Steve Spurrier talks at Rams football fundraiser

Steve Spurrier is retired from coaching, but he has not lost an ounce of his signature sense of humor. 

Spurrier, an NCAA National Championship-winning coach and a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at the University of Florida, gave a talk at Grove restaurant in Lakewood Ranch on Aug. 17 as part of a "Night of Champions" event that served as a fundraiser for Sarasota's Riverview High football program. The event was organized by Riverview alum Todd Johnson, who was coached by Spurrier at Florida. Throughout the night, the Rams raised money for guardian caps — soft-shell helmet covers designed to reduce the risk of concussions and other head impacts — and for team meals, among other amenities. 

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People were happy to give. They were equally happy to head the "Head Ball Coach" talk. 

Spurrier, 79, shared stories from his time on the Gators sidelines and gave advice to the players of today — but first, as only he can, he boasted about his own accomplishments and gave some lighthearted jabs to other coaches. 

"My first seven years, we won the SEC (Southeastern Conference) six times," Spurrier said. "They tell me (University of Georgia Head Coach) Kirby Smart is the greatest coach in the world now, and he only won it two times in his first seven years. So I guess that's pretty good." 

In Spurrier's mind, successful people all share certain qualities, the first of which is knowing to seize an opportunity when one presents itself. Spurrier said he only got into coaching because his playing days were over and he thought coaching "wouldn't seem like work" because he still loved the game. He laughs at that thought now, but he expressed gratitude to former Florida Head Coach Doug Dickey for giving him his first break as a quarterbacks and receivers coach in 1978. 

From there, he tried to learn as much as he could at each successive stop, culminating in him returning as Florida's Head Coach in 1990. That's where his next piece of advice arrives — surround yourself with people who can help you.

For a football coach, those people were his staff and his players. It makes sense that Spurrier would go as far as to stay overnight at a recruit's house if he thought the recruit was a difference-maker. He also gave a shout-out to his wife, Jerri Spurrier, for supporting him on the road and always being there when he needed her.

Another tidbit that Spurrier said has helped him in his coaching life comes from the Bible, specifically Corinthians 9:24:  "Run your race in life in such a way as to get the prize. Always try to win," Spurrier said. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish if you try to accomplish it. 

It is advice perfectly in line with how the Head Ball Coach performed his job. He was aggressive and admittedly a little cocky, yet unapologetic. It led to a lot of success for him, and it could just do the same for you.