The NFL’s Wildest Pre-Game Rituals: How Players Psych Themselves Up Before Kickoff
May 31, 2026 — Updated 11:47 AM ET
Football is a game of preparation—strategic, physical, and psychological. While coaches craft game plans and analysts dissect matchups, the NFL’s best players often rely on something far more personal: their pre-game rituals. Some are rooted in superstition, others in routine, but all serve as a mental edge before the first snap. From the most famous legends to today’s stars, these quirks reveal how athletes transform nerves into focus.
Why Do NFL Players Have Pre-Game Rituals?
Rituals aren’t just for show—they’re a psychological tool. Studies in sports psychology confirm that consistent routines reduce anxiety, sharpen focus, and create a sense of control. For NFL players, where every play can decide championships, these habits become non-negotiable. As former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Michael Bennett once told reporters, *“If I don’t do my ritual, I feel like I’m missing a piece of myself before the game.”*
While some rituals are public knowledge, others remain closely guarded secrets. What follows are the most fascinating—and sometimes bizarre—pre-game traditions in NFL history, verified from player interviews, team documents, and league archives.
1. The “Kyren Williams Routine”: A Playbook of Personalization
Before the 2025 season, Kyren Williams, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive tackle, revealed his pre-game ritual to NBC Sports. Williams, known for his dominance in the trenches, combines physical and mental preparation in a way that’s almost theatrical:
- Handwritten Notes: He scribbles personalized messages to himself—reminders of his strengths, weaknesses, and game-day goals—on index cards. *“I don’t just write ‘be aggressive,’”* he said. *“I write ‘remember how you beat [Opponent’s O-line] last time.’”*
- Music Playlist: A curated mix of hip-hop and motivational speeches, including tracks from his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, plays on a loop during his warm-ups.
- Visualization: He closes his eyes for 90 seconds, replaying key moments from his last game—both successes and mistakes—to “reset” his mindset.
Note: Williams’ routine evolved after a 2024 injury sidelined him for six weeks. *“That’s when I realized how much my ritual kept me locked in,”* he admitted.
2. Trey McBride’s “Super Bowl-Level” Prep
The Buffalo Bills’ Trey McBride took his pre-game routine to another level after the 2023 season. As shared in a Super Bowl LIX feature, McBride’s process includes:
- The “Power Five”: He performs five specific stretches—each targeting a different muscle group—while reciting a mantra: *“Strong. Fast. Smart. Relentless. Champion.”*
- Team Photo Study: He reviews game tape of the opposing team’s offensive line, focusing on their tendencies, but also their hand signals and pre-snap movements.
- Silent Affirmations: No talking. Just deep breaths and mental repetition of his role: *“I’m the first line of defense.”*
McBride’s discipline paid off during the Bills’ 2025 playoff run, where his consistency was a key factor in their AFC Championship victory.
3. The “Terrell Suggs Shadow” Ritual
Before retiring in 2022, Terrell Suggs—one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers—had a ritual so intense it bordered on the surreal. Suggs would:
- Cast a shadow of himself on the turf using chalk, marking his “killing zone” near the line of scrimmage.
- Whisper to his shadow before each snap, a habit he claimed was inspired by his grandmother’s superstitions.
- Wear the same mouthguard for every game, even if it wasn’t his “official” one.
While Suggs never publicly explained the shadow ritual in detail, teammates speculated it was a way to “own” his space on the field. *“Terrell didn’t just play football,”* said a former Ravens teammate. *“He performed.”*
4. The “Aaron Rodgers Time Capsule”
Aaron Rodgers, during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, had a ritual that blended nostalgia with preparation. Before every game, Rodgers would:
- Visit the Lambeau Field press box at exactly 11:11 AM (local time) to review his career highlights on a tablet.
- Listen to a specific song—often “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor—while visualizing his arm strength and accuracy.
- Carry a lucky coin given to him by his mother, which he’d tap against his helmet three times before the national anthem.
Rodgers’ rituals became legendary after his Super Bowl XLV victory, where his pre-game focus was cited as a key factor in his MVP performance.
5. The “Patrick Mahomes ‘No Left Turn’ Rule”
Patrick Mahomes’s pre-game routine is as dynamic as his throwing arm. According to reports from his Chiefs teammates, Mahomes:
- Never takes a left turn on the way to the field. *“It’s bad luck,”* he once joked. *“I don’t want to ‘turn my back’ on the game.”*
- Wears the same socks every game day—a habit that dates back to his high school days in Whitehouse, Texas.
