Bodybuilding Icon Kai Greene Once Revealed How an NFL Legend’s Famous Quote Turned Around His Fortunes: “Was Willing to Work for This”

Kai Greene is considered by many as one of the most aesthetic bodybuilders. His idea of combining art and bodybuilding makes him unique in the sport. He ranked second in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Mr. Olympia contests, and garnered huge support from the masses and fans. Despite not winning the Mr. Olympia title, Greene is widely recognized as a one of the best.

Although he has not formally announced his retirement, he hasn’t participated in Mr. Olympia contests since 2014. Fans can’t wait to see him make a comeback and clinch the title for the first time in his career. Greene is one of the most famous modern-day bodybuilders. Just like any other athlete, he had his struggles in the early phases of his career. In an interview in July, Greene opened up on how uttering the wise words of an NFL Legend gave him his big break.

The quote that changed Greene’s life

Greene had always been very clear about his goals. He didn’t have any lingering questions about what he aspired to pursue. He was committed and put his unwavering focus on building a competition-worthy body. But, it was a quote that helped him propel his career to unprecedented heights.

In a 2007 interview, Flex Wheeler, Ronnie Coleman’s contemporary and bodybuilding legend, was interviewing Greene backstage after a show for Muscle Development. Wheeler asked him, “What’s next?” Greene instantly responded with a quote by Gale Sayers, an NFL legend. “All I need is six inches of daylight,” he said.

READ MORE: 3x Arnold Classic Champion Kai Greene Once Shared a Basic Philosophy Equally Applying to a “King or Slave”

He conveyed that he yearned to get a place in the world of bodybuilding. He continued, “I was willing to work for this, to bleed for it.” Steve Blechman, CEO of MD, interrupted the backstage interview and signed him to MD that instant. Thereafter, it provided him with several opportunities and helped him to realise his goals.

Kai Greene appeals to aspiring champions to have clarity

‘The Predator’ shared an important message in the interview. He urged aspiring champions to ask themselves, “What do you want to be, and where do you want to go?” He continued that answering such questions would keep them focused and not get lost. Furthermore, he said that he followed the same principle. But, negative thoughts bothered him when he didn’t do well.

He shared that he’d think, “the judges don’t like me,” or “some unseen force out there wants to hold me back.” But he continued to battle. He recounted how he leaped from the 20th place in 2006 to 6th in the 2007 New York Pro. It instilled a belief that he could win it and eventually did it the following year.

Do you consider Greene as one of the best bodybuilders to have never won Mr. Olympia?

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