This quote emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication over natural talent or intelligence. It suggests that despite facing skepticism about one's abilities, true success often comes from putting in more effort than others. The speaker asserts that while people might doubt their capabilities, no one can outwork them, indicating a strong commitment to perseverance.
At its core, the quote encourages individuals to focus on what they can control—effort and dedication—and not get discouraged by doubts about innate abilities or speed of learning. It highlights how relentless work ethic can overcome obstacles and criticism. The speaker’s definition of being “tired” implies an extreme level of effort, far beyond what most people are willing to endure. This message underscores the idea that success is often a product of sustained, intense labor rather than merely natural talent or intelligence.
The quote comes from Jon Runyan, a former NFL player who had a unique journey into professional football. Born in New Jersey, he was initially discouraged due to his size and speed compared to other players. However, through relentless effort and hard work, he managed to carve out an 18-year career across two leagues: the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). His story illustrates the power of perseverance over adversity.
