It become August 2003 and my crew on the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, changed into keeping the first stay scrimmage for education camp. As a rookie inside the NFL I had practiced a number of times with the group, however this changed into the first time I become going to match it up for a “complete contact and tackle aim line scrimmage”. The installation turned into easy. The first and second crew offenses might pass against the first and 2d crew defenses. The offense had four downs to attain a landing. If they scored, they received; in the event that they failed to rating the defense received.
The first team offense and protection took the sphere first. The offense blanketed Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went towards a protection consisting of Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. The opposing sides covered up against each different, the referee blew his whistle to begin the play clock, Tommy Maddox known as out the cadence, then the ball changed into snapped … … From that on the spot, the phrase “The Next Level” turned into defined for me.
“The Next Level” is a word typically thrown round by using athletes regarding the ability to play in a professional arena which include the NFL, NBA or MLB. To me “The Next Level” isn’t always a identify you advantage, e.G. Professional Football Player; it is more a kingdom of thoughts, an attitude and manner of questioning when competing. Therefore, I actually have come up with three traits that I trust all athletes must posses with a view to achieve “The Next Level”.
1. Play, Practice and Think with one hundred% Effort. It is as simple as that. You need to have one speed and one pace handiest – FAST! There is no such element as “half velocity” or “stroll through”. Regardless of what human beings say, that is how we practiced and organized in the NFL. Mike Holmgren stated it best one day whilst practicing inside the middle of December while getting ready for the playoffs, “We run performs at complete pace at some stage in the week so when the sport comes it will likely 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 mental of the three characteristics. Just photo for your thoughts a Cheetah stalking a gazelle and how meticulous, careful and alert it is as it sets up its approach. Once that Gazelle notices it is being hunted and starts walking, the Cheetah “flips the transfer” and quickens to high-quality speeds. Within seconds it has the Gazelle in its draw close and the hunt is over. This is the identical manner you have to method each play. An common football play lasts an average of 10 seconds or much less, but while that ball is snapped a literal transfer have to be flipped for your mind and each ounce of energy should be released at that second.
Three. Dominate. This one phrase sums up every quality of individuals who attain “The Next Level”. To dominate actually approach competing to be the BEST. Does it imply you need to be the satisfactory? NO! It just way you are operating, getting ready, practising and believing YOU CAN be the BEST. You may also by no means attain it and if you do there’ll constantly be someone on the way to be better. But if you compete and technique the entirety with a hundred% attempt, determination, commitment, and hold yourself responsible, you’ll dominate. While I became playing with the Philadelphia Eagles throughout our run up to the Super Bowl in 2004, beginning tight end and three-time Pro Bowl selection Chad Lewis could always tell the team, “Time to DOMINATE!” That is literally the way you need to approach every conditioning drill, lift, exercise, assembly and play as an athlete. You technique it no different manner!!
When I witnessed the explosive electricity, speed and mindset that my teammates displayed that overdue summer season day in Pittsburgh, I got here to the realization that “The Next Level” isn’t always a name you advantage when you make it to the NFL, it’s far definitely a country of mind and manner of lifestyles for those that reap greatness in athletics.