Meaning: This quote by Red Grange, a legendary American football player, highlights the perceived difference in intelligence and decision-making between professional athletes and college players. Grange suggests that professional players are smarter because they use their "noodle" – a colloquial term for the brain – to make strategic decisions and execute plays effectively. He contrasts this with the tendency of college players to become flustered or make rash decisions when under pressure.

The quote reflects a common stereotype in sports that professional athletes possess a higher level of intelligence and composure compared to college players. This perception is often rooted in the belief that professional athletes have honed their skills and mental acumen through years of experience and rigorous training at the highest levels of competition.

Grange's assertion that professional players "know what to do and when to do it" implies that they have a deeper understanding of the game and are able to make split-second decisions based on a combination of knowledge, experience, and instinct. This level of game intelligence is often attributed to the intense preparation and focus that professional athletes dedicate to their craft.

The mention of college players "going up in the air" when faced with pressure alludes to the idea that they may struggle to maintain composure and make rational decisions in critical moments. This characterization of college players could stem from the fact that they are still developing their skills and may not have the same level of experience or exposure to high-stakes situations as their professional counterparts.

It's important to note that this quote reflects a generalization and a snapshot of a specific point in time. While it may have been a prevailing belief during Grange's era, it's worth considering the individual variations in intelligence, decision-making, and composure among athletes at both the college and professional levels.

In the context of American football, the transition from college to the professional ranks represents a significant leap in competition, athleticism, and the mental demands of the game. As such, the quote may also reflect the challenges that college players face when making the transition to the professional level, where the margin for error is smaller, and the speed and complexity of the game are amplified.

Ultimately, Grange's quote provides an interesting perspective on the perceived differences in intelligence and decision-making between professional and college athletes. While it may capture a prevailing sentiment within the sports community, it's essential to recognize the individuality and diverse capabilities of athletes across all levels of competition.