'Ted Lasso': 8 Jamie Tartt Quotes That Prove He Should've Been in Season 4

As great as his one-episode cameo was, Jamie Tartt really should’ve been a permanent fixture of Ted Lasso Season 4. While it makes sense that there are some missing characters in Ted Lasso Season 4, especially as actors are generally busy people with complicated schedules that often overlap with other projects, many of us are still disappointed that Jamie hasn’t been involved in the Apple TV comedy‘s comeback from the very start.

There are plenty of inspiring Ted Lasso quotes throughout the show’s original run, and believe it or not, some of them come from the mind and mouth of Phil Dunster’s Jamie Tartt. While Jamie has always generally been a comic relief character, whose ridiculous attitude and hilarious remarks have kept us all entertained, he can also be deeply profound when he wants to. There are some amazing Jamie Tartt quotes in Ted Lasso, and these examples prove why he should’ve been a main character in Season 4.

Honorable Mentions

It’s really hard to pick out the best of the best when it comes to Jamie Tartt quotes. However, as hilarious as the character is, some of his more notable quotes are only funny; they don’t offer anything deeper or can be considered a reflection of his character. Still, these quotes are brilliant.

“It’s nice to have a real manager like Pep, instead of that American rodeo clown.”
“The second that I found out that George Harrison died, I realized that I had to stop waiting for life to begin.”

“Coach, I’m Me. Why Would I Want to Be Anything Else?”

Season 1, Episode 2

Jamie talking to Keeley and Ted about whether he'd be a lion or a panda in Ted Lasso.

With lines like these, can there ever really be such a thing as a Jamie Tartt replacement? When Ted asks whether he’d rather be a lion or a panda, Jamie replies with this iconic piece of dialogue, proving that nobody quite has the confidence that Jamie Tartt does. Jamie knows who he is; he always has, and it’s a shame we didn’t get more of this in Ted Lasso Season 4.

Jamie’s ego comes back to bite him a few times throughout the show; it’s both his biggest benefit and hindrance. Still, it’s such an important part of his character, and it’s also a great representation of real-life football players (albeit a little over the top).

“Old People Are So Wise. They’re Like Tall Yodas.”

Season 2, Episode 2

Jamie and Ted sitting at the bar in the Crown and Anchor, talking to Mae, in Ted Lasso.

Another hilarious remark from Jamie comes during his tense conversation with Ted at the Crown and Anchor. Although a lot of their discussion is dedicated to talking about what led to Jamie leaving Manchester City to star on the Love Island parody dating show “Lust Conquers All,” there’s still room for comedy.

After Mae tells patrons Paul, Baz, and Jeremy to “f*ck off” and stop staring at Jamie, the former Richmond striker can’t help but admire the landlady’s choice of words. Jamie doesn’t seem to be saying that Mae is wise for using such a simple way to scold her regulars, but it’s still hysterical just how quickly he comes out with this comment.

“I’m Being Super Mature You Big Dumb Hairy Baby Tw*t!”

Season 2, Episode 6

Jamie arguing with Roy in the changing rooms about training him in Ted Lasso.

While this quote, ironically, appears to be a rather immature moment from Jamie, it isn’t. By Season 2, Episode 6, Jamie has started to go through some immense growth. He wants to build bridges with Roy (although he’s still struggling with the best way to do it at this point), and he wants his former captain to coach him, which Roy has no interest in doing. As Ted points out, Jamie is actually the mature one in this situation.

Despite all the drama surrounding the Ted Lasso love triangle between Jamie, Roy, and Keeley, the Richmond striker still wants to make amends. He’s aware of what he’s done to the team, and he doesn’t just want to be good at football; he wants to be the best.

“Don’t Speak to Me Like That.”

Season 2, Episode 8

Season 2, Episode 8, “Man City,” is an incredible episode for Ted Lasso‘s Jamie Tartt. After losing the match against Manchester City, the team returns to the changing rooms, only for Jamie’s father to arrive and berate his son over his performance during the game. Jamie’s relationship with his father is something he’s spoken about before this point in Ted Lasso, but this scene truly encapsulates the difficulties he’s had to deal with over the years.

