The concept of sportsmanship is associated with how a player, team, and/or coach acts when winning and losing a particular game. One is a “good sport” if they are humble in victory and gracious in defeat while a “bad sport” acts out and snubs their opponent, perhaps even making excuses or blaming others for their loss. Having good sportsmanship means respecting oneself and one’s team and giving one’s full effort, regardless of the circumstances. The theme of sportsmanship in Undefeated touches on this aspect of the term as it recounts the many games played by Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School football team, the hard work and dedication they put into practicing, and the determination that helps them bounce back from their losses. The book also demonstrates that sportsmanship is much more than one’s conduct on the field when winning or losing. Sportsmanship is a life philosophy that Thorpe used to help him overcome all the adversities he faced in life, not just in his athletic endeavors.

Thorpe’s legacy in American culture and athletics is about his psychological approach to being an athlete off as well as on the field. Undefeated portrays Thorpe as a man of few words, which is consistent with how the media, friends, and family also discussed Thorpe throughout the years.