Jimmy V died 58 days after giving this speech, but for 11 minutes he was more alive than anyone in the room.

This speech makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you think. Consider today a full day, ladies and gentlemen.

It should be illegal to put ads in the middle of a speech like this

September 2019. I'm a stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma patient being reminded to never give up. I'm going to beat this. I'm going to live. I love you all

I'm a 23 year old living with End stage renal failure and i came here today to remind myself to be thankful for all the things i have. i won't give up. best of luck to you all.

He barely had the strength to walk on and off the stage but for 11 minutes he gave everyone in that auditorium enough strength to fuel an army!

I am currently fighting cancer and I watch this speech often to inspire me to keep fighting. I love Jimmy V.

One of the greatest speeches of all time. Rest in peace

It captures me how Valvano had such a "release" while he was up there. He was barely able to move and had trouble with the stairs, but while he was at that podium, he was, if for just ten minutes, free of his disease. It's incredible.

Having a bad day in 2019 and came here to get realigned ... thanks, Coach V

Watching this in 2024 as the NC State Wolfpack is getting ready to play in the sweet sixteen!! Coach V still brings me to tears. May he RIP!!

who’s here after the NC STATE win March 31 2024 ?

When I hear "never give up" I think of two people: my mother and Jimmy V. Cancer took both their lives, but not the lessons they taught.

Thank you so much for your support of Jim Valvano and The V Foundation. We are excited to be celebrating our 20th anniversary and wouldn't be here without supporters like y'all!

"It may not save my life. But it may save my childrens'" Damn man.

30 years later and this still makes me cry. It is even worse now because cancer is trying to take my father from me. I am participating in a communication class tomorrow and had to choose a speech that inspired me. I am using Jimmy's as my example.

On the 30 for 30 documentary his friend Sonny Vaccaro said it best, "God gave him words that night, to give to us."

A very sad and inspirational speech. He literally got off his death bed to make this speech. He died a month later. I'm a cancer survivor and may be alive today because of organizations like the V Foundation. Thank you to all that have donated to cancer research. And it makes me angry that some POS people actually gave this a thumbs down. Only a pitiful excuse for a human being would do that.

The money from the ads on this better be going to the V Foundation KZfaq.

I try to listen to this and Stuart Scott's ESPY speech at least once a year.

The most heartbreaking part is knowing that he didnt get that chance to present the award the next year.

"LISTEN!... I'm 21 years old... The kids I'm coaching were 19".. lol..

I watched this live in 93. Almost 30 years later I still tear up when I watch this. Jimmy Valvano made a difference.

“it may not save my life, i may save my kids life, it may save someone you love” those words are immortal ❤️

This, to me, is the most poignant speech ever delivered. It captures the essence of humanity--the tragedy, the triumph, the hope--that frames life itself. The older I get, the more I appreciate its wisdom.

"Don't give up.. Don't ever give up."

As long as there is life and disease on this earth, this speech will be timeless.

This speech has legitimately helped me get through some rough times. Man was about to die from cancer and willed himself to stand up there and give some of the most profound words of wisdom anyone has ever given, if that doesn't make you think you can do anything you set your mind to I don't know what will. Jimmy V may have been taken from us too soon but he truly won at life and gave more to the world than most people could ever dream of. One of the most inspirational human beings in the history of sports.

This speech should be shown in high school speech classes everywhere, the first day. 101 on how to speak with passion and personality. This was the first time I've seen this right now. One of the best speeches I've ever seen, if not the best.

My father died in 1993 as well from cancer. And although we were just normal people, the amount of people that attended his funeral (standing room only) was a testament to the individual he was. Everyone from my neighborhood where I grew up was there, everyone from his job (that he was on for 25 years) was there, including the District and CEO of the company. You don't have to be a celebrity, just a wonderful person, with a wonderful personality, that people respect. It's been 21 years and my only regret is that he did not get to see the woman I have become and watch my daughters grow up (who at time of his death were 1 1/2 and 1 month old). My mom and I never let a day go by without remembering the man he was :) My dad was at home the last month of his life. Our dining room was literally changed into a hospital room, because my dad wanted to live out his last days at home. Two days before he past, we had to rush him to hospital, I was so glad that I was in the room when he took his last breath. If you have never known or witness someone succumb to Cancer, then you can't relate. This may be why there are 234 dislikes to this video.

