This paper presents a football program mission statement for a university team competing in the Metro Conference East. Drawing on Vince Lombardi's philosophy that football demands perseverance, sacrifice, and respect for authority, the statement establishes core values centered on teamwork, integrity, and selfless play. It then outlines two specific goals for the team as a whole, followed by unit-level objectives for the offense, defense, and special teams. Each section emphasizes disciplined execution, collective effort over individual glory, and accountability — with clear consequences for players who fail to meet team standards.
Vince Lombardi was once quoted as saying that football is like life in that it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority. That statement is telling and entirely appropriate for football because it captures everything essential about teamwork. Accordingly, this football program will center on there being no "I" and no self-glory in team, and on the idea of winning in a concerted, motivated, and integrity-driven manner. Players who are focused on piling up personal statistics, embarrassing opposing players or teams, or even humiliating their own teammates will not have a place on this team. This team will help turn boys into men in many ways.
The first goal of the entire team will be to be as team-oriented as possible.
The second goal of the entire team will be to function as a unit rather than as individuals, because individual-first thinking is not the hallmark of a good team.
The first goal of the offense will be to be efficient and organized. Plays should always be executed smoothly and as drawn up, unless there is ample reason during the play to do otherwise — and those contingencies will also be planned for in advance.
The second goal of the offense will be to work as a unit, rather than giving up when a play does not directly involve a particular player or otherwise failing to contribute to the team's effectiveness. Routes will be run in full no matter what. Defenses will be forced to take all fakes seriously, and no one will take a play off. Players who do take plays off will be benched and left there to reflect on what they did wrong.
"Aggressive ball attack and disciplined assignment execution"
"Consistent execution and zero tolerance for mistakes"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.