---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I had a hard time growing up, and boxing…"
description: "\"I had a hard time growing up, and boxing kind of served as my second family.\" — Daniel Jacobs"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg"
---

#  I had a hard time growing up, and boxing kind of served as…

![“I had a hard time growing up, and boxing kind of served as my second family.” quote by Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg)

> “I had a hard time growing up, and boxing kind of served as my second family.”

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Boxing provided a supportive community that filled a familial role during a difficult upbringing.

**In simple terms:** Boxing became a second family for support.

Key Takeaway

Seek community in shared passions.

Themes

family resilience sports

Mood

motivational hopeful

Type

inspirational personal

When to use this quote

- youth mentorship
- team sports
- personal growth

Key Concepts

support networks identity formation

Questions to Reflect On

- What community gives you a sense of belonging?
- How can you balance sport with other life areas?

A Different Perspective

Relying on a single outlet may limit broader development.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Boxing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boxing/) [Boxing Kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boxing-kind-1207692/) [Family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/family/) [Growing Boxing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/growing-boxing-1207693/) [Growing up](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/growing-up/) [Hard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hard/) [Hard time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hard-time/) [Kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kind/) [Second family](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/second-family/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Wrestling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wrestling/)

## Related quotes

> [Boxing was my first kind of job.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bugzy-malone/boxing-was-my-first-kind-of-job/)

[Bugzy Malone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bugzy-malone/)

> [Boxing is kind of like football in that you test each other's desire to be there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/myles-garrett/boxing-is-kind-of-like-football-in-that-you-test-each-other-s-desire/)

[Myles Garrett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/myles-garrett/)

> [The power of the 'Muppets,' and the popularity of these characters, is so iconic in people's lives that I had to distance myself from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-oz/the-power-of-the-muppets-and-the-popularity-of-these-characters-is-so/)

[Frank Oz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-oz/)

> [“~Here’s to kick-offs, goals, assists, shootouts, livin’ on the road, the smell of wet grass, early mornings, breakaways, crossbar shots, countless hours of practice,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymise/here-s-to-kick-offs-goals-assists-shootouts-livin-on-the-road-the/)

[anonymise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymise/)

> [Hey everyone..just wanted to show my appreciation for you all!! Love you guys, you are my second family!!&lt;33](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel/hey-everyone-just-wanted-to-show-my-appreciation-for-you-all-love-you/)

[Rachel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel/)

> [The city of Oakland, since I got here, has been like my second family. They've taken me in and had my back through the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-carr/the-city-of-oakland-since-i-got-here-has-been-like-my-second-family/)

[Derek Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-carr/)

> [We've grown up with them; they're like our second family. I've learned half my life morals from 'The Simpsons.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ellie-rowsell/we-ve-grown-up-with-them-they-re-like-our-second-family-i-ve-learned/)

[Ellie Rowsell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellie-rowsell/)

> [City is my second family and, with family, you live good moments and bad moments with them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodri/city-is-my-second-family-and-with-family-you-live-good-moments-and/)

[Rodri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodri/)

> [My friends are my second family. Sometimes friends can understand my problem but my family can't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greyson-chance/my-friends-are-my-second-family-sometimes-friends-can-understand-my/)

[Greyson Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/greyson-chance/)

> [Theatre is all about the process and the sense of community that is created. You have weeks of rehearsal, time to explore your character…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-amboyer/theatre-is-all-about-the-process-and-the-sense-of-community-that-is/)

[Dan Amboyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-amboyer/)

> [My first heartbreak devastated me, but it was the support of my family and my second family, my church family, that helped me understand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ealy/my-first-heartbreak-devastated-me-but-it-was-the-support-of-my-family/)

[Michael Ealy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ealy/)

> [When I was a newspaper reporter, and later a television writer, I really felt my co-workers became a second family.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-davis/when-i-was-a-newspaper-reporter-and-later-a-television-writer-i/)

[Jill Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-davis/)

> [I love you guys , you's are like my second family &amp;' honestly mean the world to me if it wasn't for you guys…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-love-you-guys-you-s-are-like-my-second-family-honestly-mean-the/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [When you work on a Dick Wolf show, it's as if you've joined a second family.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-gehlfuss/when-you-work-on-a-dick-wolf-show-it-s-as-if-you-ve-joined-a-second/)

[Nick Gehlfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-gehlfuss/)

> [I got signed with the songwriting deal when I was sixteen and they were really great - my publishers, who to this day are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lights/i-got-signed-with-the-songwriting-deal-when-i-was-sixteen-and-they/)

[Lights](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lights/)

