The idea (attributed to Vince Lombardi) that winning isn't everything, that it's the only thing, is the shibboleth of sports. ... But the idea that winning is the only thing ‐ that the final score is the be‐all and end‐all ‐ makes it harder for a player to reach his full potential, to play his best gam..

Why is winning isn't everything it's the only thing?

Attributed to the professional football coach Vince Lombardi, this proverb stresses the importance of reaching a goal no matter what effort is required. (Compare It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.)

Does winning mean everything?

As legendary football coach Vince Lombardi famously stated, “Winning isn't everything – it's the only thing.” ... For the coach of a sports team, winning really is everything. All the mental and physical preparation is aimed at achieving one simple objective: Beating your opponent by scoring more points, runs, goals, etc.