10 Inspiring Quotes By Deacon Jones

David “Deacon” Jones (1938-2013) was a NFL defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins between 1961 and 1974. He was part of the Rams “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line, widely considered the best defensive line in NFL history. As All-everything teams go in NFL history, Deacon Jones is always on them. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1980.

His speed and tenacity revolutionized the defensive end position. He actually coined the phrase “sack” for tackling a quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.

After football, he remained a popular figure and successful person in acting, business, broadcasting, and community involvement in the Los Angeles area.

Here’s are 10 of his most inspiring quotes.

1. Know the difference between famous and great.

2. Be patient with the negative people of the world. Take a moment to think how they are helping you clarify your own thinking and firming your own resolve. Then, headslap them out of your way.

3. All men are created equal. After that, it's up to you.

4. You'll find your life greatly simplified if you only worry about stuff you can fix.

5. You are one of a kind, one in a billion, an incredible unique individual. The problem is, so is everybody else.

6. I believe that if you die trying to be your best, the world is still a better place.

7. How are you going to do great things if you are not committed to your work?

8. The only rules not meant to be broken are those of love and virtue.

9. If you feel like you want to die, it’s time to sit down and make a list of all the things you haven’t done yet.

10. You hear all this stuff about inner peace. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with it, but I say, hit that line hard. Crack that book – Do your very best all the time and inner peace will take care of itself. The Deacon guarantees it.