Jim Valvano's inspiring ‘Don’t give up ... Don’t ever give up!’ speech at The ESPYS | ESPN Archive

Jim Valvano won the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award in 1993 at the inaugural ESPYS and delivered his famous “Don’t give up ... Don’t ever give up!" speech.
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[@Ian_L1994]

Somewhere, Coach V is smiling rn.

[@evievanhouten3194]

In my 45 years of life I have never heard more important words spoken than here. Victorious.

[@shawnp6744]

3-31-24. Jimmy V is dancing like a fool tonight.

[@JamesFetsch]

In 2011 I was diagnosed with cancer, and given 7 weeks. Knowing those fighting words, " Never give up, don't ever give up", I didn't. Smile every day, think your most deepest thoughts, every day, and let life bring you to tears, happy or sad, every day, is what Coach "V" says " Is a full day. I know this dog can bite, but I will NEVER give up. Never. I will live until I die. RIP Coach ❤

[@JohnTheDriver]

30-year anniversary .... You and your speech will never be forgotten God Bless You 🙏

[@jordanlevingston9296]

I just got diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Thank you jimmy v I will not stop fighting

[@mattryanfan2ify]

How you doing man ?

[@AffiliateMarketInfo]

Hope all is well bro, stay strong ✊🏽

[@ghettokidmike0763]

I hope your doing good today. Stay strong, I believe in you!

[@SteveFromLongIsland]

Bro stay strong

[@Obabasu]

Prayers to you.

[@BuffdatRatt]

I’m struggling right now. I have already cried today. Please, Jimmy, remind me what else Im supposed to do today 🙏🏻

[@ricardoollivierre]

No one dislike this video please. It's one of the most moving speeches of the last 100 years. RIP Jimmy V

[@mpiazza000]

Ricardo Ollivierre and if there are dislike, does it take away what he say?

[@ethanlee9767]

There are bots that dislike the video, so mostly ai bots are the ones disliking. Actual people disliking can go rot in a pit.

[@sackings12]

Literally one of the greatest speeches of all-time next to I Have A Dream

[@jonathanturek5846]

How could any sane person with a soul dislike it ?? Ithe good thing about bad apples is that they make the good ones taste even better ? I always try and find the good in bad things.. And like Frank Turek said good and evil cannot exist without each other ? Aloha and God bless you

[@Nate-dn1gx]

Yes it is. Except taking a shot at the guy just doing his job wasn't the finest moment

[@drevil28352]

My dad always lived by those words and always taught me to do the same... dont EVER give up... the day we got told he had cancer it took on a whole different meaning.. and dammit.. he didnt give up.. he fought til he couldn't a second longer

[@Vic_Ferrari]

As long as you remember and speak about him, hes never gone

[@1Mic1Life]

😭😭😭😢😢😥😥 lost my father a month ago due to prostate cancer .he fought till his last breath ...love and peace for you all !!! I really hope time heals because iam destroyed!!!!

[@drevil28352]

@@1Mic1Life I imagine its different for everyone... you'll never forget.. and itll always be with you... but with time you do learn to live with it... learn to cherish the good memories and things you're father instilled in you... and I know my pops would still be looking at me saying "I might be gone, but don't you ever give up"

[@seewhativescene]

@@drevil28352 that song "one mic" is a deep, reflective tune. Nas lost both his father and mother, he copes with his pain through lyrics🎶

[@meganhoggard2749]

My mom was the strongest person I knew in adversity. And cancer. Never giving up is so important.

[@kweaver2459]

Thank you Jimmy, I come back to this speech constantly, thank you

[@mhcastellow]

I watch this very often, Jimmy V LIVES STILL ❤️❤️❤️

[@josephcottier5483]

The saddest part is that he said he wanted to come back and present the award the next year. You could see he was happy and looked forward to it but he didnt make it. He would be gone only a few short months later.

[@trevislaw1898]

I am a cancer survivor and my prayers for all will be continuous and never ending. God bless!!

[@ConnorMiller417]

I remember my junior year in high school when I watched this for the very first time. Our English teacher wanted to teach us about life and how important is is to live every moment because it’s a gift and he showed us Jimmy V’s speech. When the video ended, the class was dead quiet because of how touching it was and I couldn’t believe how amazing the speech was. Thank you Jimmy V for your greatest phrase, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”

[@brentwilcox9449]

i have to tell you all this...this speech was very powerful and very instrumental in my journey thru life...i had an 18 year drug addiction...at the time this speech came out..i was wanting to make a change...i would listen to this speech every morning before i would begin my day....i can not tell you how many times i listened to it...but, the message is--don't give up...don't ever give up...and, i can proudly say at that 08-02-2018 was my 22nd year since GOD healed an addiction out of my life...thank you jimmy v....RIP!

