Vince Lombardi revolutionized the way football was played. Although his attitude was that of a demanding tyrant, his desire to win and will to succeed made him the most influential person in all of football. He was hated by most of his peers in his profession simply because he was able to do what other coaches could not during this time of ego and individualism. Lombardi was able to get perfection out of his players because he demanded perfection. His players often resented him for the constant repetition of plays, but what they eventually realized was that the repetition was to prepare them mentally. His understanding and knowledge went beyond the X's and O's on a chalkboard. It was the overall sense of sport that he was able to grasp that some coaches never seem able to achieve. This football sense is hard to describe because of it is of divine nature, and an overwhelming abundance of power. Lombardi believed in his system, and to achieve excellence in football one must believe in that system. Football is not a sport of second-guessers, for it is a sport filled with vigorous motivators and men of convictions. Vince Lombardi was successful because of his knowledge of the game and the understanding that football was more than a game, but rather a way of life. With attitude, heart, and the knowledge of sport, Lombardi was able to touch people's hearts with his desire to win and the ability he had to make his players believe in themselves. .
Combined with heart and desire, Vince Lombardi was able to accomplish many things in his coaching career. Through endless hours of watching game films, Lombardi was always preparing for his opponent. He believed that "to beat your opponent, you must think like your opponent"(O"Brien 134). He felt that simple knowledge of the game was simply not enough to physically and mentally dominate an opponent. Believing in yourself and also in the system, is how Lombardi coached.
