Question of the Day:The Day Before, Game Day, Kickoff, and Post Game Emotions

[Reginald Rutledge]

With the BAM Super Bowl Championship 1 day away, I can not help but be reminded as to the competitive nature of playing in big games or any game for that matter is about.

The Day before, I know I am practicing tough. Guys are going through the entire playbook and the different scenarios. We spend time on our offense, running schemes we think will work. Emphasizing defensive sets that should work. Checking my special team, studying the running of the returners and working on FGs by my kicker. I usually have a high adrenaline rush.

Game Day Before is usually a last check to make sure I will be efficient. In the Shootout style, you will see the quick pace so personnel management will be vital. Officials will be a little understanding but not knowing to get your men on and off can be costly at this point. So I am always thinking of practice in that way.

Usually, I don't sleep the night before. My family must leave me alone. I stay locked in the room up until its travel time to the game.

At kickoff, I am usually very quiet and intense. If I am really into it, I feel no one could beat me. It's a wonderful feeling when you can play with no inhibitions. I usually have butterflies.

After the game, I go home and replay the game. I still can not sleep. If it is a loss, I really have a hard time sleep because I remember all the mistakes. I remember all the points I left on the field. I put my team away most of the time because I know I would have given it my all.

If you win, it is euphoria. If you lose, it can be difficult, at least for the next day. You put on a happy face, but yes, you do experience all the emotions of a real NFL coach. It's fun and you play with passion but all of us are competitive.

What are your emotions, pre, during, and post of big games or games in general?