Upon finishing as a finalist on the reality TV competition The Challenge USA in September 2022, Tyson Apostol reminded fans everywhere why he's been such a longtime staple on Survivor. Beyond his athletic acumen and competitive spirit, Tyson has become one of the most infamous reality TV contestants on record due to his high opinion of himself and his outlandish outlook on life that is often articulated in some of the strangest and most colorful quotes in the show's history.

With four appearances on Survivor to date, Tyson Apostol's most memorable quotes, quips, rants, and zingers reinforce his unique personality in ways that have polarized fans over the years.

"I'm Probably Not The Stereotypical Mormon..."

Tocantins

When Tyson was first introduced to the long-running reality TV show, he made it clear he came from a Mormon background yet rarely practiced what he preached. In one of the biggest yet most entertaining understatements Tyson ever made, he told viewers that, "Being from Utah, you would think I would be a shirt and tie, nerdy glasses...but I'm probably not the stereotypical Mormon. I'm probably more of a free spirit."

The best part of the quote is how Tyson happened to be skinny-dipping in front of his female cast mates at the time, completely shattering the tenets of Mormonism while definitely living free as can be in a natural environment.

"Little Weird Being Outfoxed By An Idiot."

Tocantins

During Survivor: Tocantins, Tyson constantly went after Sierra Dawn Thomas in a slew of verbal tirades that are still unforgettable to this day. Aside from deriving pleasure from seeing her struggle with the competition, when it appeared he would be eliminated before her, Tyson uttered, "It bothers me that Sierra will be here longer than me. Little weird being outfoxed by an idiot."

The memorable quote perfectly encapsulates how petty, egotistical, mean-spirited, and vengeful Tyson was on the show, but also underscores his hilarious deadpan sense of humor, stating the line with a straight face. Moreover, the line comes after a lengthy rant against Sierra's ability to compete on the show, leaving a streak of egg on his face.

"I'll Wear A Tiara. A Man Tiara. Do They Make Those?"

Tocantins

Later in the Tocantins, Tyson imagined what it would be like if he won the prize money, something he hasn't always seemed that interested in. After making friends with his tribe, Tyson stated, "But when it comes down to it, I want that million dollars."

Exotic, expensive furs on my shoulder. Jewels on these pretty fingers. We're talking big time."

Knowing how silly and self-aggrandizing the line is, Tyson doubled down by adding, "I'll wear a tiara... a man tiara. Do they make those?" before the camera cuts away. Between a "man tiara" and Tyson's hilarious "man panties" Survivor quote he delivered later on the show, it's clear Tyson is anything but the prototypical Mormon.

"I'll Tell You Sweet Nothings And You'll Believe Them All."

Tocantins

When Tyson felt threatened by Brandon on the rewatchable reality TV competition, he made one of the most memorable quotes in Survivor history. After calling Brandon "a sneaky b*stard" for the way he constantly lies, Tyson stated he could never believe a word that comes out of his mouth.

By contrast, Tyson boasted about himself, adding "You can look me in my sweet blue eyes all day, and I'll tell you sweet nothings, and you'll believe them all." Tyson's signature sense of megalomania mixed with his deepest insecurities reveals his true nature.

"I Lied Straight To Your Face, And You Ate It Up."

Tocantins

Somewhat substantiating the previous quote, Tyson doubled down on his mendacious ability to manipulate his way to the $1 million prize by cruelly telling Sierra that "I lied to your face, and you ate it up." The quote is brutal and brazen on its own, but Sierra's reaction puts it over the top as one of the most unforgettable moments of the season.

While quotes like this helped Tyson foster a villainous image that would help him become a Survivor mainstay, the great part about his appearance over 4 seasons is how he slowly evolved from a villain to become more of a hero. Alas, in the Tocantins, he was content being the island's number one heel.

"I Love Seeing People Cry. When You Crush Their Dreams."

Heroes Vs. Villains

By the time Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains came around, Tyson had made a reputation for being a ruthless member of the latter camp. Leaning into his perceived villainy, Tyson spoke about Erin getting blindsided and the harm it caused, stating with great relish, "I love seeing people cry. When you crush their dreams."

Malevolent, merciless, and insensitive as can be, it's incredibly brazen quotes like these that have earned Tyson his notorious reputation as one of Survivor's most brutal villains and are why the show keeps inviting him back to make good television.

"I Was Basically The Victim Of My Own Stupidity..."

Heroes Vs. Villains

Most Survivors fans know what a high opinion Tyson has of his abilities to win the competition. Yet, in one of his rare moments of accountability and self-reflecting humility, Tyson actually blames himself rather than someone else for his competitive shortcomings. Of course, he doubles back to give himself credit in the end, which all but nullifies the overall sentiment.

During a confessional relating to his gameplay strategy, Tyson states, "I was basically the victim of my own stupidity, America thinks I'm an idiot, but as far as I'm concerned I'm still the winner." Given his past on the show, the quote could be etched on Tyson's headstone.

"None Of You Have A Chance In Hell!"

Blood Vs. Water

In Survivor: Blood vs. Water, Tyson found himself competing with his love interest Laura during his third stint on the show. When the tribe was deciding which should stay behind or go to Redemption Island, Tyson opted for the former before bursting out with "Okay, I'm staying. But you guys better watch out because if you see me on Redemption Island, NONE OF YOU HAVE A CHANCE IN HELL!"

The dramatic rant was followed by Tyson adding, "Mister football over there smiling...you can be big, but that's the worst thing in this game." Aside from his amusing trademark bluster, Tyson lashing out on behalf of Lauren proves his heart is in the right place after maturing from his first two Survivor appearances. It's this evolution process that has helped Tyson become one of the best Survivor contestants of all time.

"I Have Zero Beliefs Except For Magic. I Believe In Magic."

Blood Vs. Water

Later in Blood Vs. Water, Tyson gives a candid confession regarding his view on Aras' spirituality as he sits alone in a tree. After having the hypocritical audacity to question Aras' far-out Zen beliefs, Tyson casually mentions that he does not agree with Aras because "I just have zero beliefs except for magic. I believe in magic. It's awesome."

For a self-proclaimed Mormon who goes out of his way to remind his cast mates of his religious background on the show, Tyson favoring magic over his own faith is pretty telling. After all, he couldn't magically heal his injured shoulder during the season, could he?

"So Yeah, I'm Grateful To Survivor For That..."

Winners at War

After winning Survivor: Blood vs Water and earning the $1 million prize, Tyson's view on his entire experience began to change. Once a mean-spirited villain with zero appreciation for his losing efforts on the show, by the time he returned for Survivor: Winners at War, Tyson changes his tune and expressed emotional gratitude for being able to live the lifestyle he's become accustomed to.

Tyson opens up by saying "the thing that has made winning the million dollars so great is that I'm able to spend time with my kids at home every day." After describing his daily routine with his children, Tyson tearfully adds, "so yeah, I'm grateful to Survivor for that," indicating how much he's matured during his 12-year arc on the show and how much he's evolved from a bad guy to a heroic father.

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