[@jonathanturek5846]

That's awesome ! Surround yourself with good people and keep sharing your story to others... It will help you and the people you inspire.. Win win.. I call it Symbism. When you create Symbism it means you create win- win situations and outcomes. Aloha

[@robpeter2paypaul]

Amazing 💪💪💪

[@johnharrison7413]

Congratulations my friend, you're a true inspiration. ... Don't give up, don't ever give up👏👏👏👏.

[@daveyamericanpridegodbless9842]

May God Bless Your Heart Young Man! ✌️❤️🗽🇺🇲🙏

[@hardin1271]

@jonathanturek5846 Amazing. Congratulations. It is these types of changes that Jimmy V would be proud of

[@mountcomfort740]

I still get goose bumps when I watch this

[@carterbales8929]

Who in the heck would dislike this video??? One of the most inspiring and uplifting speeches I've ever heard... Rip Jimmy V

[@anandguruji83]

R.I.P JIM VALVANO

[@anandguruji83]

R.I.P JIM VALVANO

[@anthonyowens3740]

I always find myself coming back to this speech. It applies to so many things in life in general. Disease and illness will always be the unfortunate things that happen in our lives as people but Jim gave us a great example on how to not let the unfortunate things that can happen change your mind, heart and soul.

[@harryking9674]

What a great human being RIP Jimmy you are not forgotten

[@richardottley4611]

Who is watching this video in 2023.. 30 years later. 😊👏🏾👏🏾💯 This is the 1st time I ever watched this video.. very inspirational.. Jimmy V looked full of life, didn't know he was battling cancer.. RIP Jimmy V 😔🙏🏾🕊️

[@nickrobinson1973]

Best speech ever. The 10 people who disliked this can rot in hell.

[@mikeclontz4764]

YUP... Cold sum bitches...

[@stevencooke6451]

I'd love to think those people are just upset that cancer claimed such a decent and inspiring man. Yes, I would love to be able to think that.

[@WaltGekko]

Some people disliked it because they only remember the scandals that forced Jimmy V out at North Carolina State before everyone knew he was sick.

[@alagogo]

Yes Sir !! 84 NC State grad . My school My coach my family . Never give up .

[@Ish-1099]

The person who disliked it by accident: :/

[@whome1636]

I always hear his voice and this speech in my head when I'm a little down or up. He reminds the 3 things that's crucial to life. I love his energy, it just vibrates out.

[@mattshifu]

I absolutely love this speech. I watch it so much. Love you Jimmy your an inspiration to us all ❤

[@tonydir5673]

One of the best speeches youl ever hear

[@Jalaar46]

Miss you Jimmy V. A good man, a good coach. Life sucks when the best get taken early

[@imnotcreativeimc1415]

You certainly made me laugh, think, and cry. RIP. Its crazy how fast time flies.

[@imnotcreativeimc1415]

RIP

[@brianfoster1774]

How are you not inspired!! Listened to this everyday!! ❤️❤️❤️💯☘️

[@fitolplayz1151]

Brian Foster wore irbfkfs I am!! Dog be noob gonn v! Lfgg big event it up, you blow it livid ?’

[@fitolplayz1151]

Oooooo

[@lukegalbreath7643]

best speech ever

[@tallguynmass]

I watch this inspirational speech by Jimmy V on occasion to put things in perspective when I start complaining about the small stupid shit that’s affecting my life. Life’s about gratitude and being thankful for what you do have, not what you don’t.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

I try to watch this speech once a year and share it with people who need an uplifting experience. Make Every Day a Full Day.!! RIP Jimmy V

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

@WEI REN you must be a genius??

[@minazyyc]

I watched this video every day for year and half during my treatment. Not easy to have smile on your face when you are great pain. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Rest in peace.

[@umedevelopment]

I pray that you are cancer free and free of pain. God bless you!

[@minazyyc]

@@umedevelopment Thanks. Bit scared but feeling very good. Ready to volunteer as cancer peer support counselor.

[@k.hendrickson8735]

DO IT! 👍🏼

[@jedi4049]

god bless you@@minazyyc

[@evievanhouten3194]

Such a stand up guy. Refreshing to see today. For me.

[@kittymeowmeow1330]

Talk about words to live by. Eye opening.

[@Jalaar46]

Jimmy V. I watch this all the time, I cry every time.