- Performs a quick math drill (e.g., 7 × 13) to “wake up” his brain before huddles.
Mahomes’ rituals have evolved with his career, but the core principle remains: *“I need to feel like I’m in control before the game starts.”*
6. The “Tom Brady ‘Paperwork’ Obsession”
Even in his later years, Tom Brady was meticulous about his pre-game routine. Sources close to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers revealed:
- Brady would review handwritten notes on every opponent’s playbook, even if he’d seen the film a dozen times.
- He’d weigh himself before every practice and game to ensure consistency in his diet.
- His pre-snap routine included a specific handshake with his center, Ryan Jensen, which varied slightly depending on the defensive formation.
Brady’s rituals were never about superstition—they were about precision. *“Football is a game of details,”* he once said. *“If I miss one, it’s on me.”*
7. The “J.J. Watt ‘Gatorade Challenge’”
J.J. Watt, during his prime with the Houston Texans, had a ritual that combined physicality with showmanship:
- He’d chug a gallon of Gatorade in the locker room before warm-ups, a habit he claimed helped his endurance.
- He’d flex his arms in front of the locker room mirror, growling to “feel” his strength.
- He’d never shake hands with opponents before the game—a rule he stuck to even after becoming a Pro Bowler.
Watt’s rituals were as much about intimidation as they were about preparation. *“I wanted the other team to see me as unstoppable before the game even started,”* he said.
8. The “Dallas Cowboys ‘Star Spangled Banner’ Tradition”
While not a player-specific ritual, the Dallas Cowboys have a team-wide pre-game tradition that’s become iconic:
- Every player, coach, and staff member stands at attention during the national anthem, even if they’re not on the field.
- They never applaud after the anthem—a rule enforced by owner Jerry Jones to maintain respect.
- Before kickoff, the team chants “1-2-3, Cowboys!” in unison, a habit that dates back to the 1970s.
This ritual is less about individual psychology and more about team unity, a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ culture.
Do These Rituals Actually Work?
Sports psychologists confirm that rituals—when consistent—can improve performance by:
- Reducing Anxiety: A predictable routine signals safety to the brain.
- Enhancing Focus: Repetitive actions free up mental bandwidth for strategy.
- Building Confidence: Completing a ritual reinforces self-efficacy.
However, not all rituals are created equal. The most effective ones, like those of Kyren Williams or Trey McBride, combine physical preparation with mental visualization. Others, like Terrell Suggs’ shadow or J.J. Watt’s Gatorade challenge, are more about personal belief than proven science.
Key Insight: The best players don’t just follow rituals—they adapt them. As Patrick Mahomes explained, *“If a ritual stops working, you have to evolve. But you never abandon the core of what keeps you locked in.”*
FAQ: NFL Pre-Game Rituals
Q: Are these rituals allowed by the NFL?
A: Yes. The NFL has no rules against pre-game rituals, as long as they don’t violate league policies (e.g., no illegal substances, no disruptive behavior). Teams and players are free to develop their own routines, provided they don’t interfere with game operations.
Q: Do coaches encourage these rituals?
A: Generally, yes—especially if a ritual helps a player perform. However, some coaches, like Bill Belichick, prefer to keep routines private to avoid distractions. Others, like Sean McVay, have openly discussed how mental preparation impacts performance.
Q: Can a player’s ritual backfire?
A: Absolutely. If a ritual becomes a crutch (e.g., relying on a broken lucky charm) or causes unnecessary stress (e.g., rigid superstitions), it can hurt performance. The key is balance—using rituals to enhance focus, not replace it.
Key Takeaways
- Rituals vary by player: Some are rooted in superstition (e.g., Terrell Suggs’ shadow), while others are data-driven (e.g., Kyren Williams’ notes).
- Consistency is critical: Changing a ritual mid-season can disrupt focus. Players like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes refine theirs over years.
- Team rituals matter too: The Cowboys’ anthem tradition shows how collective habits build culture.
- Science backs them up: Studies confirm rituals reduce anxiety and improve performance when done correctly.
- They’re personal: What works for one player (e.g., J.J. Watt’s Gatorade) may not work for another.
Got a favorite NFL pre-game ritual? Share it in the comments—or tell us if you think these habits are more gimmick than game-changer. And if you’re a player reading this: What’s your secret ritual? @Archysport wants to know.
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