--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The term 'genius' is inapplicable to…" description: "\"The term 'genius' is inapplicable to anyone in this game. A genius is Norman Einstein.\" — Joe Theismann" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf9/joe-theismann-35733_einstein_the-term-genius-is-inapplicable-to-anyon_715105.png" --- # The term 'genius' is inapplicable to anyone in this game… ![“The term 'genius' is inapplicable to anyone in this game. A genius is Norman Einstein.” quote by Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf9/joe-theismann-35733_einstein_the-term-genius-is-inapplicable-to-anyon_715105.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf9/joe-theismann-35733_einstein_the-term-genius-is-inapplicable-to-anyon_715105.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf9/joe-theismann-35733_einstein_the-term-genius-is-inapplicable-to-anyon_715105.png) > “The term 'genius' is inapplicable to anyone in this game. A genius is Norman Einstein.” [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Genius is reserved for extraordinary intellects like Einstein; most athletes are not geniuses. **In simple terms:** Genius is rare, like Einstein. Key Takeaway Recognize true brilliance, but value effort. Themes talent excellence humility recognition genius Mood reflective thoughtful analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - coaching sessions - team meetings - personal development workshops - media interviews Key Concepts Psychology of expertise celebrity culture self‑assessment Questions to Reflect On - What defines genius in your field? - Can expertise be a form of genius? A Different Perspective Overlooks the unique genius in sports strategy and teamwork. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Games](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/games/) [Genius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/genius/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) ## Related quotes > [There's a certain standard in classical music that allows the application of the term "genius," but you're treading on thin ice if you start…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-page/there-s-a-certain-standard-in-classical-music-that-allows-the/) [Jimmy Page](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-page/) > [“Philosophy is to the mind of the architect as eyesight to his steps. The Term 'genius' when applied to him simply means a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-lloyd-wright/philosophy-is-to-the-mind-of-the-architect-as-eyesight-to-his-steps/) [Frank Lloyd Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-lloyd-wright/) > [Critics are notoriously liberal with their use of the term 'genius'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-earle/critics-are-notoriously-liberal-with-their-use-of-the-term-genius/) [Steve Earle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-earle/) > [We reserve the term 'genius' for people who are creative, who are innovators, who think in ways that are entirely new. In the Middle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-foer/we-reserve-the-term-genius-for-people-who-are-creative-who-are/) [Joshua Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-foer/) > [The term "genius" gets used far too loosely in rock & roll.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-page/the-term-genius-gets-used-far-too-loosely-in-rock-roll/) [Jimmy Page](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-page/) > [“Nobody in the game of football should be called a genius. A genius is somebody like Norman Einstein.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/nobody-in-the-game-of-football-should-be-called-a-genius-a-genius-is/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/nobody-in-football-should-be-called-a-genius-a-genius-is-a-guy-like/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [But I don't think Art's an Einstein - he likes tugging ears, biting people and burping too much to be a genius.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darren-shan/but-i-don-t-think-art-s-an-einstein-he-likes-tugging-ears-biting/) [Darren Shan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darren-shan/) > [He has a brain like Einstein's - dead since 1955](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-perret/he-has-a-brain-like-einstein-s-dead-since-1955/) [Gene Perret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-perret/) > [“A human being,’ said Einstein, ‘is part of the whole, which we call the Universe; a part limited in time and space. He experiences…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-parke/a-human-being-said-einstein-is-part-of-the-whole-which-we-call-the/) [Simon Parke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-parke/) > [“La vie c’est comme la bicyclette : quand on arrête de pédaler on tombe.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/la-vie-c-est-comme-la-bicyclette-quand-on-arr-te-de-p-daler-on-tombe/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [If I could have anyone's mind for a day, I really can't think of anyone other than Einstein.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bellamy-young/if-i-could-have-anyone-s-mind-for-a-day-i-really-can-t-think-of/) [Bellamy Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bellamy-young/) > [“Eddie saw great things and near misses. Albert Einstein as a child, not quite struck by a run-away milk-wagon as he crossed a street.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/eddie-saw-great-things-and-near-misses-albert-einstein-as-a-child-not/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [“The generalized theory of relativity has furnished still more remarkable results. This considers not only uniform but also accelerated motion. In particular, it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-a-michelson/the-generalized-theory-of-relativity-has-furnished-still-more/) A.A. Michelson > [Even Einstein had to rely for his time on his clock.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanislaw-jerzy-lec/even-einstein-had-to-rely-for-his-time-on-his-clock/) [Stanislaw Jerzy Lec](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanislaw-jerzy-lec/) ## More by Joe Theismann > [I was always told that I was too small, too skinny, too slow, not tough enough, and I never ever believed what people told…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/i-was-always-told-that-i-was-too-small-too-skinny-too-slow-not-tough/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/nobody-in-football-should-be-called-a-genius-a-genius-is-a-guy-like/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [Rugby is great. The players don't wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/rugby-is-great-the-players-don-t-wear-helmets-or-padding-they-just/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [I worked hard. I worked late. I went in early. I did everything I could to gain an advantage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/i-worked-hard-i-worked-late-i-went-in-early-i-did-everything-i-could/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [You gotta score to put points on the board.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/you-gotta-score-to-put-points-on-the-board/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [Kirk Cousins has played much better at the quarterback position than Robert Griffin III has,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/kirk-cousins-has-played-much-better-at-the-quarterback-position-than/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/i-m-going-to-graduate-on-time-no-matter-how-long-it-takes/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [This is a game, first and foremost. There was only one Vince Lombardi, and he died.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/this-is-a-game-first-and-foremost-there-was-only-one-vince-lombardi/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [Great players make great plays.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/great-players-make-great-plays/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [No matter how great you are, the next great one is already sitting there waiting to take your place.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/no-matter-how-great-you-are-the-next-great-one-is-already-sitting/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [When I can 10 or 11, my mom was the one out there catching passes for me. She was my prime receiver.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/when-i-can-10-or-11-my-mom-was-the-one-out-there-catching-passes-for/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [“Nobody in the game of football should be called a genius. A genius is somebody like Norman Einstein.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/nobody-in-the-game-of-football-should-be-called-a-genius-a-genius-is/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) [Explore all 13 Joe Theismann quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) ## More Einstein quotes > [Even Einstein had to rely for his time on his clock.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanislaw-jerzy-lec/even-einstein-had-to-rely-for-his-time-on-his-clock/) [Stanislaw Jerzy Lec](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanislaw-jerzy-lec/) > [“The generalized theory of relativity has furnished still more remarkable results. This considers not only uniform but also accelerated motion. In particular, it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-a-michelson/the-generalized-theory-of-relativity-has-furnished-still-more/) A.A. Michelson > [“Eddie saw great things and near misses. Albert Einstein as a child, not quite struck by a run-away milk-wagon as he crossed a street.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/eddie-saw-great-things-and-near-misses-albert-einstein-as-a-child-not/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [If I could have anyone's mind for a day, I really can't think of anyone other than Einstein.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bellamy-young/if-i-could-have-anyone-s-mind-for-a-day-i-really-can-t-think-of/) [Bellamy Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bellamy-young/) > [“La vie c’est comme la bicyclette : quand on arrête de pédaler on tombe.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/la-vie-c-est-comme-la-bicyclette-quand-on-arr-te-de-p-daler-on-tombe/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [“A human being,’ said Einstein, ‘is part of the whole, which we call the Universe; a part limited in time and space. He experiences…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-parke/a-human-being-said-einstein-is-part-of-the-whole-which-we-call-the/) [Simon Parke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-parke/) > [He has a brain like Einstein's - dead since 1955](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-perret/he-has-a-brain-like-einstein-s-dead-since-1955/) [Gene Perret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-perret/) > [In my downtime, you'll mostly find me curled up with a book. I love reading biographies. My favourites are those of Dalai Lama, Osama…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madhur-bhandarkar/in-my-downtime-you-ll-mostly-find-me-curled-up-with-a-book-i-love/) [Madhur Bhandarkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madhur-bhandarkar/) > [“I thought of Einstein, and his insistence that no particular point of view was more privileged than any other: in other words his ‘general…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-charles-wilson/i-thought-of-einstein-and-his-insistence-that-no-particular-point-of/) [Robert Charles Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-charles-wilson/) > [“Einstein is one of our robots who controls the substitution division, we had to develop a robotic scientist as the tasks required were beyond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-thrussell/einstein-is-one-of-our-robots-who-controls-the-substitution-division/) [Jill Thrussell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-thrussell/) > [Bob Dylan has and Einstein had their own way of perceiving the universe and translating it for us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-flynn/bob-dylan-has-and-einstein-had-their-own-way-of-perceiving-the/) [Johnny Flynn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-flynn/) > [Was Einstein's theory good? Relatively.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bo-burnham/was-einstein-s-theory-good-relatively/) [Bo Burnham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bo-burnham/) > [“In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not. —Albert Einstein”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-tegmark/in-theory-theory-and-practice-are-the-same-in-practice-they-are-not/) [Max Tegmark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-tegmark/) > [I am even grateful to Einstein and others because through their erroneous theories they lead mankind away from that dangerous path I followed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikola-tesla/i-am-even-grateful-to-einstein-and-others-because-through-their/) [Nikola Tesla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikola-tesla/) > [“Imagination is more important than knowledge”, with due respect to Mr. Einstein, I beg to differ! “Imagination is not possible without knowledge.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i-are/imagination-is-more-important-than-knowledge-with-due-respect-to-mr/) I are Browse all 425 Einstein quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The term 'genius' is inapplicable to anyone in this game. 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