Ted Lasso: The 10 Most Inspiring Quotes

A third season of the Apple TV hit, Ted Lasso, is due to arrive next year. The series saw Ted (the unlikely candidate for a British football team coach) take on his role with enthusiasm and belief at AFC Richmond, helping himself and the team to progress.

Not only does the show brilliantly combine drama with comedy, but it also intersperses this with moments of wisdom and inspiration, which are always timed perfectly. From love and heartbreak to victory and defeat, at least one character in each situation always knows what to say and how to help motivate themselves or their peers.

Ted

“But here I am, still dancing.”

In the opening episode, Ted and Coach Beard boarded a plane to the U.K. to begin their new jobs, knowing they were due to face a challenge. Coming from a background of American football, the pair had a lot to learn, and in some cases, a lot to unlearn.

The concern of fans was made apparent before they even arrived. On the flight, one approaches Ted to say, “You’re a legend for doing something so stupid, it’s mental. They’re going to murder you.” Ted hardly bats an eyelid, admitting he’s heard that before and is willing to carry on. No matter what people think, he won’t give up and he will not be defeated.

Ted

“If you just figure out some way to turn that ‘me’ into ‘us,’ the sky’s the limit for you.”

Ted is skilled in being able to read someone’s personality quickly and accurately. Early on in the series, Jamie Tartt is perhaps the most defiant player that Ted has to deal with, but he picks up on his self-centered persona from the start.

In season 1, episode 2, Ted chooses calmness instead of a raised voice to make his point to Jamie. He recognizes his talent, but also kindly puts to him a way of making himself even better. Ted is willing to inspire anyone, no matter their attitude.

Higgins

“If you’re with the right person, even the hard times are easy.”

Amongst the turmoil of his marriage to Michelle, in season 1, episode 5, Ted finds himself talking to Coach Beard and Nate about relationships. He explains why he flew to England, despite being worried about his marriage.

Ted then goes on to ask Higgins about his relationship, questioning whether they’ve had their ups and downs. Perhaps without knowing it, Higgins proves the importance of a happy partnership in a few short words, which seem to hint at the motivation to keep looking until you find the right person.

Michelle

“You’re not quitting Ted, you’re just letting me go.”

Ted had to leave his wife and son behind in America when beginning his job at AFC Richmond. Before too long, they visit him, much to Ted’s delight. Unfortunately, Michelle no longer wants to be with Ted, so he steps away from the relationship, allowing her to be happy.

At this point in season 1, episode 5, Ted expresses the disappointment in himself for quitting. However, Michelle explains that he’s not giving up, inspiring him to realize this and to know that he is doing the right thing.

Keeley

“All that matters, Roy Kent, is what you think about Roy.”

Celebrity and fame are part and parcel of a career in pro football and AFC Richmond’s players are no strangers to it. Every match, they are watched by adoring fans, although every mistake they make is also scrutinized.

As the eldest player of the team, Roy grows increasingly concerned about becoming a ‘has-been’ and not being anything else.  In season 1, episode 9, Keeley encourages Roy’s niece, Phoebe, to describe him, which indicates he is so much more than just a footballer. In any case, Keeley makes it clear that the most important opinion of himself is his own and no one else matters.

Roy

“Don’t you dare settle for ‘fine.'”

Rebecca begins to embrace dating again, following her divorce from Rupert. In season 2, episode 1, she goes on a double date with her new interest, John, and Keeley and Roy. They all exchange stories and polite conversation before the evening ends.

After John leaves, Rebecca wants Keeley and Roy to give their opinions on him, resulting in a very middle of the road, response. Eventually, Roy becomes quite animated and delivers one of his best quotes in Ted Lasso, adamant that Rebecca deserves more than someone who is just “fine.”  He understands that Rebecca has so many great qualities, wanting her to know that she should never be with someone of a lesser standard.

Sam

“I would like to pull out of my campaign with Dubai Air.”

A good-natured character on Ted Lasso, with many fantastic quotes that explain his overall personality, Sam is well-liked at AFC Richmond. He never had any intention to hurt anyone, only wishing the best for others. Sam partakes in an ad campaign for Dubai Air, which is owned by Cerithium Oil. Upon seeing the ad, Sam’s disappointed father divulges the information that Cerithium Oil is the cause for the damage done to Nigeria (their home country) after an oil spill.

Sam becomes as upset as his father and, in season 2, episode 3, told Rebecca that he no longer wishes to be a part of their campaign. He courageously chose to withdraw without any fear of the implications because standing up for his home took precedent.

Dani

“Football is life.”

Although Dani’s feel-good catchphrase is heard throughout Ted Lasso, it is always inspiring. Dani is wholly passionate about football, committing to every aspect of it.

Introduced in season 1, episode 6, he approached his first training session with vigor. And even though the quote refers to football, it can be applied to anything. His belief in the game he plays, along with the joy it brings him, is inspirational for anyone to see, no matter what they do.

Trent

“And though I believe that Ted Lasso will fail here, and Richmond will suffer the embarrassment of relegation, I won’t gloat when it happens, because I can’t help but root for him.”

“Trent Crimm, The Independent,” is a fairly stern journalist, keeping up with the development of Ted and his progress as a coach. The word that spread through the news outlets was that Ted essentially didn’t know what he was doing and had an extremely unusual way of doing it.

Naturally, it didn’t phase him, as he welcomed the opportunity to spend a day with Trent in season 1, episode 3, whilst he watched Ted at work. After publishing his article, it became apparent that Trent went against the tide of popular opinion, expressing his support of him and proving it was okay to be a little different.

Ted

“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves, on and off the field.”

Ted shows concern for everyone he encounters, especially those who mean a lot to him. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he thinks about his footballers’ lives beyond football.

When in conversation with Trent Crimm in season 1, episode 3, Ted tells him how he loves coaching, going on to say what it means to him. Ted manages to slowly change Trent’s thoughts about him, one of the former low-key villains of Ted Lasso, as it becomes clear Ted firmly believes that life doesn’t just start and end with football. There’s more to life off the pitch and he does his utmost to inspire them to be great men.