My dad taught me, like, no matter what, when I go out and play

“My dad taught me, like, no matter what, when I go out and play against these bigger players, just to be myself. I knew that I was good enough and that I had the ability to. I never shy away from anyone, and I don’t think anyone should.” — Christian Pulisic

In these words, Christian Pulisic, the bright star of American football, speaks not merely of sport but of courage, authenticity, and the enduring wisdom of a father’s guidance. His statement, humble yet mighty, carries the strength of an ancient principle: that to be oneself in the face of giants is the foundation of all greatness. The young athlete recalls his father’s lesson — a truth passed down through time, from warriors and poets alike — that the greatest victory a person can achieve is not over others, but over fear and self-doubt.

Pulisic’s father, himself a player and coach, taught him the essence of bravery — not the absence of fear, but the refusal to yield to it. “When you play against bigger players,” he said, “be yourself.” This is a lesson that transcends the boundaries of the field. It speaks to every soul who has stood before challenges greater than their size, before powers that seem too strong to face. It reminds us that true strength lies not in the body, but in the spirit that refuses to shrink. To “be oneself” is to trust the gifts that have been placed within you by the Maker, to act not from imitation, but from authentic conviction.

Throughout history, those who have achieved greatness have done so by standing firm in their identity. David, the shepherd boy, faced Goliath not with armor or sword, but with the courage of faith and the skill of his own hands. He did not try to become someone else; he trusted what he knew, and that trust brought down the giant. So too did Joan of Arc, a young girl with no rank or power, lead armies because she believed in the truth that stirred within her. And so, in his own way, does Christian Pulisic — a player smaller than many he faces — stand tall on the field, not by pretending to be greater, but by believing that who he is, is enough.

The phrase “never shy away” is the cry of every hero’s heart. To shy away is to yield the battle before it begins, to let fear dictate the limits of your destiny. Pulisic reminds us that greatness is not reserved for the physically mighty, but for those who step forward when the world expects them to retreat. The spirit of perseverance — that refusal to back down — has carried humanity through every age. It was the spirit that drove explorers across uncharted oceans, artists to paint against ridicule, and dreamers to defy the boundaries of what was thought possible. To never shy away is to live fully, fiercely, and without apology.

There is also in his words a beautiful balance of humility and confidence. “I knew that I was good enough,” he says — not out of arrogance, but out of self-belief. His certainty was not born of vanity, but of discipline, of long hours of practice, of quiet faith in his preparation. In this, we find another timeless truth: confidence is the fruit of effort. The one who has trained faithfully, who has faced hardship and persevered, earns the right to trust themselves. Thus, Pulisic’s lesson becomes not just one of courage, but of commitment — for confidence without effort is empty, but effort joined with faith becomes unbreakable strength.

The wisdom of the father, and the courage of the son — this is the eternal cycle by which humanity endures. Every generation must learn anew how to face its giants, and every father, mother, teacher, or mentor must pass on the torch of belief. It is not enough to protect those we guide; we must also prepare them to stand alone. Pulisic’s father did not teach him to seek safety, but to seek self-trust — and in doing so, he gave his son the power to meet the world with open eyes and steady heart.

So, O seeker, take this teaching and make it your own: do not shy away from the challenges that stand before you. When the world seems too vast, when others seem stronger or more certain, remember who you are. You were not made to be anyone else. Stand firm in your gifts. Prepare with diligence, act with confidence, and face each obstacle not as a wall, but as a doorway to growth. For the giants of life are not defeated by size, but by spirit. As Pulisic learned from his father — and as all who have ever dared to rise must learn — be yourself, be brave, and never shy away. For in that simple truth lies the heart of victory, and the soul of greatness.