My favorite speech of all time

Watching in 2023. Still inspirational! I’m 47 now just like Jimmy V when he passed. He had so much more to give but what he gave us is everlasting.

This man left his soul and that stage that day...what a human being and he will never be fotgotten

This speech made me laugh, it made me think, then it made me cry, truly beautiful.

"It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart and it cannot touch my soul" That goes beyond whatever may take us, may it be cancer, AIDS, sudden death, etc. Jimmy V was right. All that we have lost we feel them everyday. No one can take that from them. Ever. I hope everyone who has lost someone out there is doing ok and we are all in this together.

Truly helps when you need a "coach" after your parents have passed.

I come back to this speech often. When my life gets to be too much and I need some inspiration, I watch Jimmy V leaving it all up there on that stage. I laugh, I cry, I'm moved. This speech epitomizes what it means to be human, to be spiritual, to believe in others and yourself. It is very hard to describe in words what this speech means to me, but I can tell you, when I'm done watching, I feel much better and life seems to take on a different tone. One that is more comforting, more motivating. Thank you Jimmy. The best speech I've watched in reality or in a movie hands down.

No matter how many times I see this. I always get all choked up

I’ve been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. 6 months in and I’m kicking it’s ass. I watch this speech every Saturday. Words can’t describe what this speech does to me and for me. Jimmy V was a one of a kind special person. Rest In peace Coach V. You’re my inspiration. God bless everyone!!!

I've tested positive for Schitzophrenia, ADHD, Tourettes, OCD, and PTSD. My gym teacher had us watch this today, and I'm glad I saw this. One more piece of motivation to stay strong and stand my ground. I'll continue to fight my mental illnesses

I'm a big time University of Houston fan and was really bummed out when his NC State team beat UH favored team in the last second of the 1983 NCAA Championship game. I couldn't understand how such a underdog team could beat one of the greatest college basketball teams of all time. As time went on I realized how it happened. That NC State team played with the never give up, don't ever give up heart of their coach. What a true champion Jimmy V was.

My all time favorite speech by the man who was responsible for my lifelong love with the game of basketball. He was a spectacular man.

Like out of a movie. One of the best live speeches ever.

I lost my Dad to Cancer in 1982, he fought till he had nothing left...I was 14 years old. Whatever comes my way I will never give up...like my Father...and Jimmy V.. Inspiration to us all..

Who in the world could possibly give this a thumbs down? One of my favorite people to ever live!

This was about 5 months before I was even born. I learned of this speech when I was only a teenager, yet at 30 years old I still come back to this speech from time to time to build myself up again and realize there is still hope. I’ve experienced loss and pain in my life including the devastation of cancer but men like this who never give up are what keep me going and supporting my family. My family is all that keeps me together and gives my life any meaning. This man was barely able to walk up or down the steps to give his speech, yet over 30 years later he is an inspiration to so many people ❤

Who's here watching this during COVID quarantine? Hit like. Hope you have a great day!

I have one amazing thing and one sad thing. First, notice how humble of a man Jimmy is. Usually when someone has an acceptance speech of an award, they carry the award with pride. Notice that when he is giving his speech, he didn't touch it, he didn't glance at it, he didn't even think about the award. The point of his speech was to get the word out about such an awful disease. Second, This award was given in March 3rd 1993. Jimmy Volvano died on April 28, 1993. To me this is heartbreaking because he said, "I'm gonna be back here next year to give this award." and he didn't even make it a whole 6 months with his disease. He didn't get what he wanted, to hand out the Arthur Ashe award. This is the most inspiring speech I have ever seen and I tear up every time I watch it.

