Blackie Sherrod was a legendary sports columnist known for his wit, wisdom, and no-nonsense take on life. His quotes pack humor, truth, and a punch of reality—perfect for anyone who loves sharp, memorable words. Whether you’re a sports fan or just need a dose of inspiration, Sherrod’s words hit home.
Here’s a collection of his best quotes, organized for easy reading.
🔹 Life Lessons from Blackie Sherrod
Sherrod had a way of cutting through the noise. His words weren’t just about sports—they were about life.
❶ “The opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings.” (A classic, often misquoted—Sherrod made it famous in sports.)
❷ “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen—but don’t slam the door.”
❸ “Life is like a football game: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.”
Ever felt like giving up? Sherrod would tell you to keep going.
🔹 Humor with a Bite
Sherrod’s wit was unmatched. He made readers laugh while making them think.
🔥 “Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.”
🔥 “Golf is a game where the ball always lies poorly, and the player always lies well.”
🔥 “The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions.”
His humor wasn’t just for laughs—it made people see things differently.
🔹 Hard Truths About Success
Sherrod didn’t sugarcoat things. He told it straight.
📌 “Success comes in cans, not in can’ts.”
📌 “The road to easy street goes through the sewer.”
📌 “Luck is what happens when preparation meets a bad opponent.”
Want success? Sherrod would say: work hard, stay sharp, and don’t expect handouts.
🔹 Sports Wisdom That Applies Everywhere
His sports insights were life lessons in disguise.
🎯 “Football isn’t a contact sport—it’s a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport.”
🎯 “Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, and stealing is legal.”
🎯 “In boxing, you hit a guy in the head, and his legs go rubber. In politics, you hit a guy in the legs, and his head goes rubber.”
Sports, like life, is full of surprises.
🔹 On Writing and Communication
Sherrod knew the power of words. His advice for writers? Keep it clear and punchy.
💡 “Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”
💡 “The best stories don’t need big words—they need big truths.”
💡 “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
Good writing isn’t about fancy words—it’s about making an impact.
🔹 More Gems from Blackie Sherrod
Here are a few extra quotes to keep you thinking:
✔ “Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.”
✔ “The only time you should look back is to see how far you’ve come.”
✔ “Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.”
Final Thoughts
Blackie Sherrod’s quotes are timeless. They make you laugh, think, and sometimes wince—because they’re true. Whether you’re looking for motivation, a laugh, or just a fresh perspective, his words deliver.
Which quote hit you the hardest? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going. 🚀