🏆 What's My Name?

The story of Muhammad Ali fighting Ernie Terrell is an all-time classic. It is a motivational masterpiece for athletes who want to find their edge.

Author

Greg Berge
March 14, 2024

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Here's what's coming:

  • What’s My Name? 🏆

  • Chuck Noll on Winning 🥇

  • Great “X” insight from RG3 🆇

  • Read Time ~ 4 minutes.

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💭 ONE THOUGHT
What's My Name?

The greatest competitors always play with an edge. They find something within them that brings out a little extra.

Something that puts them over the top.

It is a mindset that puts a chip on their shoulder. Maybe it was a previous failure, or being slighted, or a past event in their lives.

A couple of examples of this.

  • Tom Brady was a late-round draft pick to whom no one gave a chance. Brady was also a backup quarterback on his 0-8 9th-grade football team. This motivated him every day of his life.

  • Michael Jordan was cut from his varsity basketball team as a 10th grader. He never forgot this and used it as a daily reminder.

But, one of the greatest competitors to find his “edge” or “chip” was Muhammed Ali.

Two stories show this. The first one is about Ali and his bike.

Ali and His Bike

In October 1954, a 12-year-old boy named Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. had his red Schwinn bicycle stolen in Louisville, Kentucky.

He was really mad about it. He told a police officer named Joe Martin, who was also a boxing coach, about the theft.

Clay said he wanted to beat up the person who stole his bike, but Martin told him to learn boxing first. Clay agreed and started training at Martin's gym.

After six weeks of training, Clay had his first boxing match. This was a really important moment for him because it started him on the path to becoming Muhammad Ali, one of the best boxers ever.

Ali used this passion as his “chip” and got into boxing. Before each match, he often thought of the person who “stole his bike.”

Another classic Ali story is “What’s My Name?”

What’s My Name?

In 1967, Muhammad Ali, who had changed his name from Cassius Clay after joining the Nation of Islam, faced Ernie Terrell in the ring.

Terrell refused to acknowledge Ali's new name, intentionally calling him Cassius. This disrespect angered Ali.

During their match on February 6, Ali repeatedly asked Terrell, "What's my name?" with each punch he delivered.

It was Ali's way of demanding respect for his chosen name and identity.

After a tough battle that lasted 15 rounds, Ali emerged as the victor after Terrell finally answered his question with “Muhammad Ali.”

This fight was about more than just winning a boxing match. It was about Ali fighting for his right to be recognized by his new name at a time when issues of identity and race were very significant in America.

The victory was not just for Ali but also a statement about respecting individual choices and identities during significant social change.

The mental “chip” that Ali had in this match gave him the competitive edge needed to be more.

The great ones do this.

They can pull more out of themselves when they need it most. They have mastered their mind.

NOTE:

One of the best people to share this Ali story is Jack Harbaugh, father of NFL coaches John and Jim Harbaugh.

Check out the full video of Jack Harbaugh sharing the story in a post by James Light below. It is worth it!

🔗 LINKS OF THE WEEK

🎥 Video: Many say sports are 25% physical and 75% mental. This is a good video to show how to build confidence and mental toughness.

🎙️ Podcast: Coach Collins and I discuss the concept of Collective Leadership in this Basketball Leadership Podcast episode.

📖 On the Web: The full story of Michael Jordan being cut from his varsity basketball team.

📜 TWO QUOTES

"The secret of winning football games is working more as a team, less as individuals. I play not my 11 best, but my best 11."

- Knute Rockne

"A life of frustration is inevitable for any coach whose main enjoyment is winning."

- Chuck Noll

𝐗 THREE POSTS FROM OTHERS

TOGETHER WITH KANE

“I have three pairs of Kane Shoes. I wear them every day when I coach. They are made for athletes as ‘Active Recovery Shoes.’ They are the most comfortable shoes I own. I cannot recommend them enough.” - Greg Berge.

Active Recovery Shoes for Athletes: Click Here → KANE Footwear.

📚 BOOKS, COURSES, & FREE RESOURCES

Find all FREE books and resources at gberge.gumroad.com.

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