Eyeshield 21 follows Sena Kobayakawa, a timid high school student who discovers his incredible speed and becomes the anonymous running back “Eyeshield 21” for the Deimon Devil Bats football team. The series delves into themes of perseverance, teamwork, self-discovery, and overcoming personal limits through the high-stakes world of American football.
This curated collection of 25 quotes highlights these themes, showcasing emotional depth, character growth, and pivotal moments across various arcs to inspire readers with the series’ motivational spirit.
Running is the essence of football. The best runner always wins
Chapter 1 (The Man with the Golden Legs)
Sena Kobayakawa
Sena’s early realization sparks his transformation from errand boy to star player, emphasizing self-discovery and perseverance in the introductory arc.
Don’t give up! The pain will go away eventually. Just keep running
Chapter 2 (The Ultimate Weapon)
Sena Kobayakawa
During intense training, this reflects Sena’s growing resilience, connecting to themes of endurance and personal growth amid physical challenges.
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is
Episode 3 (The Birth of Eyeshield 21)
Yoichi Hiruma
Hiruma motivates the team in a practice scrimmage, highlighting determination’s role in teamwork and character development during team-building moments.
It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog
Chapter 4 (The Small Giant)
Ryokan Kurita
Kurita’s peaceful reflection on his strength inspires underdogs, tying into overcoming adversity and emotional bonds in early team dynamics.
If you want to succeed, you have to be willing to put in the hard work and dedication
Episode 7 (The Devil’s Training)
Yoichi Hiruma
Amid grueling drills, this underscores Hiruma’s tough leadership, fostering growth and perseverance in a non-battle training arc.
Strength is not measured by physicality
Chapter 10 (The Strongest Enemy)
Seijuro Shin
Shin’s battle declaration against Sena reveals his philosophy, impacting Sena’s development and themes of inner strength in the Ojo arc.
I will not lose the fight within me
Episode 12 (The Ojo White Knights)
Manabu Yukimitsu
Yukimitsu’s quiet resolve during a match highlights late-bloomer growth, adding emotional weight to perseverance in competitive moments.
We can’t win if we blame each other
Chapter 15 (Teamwork Makes the Dream Work)
Sena Kobayakawa
In a team huddle after a setback, this promotes unity, showing Sena’s leadership evolution and teamwork themes in mid-arc struggles.
I can’t do all this half-heartedly
Episode 18 (Full Throttle)
Sena Kobayakawa
Sena pushes through exhaustion in a game, symbolizing commitment and emotional breakthrough in his journey toward self-confidence.
I have to keep fighting
Chapter 20 (Never Surrender)
Sena Kobayakawa
During a fierce rivalry match, this captures Sena’s determination, linking to broader themes of resilience and character fortitude.
I will try again and again
Episode 25 (The Rematch)
Sena Kobayakawa
Sena’s vow after failure in training reflects endless perseverance, highlighting growth in peaceful reflection post-battle.
I will win, in my own style
Chapter 30 (Finding My Path)
Sena Kobayakawa
Declaring independence in a key game, this marks Sena’s self-discovery, with emotional impact on individuality amid team themes.
I want to exceed your strength and practice
Episode 35 (Beyond Limits)
Sena Kobayakawa
Challenging a rival calmly, this shows Sena’s maturing ambition, connecting to personal development in a non-combat training scene.
One day, we will stand on the field again
Chapter 40 (Future Promises)
Sena Kobayakawa
In a heartfelt team moment, this fosters hope and bonds, emphasizing friendship and emotional recovery after a loss.
So I fought my way through a strong opponent
Episode 45 (Breaking Through)
Sena Kobayakawa
Recounting a victory, this highlights triumph over adversity, with deep emotional weight in Sena’s arc-spanning growth.
Everything I did to get to this point
Chapter 50 (The Journey So Far)
Sena Kobayakawa
Reflecting on progress in a quiet scene, this ties to self-reflection themes, showcasing cumulative character development.
This time I will break through
Episode 55 (Devil’s Charge)
Sena Kobayakawa
Charging in a high-stakes game, this embodies breakthrough moments, impacting themes of courage and battle intensity.
I will find a way to defeat Shin
Chapter 60 (Rival’s Shadow)
Sena Kobayakawa
Planning strategy peacefully, this reveals strategic growth, connecting to perseverance against formidable odds.
If I use the wind, my strength will increase
Episode 65 (Wind Rider)
Sena Kobayakawa
Adapting mid-game, this innovative thinking shows evolution, with emotional thrill in overcoming physical limits.
If sorry could solve anything we wouldn’t have a need for the police
Chapter 80 (No Excuses)
Yoichi Hiruma
Hiruma’s sharp rebuke during team conflict promotes accountability, highlighting leadership and tough love in later arcs.
We don’t have time to waste asking for the things we don’t have, we can only look for the best way to fight with the things we do have
Episode 90 (Resourceful Devils)
Yoichi Hiruma
In a desperate match, this inspires resourcefulness, adding emotional depth to teamwork and adaptation themes.
Try without the winning intent is meaningless
Chapter 100 (True Victory)
Yoichi Hiruma
Motivating in a pivotal tournament, this underscores genuine effort, linking to character resolve and high emotional stakes.
Oh well no matter what path they take people without guts have nothing ahead of them
Episode 110 (Guts and Glory)
Yoichi Hiruma
Reflecting post-game, this critiques cowardice, emphasizing courage’s role in personal and team development.
Devils don’t ask favors from God
Chapter 120 (Self-Reliance)
Yoichi Hiruma
Declaring independence in training, this highlights self-reliance, with impactful ties to defiance and growth themes.
We all have different goals
Episode 130 (Shared Dreams)
Kazuki Jumonji
In a team bonding moment, this acknowledges diversity, fostering emotional unity and character depth in final arcs.
