Quotes by Dick Hoak

“But Duce has to stay ready because, before the years over, were going to need Duce. Somethings going to happen because thats a high-risk position, running back. Youre either blocking or youre carrying the ball and youre a marked guy. Sooner or later were going to need Duce.”

“I dont know if I ever coached anyone with Willies speed.”

“Hes durable enough to carry 25-26-27 times per game. The problem is staying healthy, and I think a lot of that is luck. I dont care who you are, you have to have some luck. Look at Curtis Martin. Hes about the same size as Willie, and he has played for years and years. He just doesnt get hurt. Maybe the same thing will happen for Willie.”

“We won them, what do you want me to do, keep them in a drawer?”

“It wasnt viewed as anything special, it was viewed as an exhibition game. I dont know if any Pittsburgh fans went down to the game.”

“You even drove your own car down if you wanted to. I drove down. I was single and I had a car down there. I drove back and saved the money they gave you for the flight.”

“Pro football wasnt as popular as it is now. When I came out of college, I had no idea of playing pro football. I think I saw two or three pro football games on television when I was in college. Nobody watched it, it wasnt on TV. It wasnt anywhere near what it is today.”

“His first coaching staff was an excellent staff. The people he has hired have had experience in the league. He has surrounded himself with some good coaches.”

“He doesnt leave anything to chance. I think hes a good game-day coach, knowing when to do certain things in a game. Hes very good on the sidelines.”

“Dan is a lot like his dad was, and now Art II is a lot like his dad, Dan. Theyre close to the players, and they care about the players and the people who work for them.”