[@marioarvayo]

A must watch, at least once a year

[@MVuke84]

Hard for me to watch this without tearing up..... What a human being Jimmy V was

[@k.hendrickson8735]

Gotta love those Italians!💚❤️🤍

[@AlanRoehrich9651]

One of the greatest inspirational speeches ever, by a very wise and courageous man, of great honor.

[@nikolahrnjez854]

Well i laughed, i thought and i cried watching this speech...

[@brandonwestbrook6003]

Beautiful. Coach V was a passionate man. Hope he is in paradise. RIP Legend

[@ronaldwilliams2162]

Laugh think,and cry.......every day.🙂

[@seanp1862]

Recovering alcoholic what a motivational. Speech..

[@TheMcLeanster]

I know that my comment is a year or more late but I just wanted to say that I sincerely hope that you are doing well in your recovery Sir! I know what you are dealing with and it's so difficult, so good luck to you on your journey to sobriety!

[@SubaruWRXspdManual]

How's the recovery going? Hopefully you're still clean. I to had a problem with alcohol a few years ago. I used to crank 10+ beers every evening and I'm 5'4" and about 140 lbs, so 10+ beers was a ridiculous amount.

[@ericalley2321]

Im a Recovering Addict. This speech keeps me focused on what is important. Hope you're well in your recovery and life.

[@lelia660]

The best speech I've ever heard. God bless Jimmy V.

[@petroskrommidas4212]

Jimmy V, you are gone but never forgotten. Your legacy and message will live on forever

[@kentexican5844]

I must go to this speech at least a handful of times per year. There will never be a better speech for me.

[@jasons1566]

Anytime I feel down in life I listen to this speech by this absolutely remarkable man

[@tylermaddox9896]

I watch this every year and it still gives me goosebumps. RIP Jimmy V.

[@SandsSpades]

Goosebumps here too. Also, check out his motivation speech (you can find the longer version on KZbin as well): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWbciH1nlNypa6c

[@charlieeder]

I just revisited this wonderful moment. I laughed, I cried and thought a lot about my parents both gone to cancer. Such an amazing man. God Bless JV

[@livinnfree3378]

God Bless him and anyone fighting cancer.

[@armincakar6518]

Thank you Jim. We love you

[@emmietidwell3245]

This speech has kept me going

[@sohanchalla3458]

I'm picking this speech for my English project. The greatest speech in sports history period

[@paulwarren796]

THIS GUY WAS WONDERFUL . HOPEFULLY HE LEFT PEACEFULLY .

[@joecolvin3617]

The most natural honest form the heart SPEACH ever ,he was like that every Day nothing to lose, LOVED his mum and Dad And they believed in him BELIEVE IS SO POWERFUL DREM A GOAL DO YOUR BEST GOD BLESS JIMMY. V ITS YEARS LATER ANS I STILL LISTEN TO JIMMY ,V GIVING TO HELP ANYHOW FEELS GOOD CHEERS

[@mj33090]

It can not touch my mind. It can not touch my heart. It can not touch my soul.

[@SubaruWRXspdManual]

This speech is up there in the pantheon of speeches.

[@digital.garage]

This needs millions of views

[@bigdaddypapsmear]

This speech changed my life as a young man. It got me to stop repressing my emotions. Forever grateful to Jimmy V.

[@mobiz711]

I try to donate to the Jimmy V foundation every time I come and listen to the speech. Seems like the least I can do, he never fails to move me to tears, make me chuckle and make think, boom all 3 essential things needed for a good day off of my checklist in just 10 minutes! Most importantly, he never fails to inspire. Thank you Jimmy.

[@catherinedriver4565]

R.I.P Jim Valvano ❤️🙏🏽. Really inspires me! " Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up"! Will always keep that with me!

[@Djxcasanova]

We stan!

[@jfox11000]

I don’t have cancer but love this speech and love this man ! I have listened to this speech like 4 times already and will be back again soon ty

[@ericreed2738]

One of the most wonderful and miraculous and inspiring speeches ever. Thankyou Jimmy V.

[@dustinharrison3491]

Wow, what an amazing soul.

[@gerardlafferti4485]

How proud he was of his family , says it all.

[@christianburton6184]

Anytime i feel down about life, i come to this exact video

[@Youknowmyname12]

I cannot watch this enough. As hard as my days feel sometimes I watch this and say things could be so much worse.

[@larrybova6157]

When I have a lousy day, I watch this speech and get going forward again. Thanks, coach.

[@davehanson455]

love u jimmy v

[@CPez]

A speech that includes A’Fanavala for all us remaining authentic Italian-Americans touches our hearts. Yup, still gonna swear at a guy in the middle of a Historic Speech on Worldwide TV. Love You Jimmy. Miss You So Much.

