Tomlinism Tournament Quarterfinals Match 4

by maryrose on Jun 11, 2009 8:16 AM EDT

The #8-Seed, with little resistance in the First Round, treks to the #3-Seed for the final battle of the Quarterfinals. This is a test of two different styles, the established quote going back to the Bible vs. the modern made-up-on-the-spot saying. You may still vote for Match 1, Match 2 or Match 3 of the Quarterfinals.

Poll

Which of these two Tomlinisms do you like more?

#8-Seed: "Iron sharpens iron." (using the Scriptures to explain that one of the hardest schedules in NFL history was actually a good thing)

375 votes

#3-Seed: "It is not hunger that drives me. Hunger and thirst can be quenched. We have to be a driven group. We have to seek greatness." (in a reflective moment after the Super Bowl when asked how to keep the hunger of winning)

428 votes

803 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Come on Iron sharpend Iron!

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Michael Hewitt on Jun 11, 2009 8:41 AM EDT reply actions

sharpens*

stupid fat fingers

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Michael Hewitt on Jun 11, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

I can't believe this is even close

is a quote that will be quoted for ages to come

by tannofsteel84 on Jun 11, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions

I mean 3 seed

by tannofsteel84 on Jun 11, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I dunno...I like them both a lot.

I voted for Iron sharpens iron just because I think it encompasses our smash-mouth and toughness attitude.

Either would be an appropriate winner.

by John Stephens on Jun 11, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

“Iron sharpens iron.” is a great line, especially for this franchise, but the driven quote… the driven quote I think about every time any sportscaster or athlete mentions hunger for a win. Tomlin has moved beyond them. He has shifted my whole mental model on this subject with that quote.

One of the most beautiful new sayings I’ve seen about football, and really shows what kind of a coach he is.

by yrro on Jun 11, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

by syrsteelerfan on Jun 11, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

exactly

It so original and so insightful. It redefines how people will prepare for defending a title. Its a truely remarkable quote. I would think it might win the whole thing.

by tannofsteel84 on Jun 11, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

$10 on the lombadrdi trophy vs. running trophy.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Jun 11, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

+1+1

Iron sharpens iron is a perfect reference to how the Book of Proverbs (27:17) can apply in our daily life. It’s great that CT can quote from the good book, and if more of us had a better knowledge of the teachings found therein, it would be a far better world.

But the driven quote deals with the toughest task for any coach or team: and that’s staying on top. A losing team – like the Arizona Cardinals – can be driven by hunger to excel. But a winning team – like the Steelers who have won two Lombardis in four years – cannot be motivated by “hunger.” Once the belly is full and the hunger has been satiated, the players must be motivated by their drive for excellence, their pride in their exemplary performance, and their absolute refusal to accept anything less.

Keeping a winning team on top is the toughest task in all sports. And that’s what #3 is all about. I’m not sure I’d want to measure the wisdom of King Solomon against the wisdom of Mike Tomlin, but I know which of those two men I’d want to coach my football team. And that’s why I’m picking number 3.

by Homer J. on Jun 11, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

+1 well said

Offense may sell tickets, but defense wins championships

by canadianblackandgold on Jun 11, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Close One

I think I like “Iron sharpens iron” a little more for the simple fact that it is so short and sweet and to the point. It’s so easy to spit out too. Both are rock solid though, I won’t be disappointed if “hunger” prevails, but can any of us actually see ourselves quoting that in the future. I’ve already used “iron” a few times. I don’t think I could even quote “hunger” word for word.

by jharmon64 on Jun 13, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions