Total Pro Sports
Superstitions are common in sports, and the NFL is no exception. Many players believe that certain habits or rituals can bring them good luck or improve their performance on the field. These traditions can be simple, like wearing the same socks every game, or more unusual, involving specific routines before kickoff.
Some players follow these superstitions so closely that they become a regular part of their game-day preparations. While not everyone believes in superstitions, many athletes say these practices help them feel more confident and focused. The world of professional football is full of surprising stories about the ways players try to gain a mental edge before big games, showing how important belief and routine can be.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is known for his superstition involving a pair of red underwear. He has worn the same pair for every game throughout his career. Mahomes believes they bring him good luck and considers them essential to his game-day routine. His wife, Brittany, gave them to him, and he makes sure they are cleaned regularly. This quirky habit has become part of his preparation for every game, boosting his confidence and focus on the field.
Defensive lineman Chris Jones, also from the Kansas City Chiefs, has a superstition about his game gloves. After his first successful season, Jones decided to keep wearing the same pair of gloves. Despite their worn-out appearance and teammates’ complaints about the smell, Jones believes that wearing them continues to bring him success. The gloves have become a key part of his game-day routine, helping him maintain consistency during each match.
Former wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson followed a highly unusual method to prevent ankle injuries. He applied his teammates’ urine to his ankles, a practice he inherited from advice given by his grandmother. Johnson believed that this ritual helped reduce swelling and kept him injury-free throughout his career. Though many found this practice strange, Johnson swore by it and used it throughout his time in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith has a unique pre-game ritual. He takes a shot of Tabasco hot sauce to energize himself and prepare for the game. Smith believes the hot sauce sharpens his focus and helps him mentally prepare for the intensity of the match. This spicy tradition has been part of his routine for years, showcasing the different ways players get ready for a game’s challenge.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has a touching pre-game tradition involving his father. Before each game, Kittle receives a letter from his father that includes motivational messages, reflections on past performances, and words of encouragement. Reading these letters helps Kittle mentally prepare and feel emotionally connected to his family. This tradition highlights the personal and emotional side of a player’s pre-game ritual, reminding him of...
