It became August 2003 and my crew at the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, changed into retaining the first live scrimmage for schooling camp. As a rookie in the NFL I had practiced some of instances with the team, however this become the first time I become going to suit it up for a “complete touch and address aim line scrimmage”. The set up became easy. The first and 2d group offenses could go in opposition to the primary and second group defenses. The offense had four downs to score a touchdown. If they scored, they won; in the event that they failed to rating the defense won.
The first team offense and protection took the field first. The offense included Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went towards a protection such as Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. The opposing facets coated up in opposition to each different, the referee blew his whistle to begin the play clock, Tommy Maddox called out the cadence, then the ball changed into snapped … … From that on the spot, the word “The Next Level” was described for me.
“The Next Level” is a word usually thrown around by using athletes regarding the capability to play in a professional area including the NFL, NBA or MLB. To me “The Next Level” isn’t always a title you benefit, e.G. Professional Football Player; it is more a state of thoughts, an attitude and manner of thinking while competing. Therefore, I even have provide you with 3 characteristics that I agree with all athletes need to posses so one can achieve “The Next Level”.
1. Play, Practice and Think with one hundred% Effort. It is as simple as that. You have to have one pace and one velocity simplest – FAST! There is no such thing as “1/2 pace” or “walk thru”. Regardless of what humans say, this is how we practiced and prepared inside the NFL. Mike Holmgren said it great at some point at the same time as training in the center of December even as making ready for the playoffs, “We run performs at full velocity during the week so when the game comes it is going to be second nature and all you have to do is react.”
2. Be Able to “Flip the Switch” Once the Whistle Blows. This is probably the most intellectual of the 3 traits. Just photograph for your mind a Cheetah stalking a gazelle and how meticulous, careful and alert it’s far as it sets up its method. Once that Gazelle notices it’s far being hunted and starts offevolved going for walks, the Cheetah “flips the transfer” and hurries up to awesome speeds. Within seconds it has the Gazelle in its grasp and the quest is over. This is the identical manner you should technique each play. An common football play lasts an average of 10 seconds or much less, however while that ball is snapped a literal transfer have to be flipped for your thoughts and every ounce of strength have to be released at that second.
Three. Dominate. This one phrase sums up every quality of folks who reap “The Next Level”. To dominate really means competing to be the BEST. Does it suggest you need to be the fine? NO! It just means you’re working, making ready, practicing and believing YOU CAN be the BEST. You may additionally by no means attain it and in case you do there’ll usually be someone so that it will be better. But in case you compete and method the entirety with one hundred% attempt, willpower, dedication, and keep yourself accountable, you may dominate. While I changed into playing with the Philadelphia Eagles for the duration of our run up to the Super Bowl in 2004, starting tight quit and three-time Pro Bowl selection Chad Lewis might usually tell the team, “Time to DOMINATE!” That is actually how you ought to technique every conditioning drill, lift, exercise, assembly and play as an athlete. You approach it no other manner!!
When I witnessed the explosive electricity, speed and mindset that my teammates displayed that late summer time day in Pittsburgh, I came to the belief that “The Next Level” isn’t always a name you advantage while you make it to the NFL, it is actually a nation of mind and manner of existence for those who attain greatness in athletics.