Ever have one of those moments where time stands still? When you’re so connected to the moment, and simultaneously so grateful to be in it?
That’s how I felt, more than once, last night in Iowa City for Cy-Hawk, where Iowa State and Iowa clash every year. Walking out to the field for my pre-game hit on NBC, I started to look around.
First it was the intimacy of the setting, a field seemingly swallowed by fans, the sidelines tighter than I’ve ever seen. Then it was the children’s hospital overlooking Kinnick Stadium, where true competitors in life wave every home game. They inspire millions watching, and they draw inspiration right back from the players on the field.
Right before going on air, I looked up and a single butterfly floated by. Every butterfly does the same thing for me: it’s a reminder of my late Mom. She loved butterflies, she loved football, and in that moment I knew she had a great seat for the game too.
The game itself was back and forth, and in true Cy-Hawk fashion it came down to a game-winning field goal. Iowa returned the favor this year, beating the Cyclones and first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers in a thriller, 16-13.
Right before that kick, I looked around one more time. So many people, one setting, all connected by a shared love of football. It gave me chills. That’s the power of the game: it unites.
Flying home at 5am, my mind is all over the place. What’s up with Oregon? Can Michigan throw the ball well enough to win consistently? Is Washington in trouble? Is Boise State bound for the CFP? How legit is USC? How many losses will a CFP team be allowed? Are the top two teams in the country both sitting in the state of Indiana?
I’m not sure. But I can’t wait to dive into the film and find out.
Before I do that, I’m hitting the sauna and cold plunge. I’m thrilled to be partnering with Recovery for Athletes here at Y-Option, the #1 online retailer for athlete recovery and wellness products. From saunas and cold plunges to nutritional supplements and fitness equipment, they’re the one-stop shop for all the best brands in the game. When I’m traveling across the country, recovery comes before film study, every time. Be sure to check them out at RecoveryForAthletes.com.
But above all of it, I keep coming back to this: every athlete’s journey rarely goes as planned.