RIP Stuart Scott

Do not give up. Do not ever give up. I will not forget these nine words.

I stumbled upon a one hour documentary about Jim Valvano's speech this morning not knowing who he even was. Given how incredibly weak he was from his cancer battle, his speech is simply astonishing - on so many levels. It sounds like his foundation has changed a lot of lives. The documentary ends with the startling statistic that in 2023, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. If that isn't sobering, I don't know what is. His seven words will not be lost on anyone who hears his speech, "Don't give up! Don't ever give up!" Those words are so true - for whatever battles you face in life. ❤

"I got tumors all over my body and I'm worried about some guy in the back saying 'thirty seconds'...hey...a fanabla"

One of the greatest speeches of all time.

250 people were so touched by this that they turned their screen upside down and clicked like

I laughed I thought And I cried This is beautiful

The only awards show speech that is a must watch.

This made me laugh and cry all at the same time. It is truly life changing.

I listened to this speech everyday like it's my prayer !! it's the greatest speech of all time

My dad fought to the end and never gave up. He lost his battle to cancer 36 years ago he was 43, I was only 14. At 50 years old I still cry for him. But losing him has made me love life and appreciate everyday I wake up. Rip dad 6-13-82 forever in my heart.

344 people gave this a thumbs down? I would like to say I'm shocked but that's just humanity for ya!!! One of the best speeches ever and the 30 for 30 was awesome as well.

Don't give up. Don't ever give up!

So many years later, this speech still stands the test of time. RIP coach.

Just went to the 2023 Jimmy V Classic this year and man, you forget how epic and powerful this speech is. So many life lessons: think, laugh, and cry. That’s a full day Jimmy! 🐐

My father has been cancer free for 16 years now and counting!!! Thank you mr. V!!!!!

I miss him so much. He was such an enthusiastic coach. I use to love to watch him get excited. It got me excited. Absolutely one of the greatest coaches in history!

Who else cried after watching this?

....laugh, think...cry. This speech never gets old. God Bless his soul forever.

Nov 12 2023 Were still listening to this speech Jimmy.

One of the greatest sports speeches of all time.

One of the greatest moments in sports history, and it didn't take place on the court or the field. To have met Coach Valvano was an honor. His words of encouragement when I was researching colleges were incredibly uplifting. I'll never forget his words, his warmth and sincerity. I'll never forget him. Coach, you're some kind of wonderful. I cry every time I watch his speech. The college hoops season isn't official until his ESPY speech is broadcast. Play ball!

Jimmy V. Great speech given by a great man.

It baffles me that 342 people gave this a thumbs down...... I watched this clip every day with my father while he battled cancer until he passed. As a former athlete I've always had huge admiration for Coach V. Anyone who may be battling cancer or has a loved one battling it my family sends prayers for a quick recovery!

Fast forward 29 years later and its Dickie V getting helped up to the stage/off the stage by his peers. Powerful AF.

a beautiful soul taken long before its time rest in peace Jimmy..

I come back to this speech probably once a month, maybe every other month. And it always makes me cry and touches my heart. This should have 7 billion views. RIP to a legend, gone but never forgotten

I was NEVER a Jim Valvano fan! Then I watched him give this speech. Live. I got chills then. I've got chills now. What a badass!!

Thank you Jimmy V. RIP

I never forget that night of the 1983 NCAA basketball championship game watching it with my dad. By halftime Houston had a big lead against NC State which was expected. Jimmy V was head coach of NC State. As the 2nd half began you could tell something was different this time around. We couldn't take our eyes off the game. NC State made a miraculous comeback to win the championship. We were in utter shock.Even though I'm still blessed to have my dad still around it was one of those times I will always cherish with him. To this day we still talk about that night. RIP Jimmy V

This Speech is almost 30 Years Old…. And it needs to Remembered Every Day… Jim says so much in 11 minutes…. Don’t Give up … Don’t Ever Give Up ❤️

Felt like absolute shit today, and thought of this speech. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. Thank you, Jimmy. Thank you.

