from books and speeches)
Lou Holtz On Life, Character & Attitude
Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.
(Lou Holtz, paraphrased in many interviews)
Why it resonates: Holtz’s approach is deeply practical—character is built by how we handle adversity.
When all is said and done, more is said than done.
(Lou Holtz, signature humor and wit)
Don’t tell your problems to people. Eighty percent don’t care and the other twenty percent are glad you have them.
(Lou Holtz, motivational events)
Lou Holtz On Overcoming Challenges
You aren’t going to find anybody that’s going to be successful without making a sacrifice and without perseverance.
(Lou Holtz, interview on discipline and resilience)
Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.
(Lou Holtz’s three rules—famously shared in his speeches)
Lou Holtz’s Lasting Legacy
Lou Holtz’s quotes are more than just words—they’re a roadmap for success, resilience, and living with purpose. His unique blend of humor, honesty, and insight inspires us to be better leaders, teammates, and people. Whether you’re facing a challenge, chasing a dream, or just need a boost, Holtz’s wisdom stands the test of time.
