Football fans know
NFL players are fierce competitors, but off the field or before the kickoff, they can be surprisingly eccentric. From quirky routines to full-blown superstitions, these habits reveal a side of professional football you don’t see on Sundays. The Instagram page called Complex recently highlighted a series of photos showcasing some of the league’s strangest pre-game habits. They captioned it saying, “Taking a look at NFL players with the weirdest pre-game rituals in the league.”
Patrick Mahomes’ Single Sleeve
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a long-standing superstition: he wears a single arm sleeve during games. This ritual began in high school and has stuck with him into the NFL. The sleeve helps him manage sweat and maintain a consistent grip on the ball with his throwing arm, making it less about superstition and more about performance. Still, Mahomes treats it as a necessary pre-game ritual, a small but meaningful part of his routine.
Marshawn Lynch and His Skittles
Marshawn Lynch made “Beast Mode” legendary, and so did his love for Skittles. The ritual started in childhood when his mother gave him Skittles as “power pellets” for energy. Over time, popping Skittles on the sidelines became an iconic trademark, complete with sponsorships and fan fascination. For Lynch, the candy wasn’t just a snack because it was a symbolic part of his game-day mindset.
Matt Bryant’s Chocolate Milkshake
Consistency is key for kicker Matt Bryant, who has drunk a chocolate milkshake the night before every game since 2002. What began as a casual rookie habit with the New York Giants stuck and became a non-negotiable tradition. Fans may not see it on TV, but for Bryant, this nightly indulgence is a ritual that signals readiness for game day.
Brian Urlacher’s Cookies
Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher has a sweet pre-game habit: eating two chocolate chip cookies before kickoff. Provided by the team trainer, this simple routine became an amusing and consistent part of his preparation.
Tom Brady’s Spiritual Rituals
Tom Brady, during his time with the Patriots and Buccaneers, followed spiritual routines inspired by his wife, Gisele Bündchen. He recited mantras, wore protective necklaces, and even used healing stones before games. Though he has since relaxed these rituals, they highlight a more introspective side of the six-time Super Bowl winner.
Josh Allen’s Pregame Vomiting
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has perhaps the most unusual habit of all: he vomits before every game. This ritual began in college as a way to “empty the tank” and mentally prepare. Teammates cheer him on during the process, calling it “getting the demons out.” For Allen, this strange routine is just part of his path to peak performance.
From candy and cookies to sleeves and vomit, these NFL rituals show that even the best athletes have their unique quirks, proving that preparation is just as personal as talent.
Also read: Will Patrick Mahomes play against the Los Angeles Chargers tonight? Latest injury update on the Kansas City Chiefs QBCatch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here
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