Winning a big game is what we play the game for. The big crowds, the tailgates, and the excitement at school after the games make all the strain and struggle during practice worth it. In the regular season, a big game can be the defining moment in your season. Winning could mean the start of…
The Resilient Mindset: Embracing Growth Over Immediate Results Showing up to practice for the first time as a Razorback was intimidating, to say the least. As a freshman, I walked onto the field after months of training alongside new teammates—upperclassmen, transfers, walk-ons, and my freshman roommates. I looked around and wondered if I had what…
The Competitor’s Blueprint As you can imagine, in the NFL, the competition is incredibly stiff. Walking into practice, you quickly notice that every linebacker is the same size, strength, speed, and intelligence. They all have that undeniable swagger, and the defense’s quarterbacks possess the team-leading bravado needed to counter an exceptional offense. Think of guys…
Scoring touchdowns, crossing the finish line, hitting a game-winning home run, and winning the championship are the moments athletes sacrifice their time, blood, sweat, and tears for. We play to experience the thrill of winning, the culmination of overcoming a significant challenge that most cannot say they’ve experienced. However, this external display of excellence and…
Peace Within Despite the constant attention and hype athletes receive for their prowess on the field, being an athlete is not nearly as glamorous as some make it look. To be successful as an athlete, you must learn to balance the rigors of relentless training and a pressure-packed season with schoolwork and attending to your…
The Silent Struggle of Professional Athletes In a 2019 article, researchers found that 35% of professional athletes have mental health concerns, which include burnout, anxiety, depression, and more (1). Further, 30-40% of athletes are often overtrained and undernourished (2). When an athlete arrives in this state, it leads to a greater risk for injury, poor…
How to be the hammer, not the nail Growing up, the pre-game pep talk often included a simple question from my parents and coaches: “Would you rather be the hammer or the nail?” Although the answer seems obvious, the true challenge lies in embodying the hammer, which represents fearlessness and courage, critical character traits in…
In our modern world, extended periods of sitting have become the norm, but this sedentary lifestyle can have detrimental effects on our cognitive, metabolic, and physical health. Incorporating consistent, low-intensity movements throughout the day is crucial not only for athletes but for everyone seeking to maintain and enhance bodily functions. Fundamentals of Movement Movement is…
Finding Your Purpose through Athletics Many young athletes and parents believe they may be the next Tom Brady, make it to the NFL, or even make it to D1. Unfortunately, for many avid dreamers, those chances are very slim. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, and of course, I want that for all of my…
During the 2023/4 college football playoffs, you might have heard Michigan Quarterback JJ McCarthy espousing his pre-game meditation routine, eventually leading him and his team to a national championship. Meditation? Do you mean the Buddhist practice? What in the world is going on? Eastern and Western worlds colliding? Well, in fact, he’s not crazy, and…