[@josephkelly2194]

Laugh, think and cry every day. RIP your words mean more than you could have ever envisioned. I think of you very often. Watch you when coached and seeing you win the championship with State was just a lifetime of a great man summed up in a season. You are sorely missed.

[@sportsmedia25]

Thankful this speech is here for everyone to gain some inspiration.

[@multiyapples]

Rest In Peace Jimmy V.

[@SteveFromLongIsland]

Don‘t know this dude but his speech was awesome! Rip from germany!

[@user-bm8uv9hj5h]

This speech by coach Jimmy V has carried me thru some tough times of fear, weakness and uncertainty in my life. I've listened to this Speech many times and it's always lifted me back up. Thanks you Coach Jimmy V, I know you're sitting next to God.

[@user-bm8uv9hj5h]

Do 3 things everyday and you've had a full day. 1. Laugh 2. Spend some time in thought 3. Bring your emotions to tears. -Jim Valvano

[@cliffnorwood8772]

To this day those man is such a inspiration. I will keep fighting

[@omarvillarreal4393]

That’s how u go Jimmy V. Forever will be a inspiration. Live, laugh, Cry. Never give up. Never stop Fighting

[@johnferrarini2626]

Thank you. Rip jimmy u are inspired me

[@donhallwachs6370]

God Bless You Mr. Jimmy V.

[@milart12]

This speech was a mere weeks before he died. I cant believe that he summoned the energy to make such a moving and impassioned speech.

[@MrDreyes187]

❤️‍🔥What a FN GREAT PERSON❤️‍🔥🙏

[@Taylor-oj7ws]

Jimmy V is the man!

[@hardlines4]

Beautiful ❤️

[@blameitoncartman]

I’m not crying! You’re crying! 😭 RIP Jimmy V!

[@robpeter2paypaul]

This speech means more to me now than ever. I’ve always known how amazing and powerful it was but it truly has new meaning for me. I got covid in August and watched this while I was sick. I ended up in sedated in the icu for over month with machines keeping me alive and it wasn’t looking good. I’m sitting in bed at a recovery center off a ventilator learning to walk, talk, and breathe on my own again. I haven’t been home in a couple months and it wears on me but this speech single handedly gets me through some days. I laugh and I cry and I think. I’m grateful to be alive and breathing. I hope everyone watching this stays in good health & spirits 🙏. R.I.P. Jimmy.

[@k.hendrickson8735]

Keep fighting! And send out an update.

[@spacelyzrocketband1181]

Every year about this time I reflect on this speech. I use to work at a country club where he was a member and I got to meet him. He wanted to know about me and my dreams and what I was passionate about and I realized then how special he was. I will never forget it and I will never give up!

[@Gonzoweirdo1]

This speech just brings a tear to my eye. What an incredible human! Though we may never have him back it’s important to remember what he did especially right now during The College Basketball season, and it’s even more important besides Basketball to understand the human being he was.

[@marklockettsr.8175]

Currently I am in the hospital with 8 repaired ribs broken collarbone and a healing Punctured lung. My wife is fighting breast cancer and my mother in law has stage 4 bone cancer. Jimmy we will never give UP!!!! RIP. Thank you. !!!!!!😊

[@highlightcentral3915]

We miss you jimmy

[@stephenwirth9298]

Wow that’s an amazing speech that speech will live on forever !!

[@lynsims5305]

Like Italian family never give up family first

[@Gonzoweirdo1]

This speech just brings a tear to my eye. What an incredible leader he was! Though we may never have him back physically it’s important to remember what he did especially right now this time of year during The College Basketball season, and it’s even more important besides just Basketball to understand the human being he was. Though we may never have him back physically, he is with us in spirit always.

[@ryublueblanka]

What a guy

[@Jalaar46]

Love you Jimmy V. Tears all over my keyboard

[@jdroy2291]

I am a north carolina fan. Jim Valvano still inspires me. He is still one of my favorite coaches.

[@justinlambert4890]

JD Roy no one cares about North Carolina

[@marcsouza2528]

2020 I see this again !!! Jimmy v RIP

[@benjones3639]

Very moved by this speech. I’ve never thought about some of the things he said before. Great Message. 🙂

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

Change it to Family, Faith and the team. Faith doesn't mean religion necessarily. Down to earth, great man. Humor is so important to living

[@sawomirbaranski2160]

This is really something special. Like in a real, human way. Outstanding! Every word he said is beatiful and important.

[@coopaloopmex]

I love to watch this when I need a good boost! Thanks Jimmy V!