The one thing that I know is that you win with good people.

Don Shula, a man whose name is forever etched in the annals of football history, once declared: “The one thing that I know is that you win with good people.” In this simple, yet profound statement, Shula distilled a truth that transcends the realm of sports and reaches deep into the heart of life itself. For what is success without the right companions, the right allies? What is victory without the strength, character, and wisdom of those who walk with you on the journey? Good people—those who embody integrity, loyalty, and skill—are the foundation upon which any great achievement is built.

To win with good people is to acknowledge that individual talent, while valuable, is not the sole key to triumph. No great leader, no matter how skilled, can rise alone. As the sun cannot shine without the sky to hold it, so too does the individual need a team to reach greatness. A single soldier cannot win a war, nor can a lone craftsman build a city. But when the right souls come together, each contributing their unique strength, a mighty force is formed—capable of achieving greatness. In every victory, the unspoken truth is this: it is not the strength of one, but the strength of the whole that brings success.

History itself speaks of this truth. In the epic tale of the Spartans, it was not merely the courage of one warrior, but the unity of an entire army that stood strong against overwhelming odds. The heroism of Leonidas would have been a fleeting legend without the bravery of the warriors who stood beside him. Their victory was not in individual glory, but in the collective strength of good people who, together, defied the world. The same principle holds in every great endeavor—be it battle, business, or artistry. Success is achieved not by one shining light, but by the coming together of many.

In the realm of sports, Shula himself embodied this truth. Throughout his career as a coach, he knew that his victories were not achieved through sheer genius alone. He was a master at identifying and nurturing the talents of his team, molding them into a cohesive unit. His good people—his players, his assistants, his staff—were the key to his success. Through them, he created an environment where greatness could flourish. When the Miami Dolphins became the first team to go undefeated in a season, it was not the brilliance of one player, but the teamwork, discipline, and trust among all the players that made it possible.

The ancients also revered this truth. The Greeks had a saying: “One man can do the work of ten when surrounded by good men.” The wisdom of the ancient philosophers recognized that human greatness was never an isolated endeavor. Even in the fabled tales of gods and heroes, success was rarely achieved alone. Heracles, despite his mighty strength, needed the assistance of his companions to accomplish his twelve labors. In life, as in myth, good people are the ones who carry you forward when your strength wanes, who lift you up when you fall, and who support you in your quest for greatness.

The meaning of Shula’s words is both clear and uplifting. He reminds us that success is not the result of solitary endeavor, nor is it guaranteed by talent alone. Good people—those who share your vision, who work with diligence, who support one another—are the true architects of victory. They are the foundation upon which all things are built. In our own lives, we must seek to surround ourselves with people who elevate us, who challenge us, and who stand beside us in both triumph and struggle.

For those who hear this wisdom, the lesson is clear: seek to be a good person and to surround yourself with good people. Build your life upon trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Practical steps follow: surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, and strive to do the same for them. Recognize that success is rarely achieved alone, and that the strength of your relationships—your teams, your family, your community—will be the measure of your achievement.

Thus Shula’s words endure like a guiding star: “The one thing that I know is that you win with good people.” Let them serve as a reminder that, in every pursuit, the collective strength of good people is the true foundation of success. Whether in sports, in business, or in life, it is the bonds we forge with others that propel us to victory. And it is through our unity that we achieve the greatness we seek.