9.13 Jerry Rice: Work Ethic

“I’m not the most talented, I’m not the fastest, but I work the hardest.” - Jerry Rice

Are you getting everything you can out of your natural talent?

Everyone is born with a unique set of strengths, weaknesses and gifts. What are yours, and are you getting the most out of it?

Jerry Rice is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history and one of the best football players of all time. He was known for his legendary working, conditioning, and discipline. Rice once said, “I’m not the most talented, I’m not the fastest, but I work the hardest.” He also said, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.”

He was naturally talented, but he got more out of that natural talent than most because of how hard he worked and how hard pushed himself. Near his hometown in Mississippi, there was a steep, punishing hill. Rice ran it every day in the offseason, often leaving younger or even professional athletes gasping for air.

He believed that if he was in better shape than anyone else, he would have the edge late in games when others got tired. 

Rice ran every route in practice at full speed, as if it were the Super Bowl. He thought if he practiced at game speed, the actual games would feel easier. Coaches and teammates noticed he caught passes in practice with the same focus and intensity as in a playoff game.

His talent wasn’t his competitive advantage—his work ethic was.

Question of the Day: If talent opens the door, effort decides how far you walk through it—how are you maximizing your natural strengths with hard work and discipline?