Jamie saying “Don’t speak to me like that” marks a very important moment for the character. He finally stands up to his father, and he realizes that no matter what the man has been telling him since he was a kid, he deserves respect. It’s moments like these that make you remember why Jamie is such a great character, and why he should’ve been in Ted Lasso Season 4.

“I Finally Think That I’m Becoming the Best Version of Myself.”

Season 2, Episode 10

Another astounding moment of growth for Jamie comes after Rebecca’s father’s funeral. During the wake back at Rebecca’s parents’ house, Jamie takes the opportunity to reflect, and he admits to Keeley that he’s still in love with her. However, this moment is so much more than Jamie’s feelings for Keeley; it’s also about how he views himself.

He begins by acknowledging that (despite what he’s about to say) he knows Keeley is happy with Roy, something that Jamie in Season 1 would never do. Jamie decides to return to Richmond partially because of Keeley, and this plays a part in his motivation to be “the best version of [him]self” as possible. He knows that if he has any chance of reconciling with Keeley, he doesn’t just need to be a better romantic partner; he also needs to be a better person all-around. It’s disappointing we don’t get to see more of this Jamie in Ted Lasso Season 4, but at least he redeems himself throughout Season 3.

“It’s Called Empathy, You Dusty Old Fart.”

Season 3, Episode 2

Jamie trying to look empathetic while talking to Roy about his breakup with Keeley in Ted Lasso.

This quote is both hilarious and, weirdly, a little profound. After learning that Roy and Keeley’s relationship in Ted Lasso has come to an end, Jamie tries to extend an olive branch to his former frenemy. Years previously, Jamie would’ve never dreamed of trying to offer Roy emotional support, especially not in the context of the coach dating his ex-girlfriend. However, what’s especially comical about this is that Jamie doesn’t figure out the breakup by himself (despite him claiming he did); it’s Isaac who tells him.

Of course, Jamie’s reflexes act first when Roy questions his facial expression over the situation. Jamie has grown up massively by this point; there’s no denying that, but his language still needs updating. He proves that he’s matured and changed, hence the explanation of “empathy,” but in true Jamie Tartt fashion, he can’t resist throwing in a silly, childish insult at Roy: “dusty old fart.”

“I Got ‘Em to Change the E to a U”

Season 3, Episode 10

Jamie giving Roy a present at Phoebe's Uncle's Day party in Ted Lasso.

One of the best and funniest moments that encapsulates Jamie and Roy’s relationship is during Phoebe’s Uncle’s Day celebrations. While Roy is initially confused that his niece has invited Jamie to the party, the Richmond striker quickly proves why he deserves to be on the invite list. Jamie gifts Roy his old England kit from when he last played in the World Cup, lovingly having the name on the back of the shirt altered to spell out something else.

This perfectly demonstrates not just Jamie’s sense of humor, but Ted Lasso’s as a whole. It shows that, despite their tumultuous relationship, Jamie genuinely thinks very highly of Roy. Jamie wants Roy to know this, too, but rather than just telling him, he finds a way to jest about their friendship by giving him a nostalgic present. If there’s one thing I wish we’d got more of in Ted Lasso Season 4, it’s Roy and Jamie’s hilarious friendship.

“Sometimes, Perfect Is the Opposite of Good.”

Season 4, Episode 6

Rebecca looking at her phone, with Jamie sitting next to her, in the hospital waiting room in Ted Lasso.

Honestly, Jamie Tartt’s Ted Lasso Season 4 quote – the iconic advice that he gives Rebecca – proves why he should’ve been in it from the very beginning. As the countdown to the New Year approaches, Jamie offers Rebecca some words of wisdom regarding her relationship with Matthijis. Yes, he technically misquotes the French philosopher Voltaire, and he then incorrectly attributes it to the animated series Voltron, but this just makes it even funnier.

Of course, Jamie is comparing Rebecca’s situation to his vodka brand, but his words still hit hard. If anyone knows that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it’s Jamie Tartt. He thought life would be perfect when he went back to Manchester City, and then when he left to go on “Lust Conquers All.” He also believed that without Keeley, he’d have women flocking at his feet at every turn. Eventually, he realized that this wasn’t the case, and it’s great that, even though he has an ideal life in Barcelona, he knows how important it is to appreciate what you’ve got, even if it isn’t perfect.