“Of all the titles I’ve been privileged to have, ‘Dad’ has always been the best.”

This is part of the DadQuotes series, where I roundup the best quotes from famous figures, insightful authors, and my quickly growing kids, and apply them to the job of parenting.

“Of all the titles I’ve been privileged to have, ‘Dad’ has always been the best.”

– Ken Norton, American Heavyweight Boxer

When Ken Norton talks “titles,” he usually means from whooping people’s asses. His accolades include the 1978 World Heavyweight Champion, induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and beating Muhammad Ali in the ring.

Still, the title he’s most proud of is ‘Dad’. This is heavyweight for a couple of reasons.

First of all, it’s clever wordplay for someone who spent 15 years getting hit in the head by muscle-bound men for money.

Far more importantly, when Norton weighs his personal fame and fortune against his role and responsibility of being a dad, the father-role wins hands down.

We all have multiple identities: worker, manager, friend, husband, athlete, reader, gamer, TV watcher, sibling, son, dad.

But at any one time, only one of those roles takes the lead.

Which title are you most privileged to have?

Which role do you prioritize when you’re with your kids? Do your daily actions reflect that priority?

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