## More by Daniel Jacobs

> [I won four 152-pound Golden Gloves titles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-won-four-152-pound-golden-gloves-titles/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I get to eat what I want on Sundays. You still can have a cheat day up to two weeks before the fight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-get-to-eat-what-i-want-on-sundays-you-still-can-have-a-cheat-day-up/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I'm not a real religious guy. I'm a spiritual guy and my religion is love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-m-not-a-real-religious-guy-i-m-a-spiritual-guy-and-my-religion-is/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I might have a snack before bed. We have healthy cheat snacks. I might eat some apricots or veggie straws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-might-have-a-snack-before-bed-we-have-healthy-cheat-snacks-i-might/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [For what I've overcome and am still overcoming, and accomplishing, says a lot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/for-what-i-ve-overcome-and-am-still-overcoming-and-accomplishing-says/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I have so many memories, and I love music because you can listen to a song when you're at a certain place or doing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-have-so-many-memories-and-i-love-music-because-you-can-listen-to-a/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I fight with glory and I fight with guts and I fight with skills.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-fight-with-glory-and-i-fight-with-guts-and-i-fight-with-skills/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [Andre Ward is a guy I look up to, a guy I have the highest respect for in and out of the ring, so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/andre-ward-is-a-guy-i-look-up-to-a-guy-i-have-the-highest-respect-for/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [The opportunities that I've been allowed to have just keep getting better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/the-opportunities-that-i-ve-been-allowed-to-have-just-keep-getting/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [The little things I used to take for granted before I don't take for granted anymore. This whole situation has evolved me into a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/the-little-things-i-used-to-take-for-granted-before-i-don-t-take-for/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I'm a very spiritual guy. I'm a firm believer of positive energy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-m-a-very-spiritual-guy-i-m-a-firm-believer-of-positive-energy/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [I'm the guy who sings in the shower, more than anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-m-the-guy-who-sings-in-the-shower-more-than-anything/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [It's a beautiful thing to live in a diverse area.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/it-s-a-beautiful-thing-to-live-in-a-diverse-area/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [So many people are affected by cancer, whether you have it, or a family member.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/so-many-people-are-affected-by-cancer-whether-you-have-it-or-a-family/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

> [In 2007, I dreamed of Olympic gold but got outpointed in the Olympic trials.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/in-2007-i-dreamed-of-olympic-gold-but-got-outpointed-in-the-olympic/)

[Daniel Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

[Explore all 110 Daniel Jacobs quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/)

## More Boxing quotes

> [You know, it brings in a lot of different people; you take people off the street, and kids, and people from all different walks…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michele-lamy/you-know-it-brings-in-a-lot-of-different-people-you-take-people-off/)

[Michele Lamy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michele-lamy/)

> [As a professional athlete and someone who has spent almost his entire life in boxing, not a day goes by when I don't think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-de-la-hoya/as-a-professional-athlete-and-someone-who-has-spent-almost-his-entire/)

[Oscar De La Hoya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-de-la-hoya/)

> [Apart from my grandad, none of my family had really been into boxing so the sport was never discussed much at home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josh-taylor/apart-from-my-grandad-none-of-my-family-had-really-been-into-boxing/)

[Josh Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-taylor/)

> [You don't think. It's all instinct. If you stop to think, you're gone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sugar-ray-robinson/you-don-t-think-it-s-all-instinct-if-you-stop-to-think-you-re-gone/)

[Sugar Ray Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sugar-ray-robinson/)

> [I actually like boxing away from home. It takes the pressure off you a little bit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-degale/i-actually-like-boxing-away-from-home-it-takes-the-pressure-off-you-a/)

[James DeGale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-degale/)

> [Whether it's Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan or Kell Brook, there are a lot of fights out there that I think would be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keith-thurman/whether-it-s-marcos-maidana-shawn-porter-amir-khan-or-kell-brook/)

[Keith Thurman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keith-thurman/)

> [I'm a fighter, I love boxing, it's what I do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shane-mosley/i-m-a-fighter-i-love-boxing-it-s-what-i-do/)

[Shane Mosley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shane-mosley/)

> [I first got into boxing when I was quite young. I was about 12 when I won my first boxing match.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-parker/i-first-got-into-boxing-when-i-was-quite-young-i-was-about-12-when-i/)

[Joseph Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-parker/)

> [Boxing can be so important to young people, it keeps you off the street and you can channel your energy and aggression in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nigel-benn/boxing-can-be-so-important-to-young-people-it-keeps-you-off-the/)

[Nigel Benn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nigel-benn/)

> [I'm too fast. I'm too smart. I'm too pretty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muhammad-ali/i-m-too-fast-i-m-too-smart-i-m-too-pretty/)

[Muhammad Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muhammad-ali/)

> [I somewhere along the way became fascinated with exploring characters who are willing to put themselves into violent situations, whether it's football, hockey, boxing,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-berg/i-somewhere-along-the-way-became-fascinated-with-exploring-characters/)

[Peter Berg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-berg/)

> [I liked wrestling a lot better than boxing. I remember thinking at that time that wrestling was a pure demonstration of strength, which I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-carpenter/i-liked-wrestling-a-lot-better-than-boxing-i-remember-thinking-at/)

[Scott Carpenter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-carpenter/)

> [I always tried to be different from everyone else. Then I found out about boxing. That was the way I could be different from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/riddick-bowe/i-always-tried-to-be-different-from-everyone-else-then-i-found-out/)

[Riddick Bowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/riddick-bowe/)

> [One day we'll have championship boxing in Cleveland and people will support it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shawn-porter/one-day-we-ll-have-championship-boxing-in-cleveland-and-people-will/)

[Shawn Porter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shawn-porter/)

> [I've grown up with Bollywood, and I continue to enjoy it. But boxing remains my passion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vijender-singh/i-ve-grown-up-with-bollywood-and-i-continue-to-enjoy-it-but-boxing/)

[Vijender Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vijender-singh/)

[Browse all 2,214 Boxing quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boxing/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "I had a hard time growing up, and boxing kind of served as my second family.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Daniel Jacobs"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing-kind-of-served-as-my-second/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Boxing"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing-kind-of-served-as-my-second/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b9/daniel-jacobs-4473_family_i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing_1706878.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“I had a hard time growing up, and boxing kind of served as my second family.” — Daniel Jacobs",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Daniel Jacobs",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-jacobs/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "I had a hard time growing...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing-kind-of-served-as-my-second/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-jacobs/i-had-a-hard-time-growing-up-and-boxing-kind-of-served-as-my-second/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
