Toughness - Effort Is What's Inside

“There’s not a person on my team in 16 years that has consistently beat me to the ball every play.  That ain’t got nothing to do with talent.  That’s just got everything to do with EFFORT.  Nothing else.  For 15 straight years, 12 Pro Bowls later if you want numbers.  The only thing that’s kept me around is my EFFORT.  All I ever know is EFFORT.  I wasn’t a #1 recruit, I wasn’t the #1 linebacker, I wasn’t even in the media guide.  All I ever knew was EFFORT would get me seen on tape.  EFFORT would get me noticed, to get to the league.  EFFORT would one day take care of my mom and my kids.  EFFORT!  Which is between you and you.  Nobody else can give you EFFORT.  EFFORT is what’s inside.” 

Ray Lewis speaking to a group of Miami Hurricanes