Watching this again made me laugh, made me think and made me tear up. I had a full day in just 11 minutes.

22 years later & he's still an inspiration to so many. RIP Jimmy.

Probably the most powerful speech of all time. The man is a LEGEND. It moves me to tears every single time.

Positive speech man he could barely walk up the stairs and kudos to Mike K for funding this great organization over the years stop cancer...

"We need money for research...it may not save my life..." *instant waterworks* God Bless you Jimmy V

I'm going to be making a speech to my public speaking class about Jimmys speech. One of my favorites.

Just remember almost everyone has lose someone to cancer, but never forget what Jimmy said in this speech. Cancer can take away my physical abilities, but it can't touch my mind, my heart or my soul. I forever hold Jimmy to my heart and Jimmy & thiis speach will hold a special place in my heart. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. I love you man, you are my hero, my inspiration.

Back here because of State in the final 4. Amazing what they have accomplished already. Maybe they have the presence of this man in the locker room today. Being born in 1994, I never got to watch this live or see him coach. This is actually my first time watching the whole thing right now and wasn’t aware he died shortly after this. If I hadn’t read the comments I would never had known this was a very sick man on stage. For him to get up there and knock this speech out of the park for 11 minutes is truly incredible but clearly there was a reason for it because it’s still getting played and inspiring many others to this day. God bless you all

Just saved a kids life and I wanted to come here because I cried afterwards and I remembered that Jimmy V said to have a full day you need to cry, laugh, etc. haven’t cried in over 20 years! Thanks Jimmy V your memory will never die! Love you. C

Goosebumps every time. Don't give up, don't EVER give up. VICTORY over Cancer.

Pulled this up on the 40th anniversary of winning the NCAA championship 1983. I was a freshman / first year at State and he gave me the ultimate college year any young person could ever want that season - The Cardiac Pack! Thank you Mr. Valvano for my treasured memories!

I laugh, think, and cry everyday. I laughed, thought, and cried today. I’ll laugh, think, and cry tomorrow. I had a full day yesterday, I had a full day today, and I will have a full day tomorrow. Thank you very much to an incredible inspiration, Jimmy Valvano!!!!!

Laugh, think, and cry can make the pain go away for a while. Cancer can talk your physical abilities, but it can't take my mind, body, or soul. Never give up. Never give up. When I get get really down I listen to this inspirational speech that I never forget. Thanks Coach.

It’s crazy he died just a month after giving this speech. You can see the pain in his eyes when he talks about wanting to present the award the following year, I think he already knew that probably wasn’t going to happen. What an inspiration, what a legacy. This might be one of the best human beings to ever walk this earth. Rest In peace Jimmy Valvano.

I was too young to remember this, but watching this, after being told about this speech by the older folk I've worked with, is a true inspiration. May his soul be resting in peace to this day and forever.

Whenever I think to myself that I have it rough I come here to be humbled. This video is so empowering and breathes life into you. Rest In Peace Jimmy.

From Jimmy V to Kaitlin Jenner... What a great man, speech... the 30 for 30 on NCS is by far the best sports documentary EVER!

Jesus. I'm 40 years old and with absolutely no shame what so ever.....everytime I watch this.....a tear is shed for Jim Valvano. I truly wish I had knew this man. Rest in piece Jimmy V.

My grandson was contemplating suicide not long ago. I had him listen to this....and he is still alive today and his attitude is completely different. Thank you Jimmy V for your perseverance and courage to save my grandson 🙏

I always watch this speech during Jimmy V week. I owe this man a lot. 17 years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with leukemia and given 1 to 3 years to live before she was put on a breakthrough clinical trial drug. Just last week I was able to introduce her to her 1 month old granddaughter (through windows thanks to 2020). Dont give up dont ever give up.