Sports Finals

It was August 2003 and my team at the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, was holding the first live scrimmage for training camp. As a rookie in the NFL I had practiced a number of times with the team, but this was the first time I was going to suit it up for a “full contact and tackle objective line scrimmage”. The set up was effortless. The first and second team offenses would go against the first and second team defenses. The offense had four downs to score a touchdown. If they scored, they won; if they failed to score the defense won.

The very first team offense and defense took the field first. The offense included Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went against a defense consisting of Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. The opposing sides lined up against 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 instant, the phrase “The Next Level” was defined for me.

“The Next Level” is often a phrase generally thrown around by athletes referring to the capacity to play in a professional arena including the NFL, NBA or MLB. To me “The Next Level” is not a title you gain, e.g. Expert Football Player; it really is a lot more a state of mind, an attitude and way of thinking when competing. Therefore, I have come up with 3 characteristics that I think all athletes must posses in order to achieve “The Next Level”.

1. Play, Practice and Feel with 100% Effort. It’s as basic as that. You need to have 1 speed and one speed only - Fast! There is no such thing as “half speed” or “walk thru”. Regardless of what men and women say, which is how we practiced and prepared in the NFL. Mike Holmgren said it finest one day while practicing within the middle of December although preparing for the playoffs, “We run plays at full speed throughout 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 is probably probably the most mental of the 3 characteristics. Just picture within your mind a Cheetah stalking a gazelle and how meticulous, careful and alert it’s as it sets up its approach. As soon as that Gazelle notices it can be becoming hunted and starts running, the Cheetah “flips the switch” and accelerates to extraordinary speeds. Within seconds it has the Gazelle in its grasp and also the hunt is over. This will be the same way you should approach each and every play. An average football play lasts an average of 10 seconds or less, but when that ball is snapped a literal switch need to be flipped in your mind and every single ounce of energy need to be released at that moment (If you are interested, see this site for more information regarding custom footballs.

3. Dominate. This 1 word sums up each and every high quality of those who achieve “The Next Level”. To dominate just indicates competing to be the best. Does it mean you have to be the most beneficial? NO! It just means you are working, preparing, practicing and believing You’ll be able to be the most beneficial. You might never obtain it and in case you do there will often be an individual that may be greater. But if you compete and approach everything with 100% effort, dedication, commitment, and hold yourself accountable, you may dominate. Although I was playing with the Philadelphia Eagles throughout our run up to the Super Bowl in 2004, beginning tight end and 3-time Pro Bowl selection Chad Lewis would always tell the team, “Time to DOMINATE!” Which is literally how you ought to approach every single conditioning drill, lift, practice, meeting and play as an athlete. You approach it no other way!!

When I witnessed the explosive power, speed and attitude that my teammates displayed that late summer day in Pittsburgh, I came to the conclusion that “The Next Level” is not a title you gain when you make it to the NFL, it really is really a state of mind and way of life for those that obtain greatness in athletics.