It was August 2003 and my group on the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, changed into holding the primary live scrimmage for training camp. As a rookie within the NFL I had practiced a number of times with the group, however this become the primary time I become going to fit it up for a “complete contact and address aim line scrimmage”. The set up turned into easy. The first and 2nd team offenses might move towards the primary and 2nd team defenses. The offense had 4 downs to attain a landing. If they scored, they won; if they failed to rating the protection received.
The first crew offense and defense took the sector first. The offense blanketed Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went against a protection together with Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. The opposing sides coated up in opposition to each other, the referee blew his whistle to begin the play clock, Tommy Maddox referred to as out the cadence, then the ball was snapped … … From that on the spot, the word “The Next Level” was defined for me.
“The Next Level” is a phrase typically thrown around with the aid of athletes relating to the capacity to play in a professional arena which include the NFL, NBA or MLB. To me “The Next Level” isn’t always a title you advantage, e.G. Professional Football Player; it’s miles greater a country of thoughts, an attitude and way of thinking whilst competing. Therefore, I even have come up with three traits that I believe all athletes have to posses so that you can attain “The Next Level”.
1. Play, Practice and Think with 100% Effort. It is as easy as that. You must have one pace and one speed best – FAST! There is no such aspect as “half velocity” or “stroll through”. Regardless of what humans say, this is how we practiced and organized in the NFL. Mike Holmgren said it exceptional sooner or later at the same time as training inside the middle of December at the same time as preparing for the playoffs, “We run plays at complete velocity all through the week so when the game comes it is going to be second nature and all you need to do is react.”
2. Be Able to “Flip the Switch” Once the Whistle Blows. This might be the most mental of the three characteristics. Just photograph for your mind a Cheetah stalking a gazelle and how meticulous, cautious and alert it’s far because it units up its technique. Once that Gazelle notices it’s miles being hunted and starts offevolved running, the Cheetah “flips the switch” and quickens to high-quality speeds. Within seconds it has the Gazelle in its draw close and the quest is over. This is the identical way you should technique each play. An common football play lasts a median of 10 seconds or less, however when that ball is snapped a literal switch have to be flipped to your thoughts and each ounce of strength must be launched at that second.
Three. Dominate. This one word sums up each satisfactory of individuals who obtain “The Next Level”. To dominate surely method competing to be the BEST. Does it suggest you need to be the great? NO! It just approach you’re operating, preparing, working towards and believing YOU CAN be the BEST. You can also in no way reap it and if you do there’ll always be someone so as to be better. But if you compete and technique the entirety with a hundred% attempt, dedication, commitment, and preserve your self responsible, you’ll dominate. While I was gambling with the Philadelphia Eagles during our run as much as the Super Bowl in 2004, beginning tight end and 3-time Pro Bowl choice Chad Lewis would constantly inform the team, “Time to DOMINATE!” That is literally how you should technique each conditioning drill, lift, exercise, meeting and play as an athlete. You method it no other manner!!
When I witnessed the explosive strength, pace and mindset that my teammates displayed that past due summer day in Pittsburgh, I got here to the belief that “The Next Level” is not a name you benefit when you make it to the NFL, it is surely a country of mind and way of existence for those who obtain greatness in athletics.