The Guiding Principles of Lobo Football: Earned Not Given

Fans have seen the hashtag on social media. Fans have noticed the players in numberless jerseys and logoless workout shirts.

In Lobo Football, you earn everything.  You are given nothing. It doesn’t matter if you are a the-year returning starter. It doesn’t matter if you are an All-American. It doesn’t matter if you are a hot-shot recruit, or a walk-on.

You earn everything, and when you earn it, it means more and it’s treasured, whether it’s gear, a number, or a chance to represent New Mexico.

“Earned not given is everything,” says head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “It’s the foundation to the development of a human being.  I think it reflects gratitude. I think it reflects work.”

In the Guiding Principles of Lobo Football, Earned Not Given is perhaps the most visible principle for fans and followers to see.  In the three videos on this page, hear from Coach Mendenhall and several Lobo assistants talk about what “Earned Not Given” means to them, their experiences with the principle, and their vision for Lobo Football.

Fans can pick up season tickets for the 2024 season now by going to golobos.com/tickets.