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Becoming an NFL player demands extraordinary dedication and skill. South_agency / Getty ImagesWith over 6.8 million high school football players registered with the National Federation of State High School Association, 58,000 NCAA college athletes, roughly 1,700 NFL players, and only 260 new draftees annually, the journey to the pros is incredibly competitive. Most aspiring players face setbacks, and only the most exceptional athletes make it to the top.
We spoke with some of these elite players to gain firsthand insights into the realities of life in the NFL and the world of professional football.
Meet the Players
Courtesy San Francisco 49ers
Courtesy Philadelphia Eagles
Courtesy Buffalo Bills
Courtesy Buffalo BillsThe Routine
Takeo Spikes:
"My week begins on Wednesday. That’s when game preparation starts. You receive the game plan and focus on understanding the details that will help you react quicker and recognize plays faster than anyone else. Thursday follows a similar routine."
Willie Anderson:
"Wednesday and Thursday are our most challenging days. We arrive at 7:30 for a 45-minute weightlifting session, followed by a team meeting at 9. Between 7:30 and 9, there’s time for a hearty breakfast. If we win, Marvin [Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis] arranges for a chef to cater, serving pancakes and omelettes. We refer to it as victory Wednesday and victory Thursday."
Carlos Emmons:
"Wednesday is our installation day. We introduce new defensive strategies or schemes tailored for the upcoming opponent. It’s a crucial day for learning, almost like being back in school. They provide a comprehensive playbook, and it’s our job to master it before game day."
Willie Anderson:
"On Wednesday, we start with a team meeting led by Marvin at 9, followed by separate offensive and defensive sessions until around 11:15. At 11:15, we have our first walk-through practice, lasting about 45 minutes. Afterward, we break for lunch between 12 and 12:30, during which the media is allowed in the locker room. This 30-minute window includes both lunch and media interactions. Post-lunch, players often get taped up before heading back out for practice at 2:00, which runs until approximately 4:15. This routine repeats on Thursday."
Takeo Spikes:
"By Thursday evening, I create a quick reference sheet of key points. Friday is about refining and reinforcing those details. Before heading out, I review my cheat sheet to ensure I’ve got everything down. A strong Friday practice is crucial for me to feel prepared for the game, as it’s my final opportunity to fine-tune my performance."
Willie Anderson:
"Fridays kick off at 9 a.m. with weigh-ins before the team meeting. Practice runs from 11:15 to 1:00, making it a shorter day. This gives us more free time in the afternoon to handle personal matters or relax."
Fred Beasley:
"On Saturdays, we conduct a walk-through to simulate potential game scenarios. For home games, we gather at a nearby hotel, followed by evening meetings to review last-minute strategies. Afterward, we have a team dinner and adhere to curfew."
Willie Anderson:
"Our practice runs from around 11 to 12. For away games, we typically depart at 2:15 and board the plane by 2:30. For home games, we’re free until 7:00, when we check into a downtown hotel."
Takeo Spikes:
"Sunday is game day — it’s the moment to showcase everything I’ve been working on."
Carlos Emmons:
"The day after the game depends on the outcome. If we win, we get Monday off. If we lose, we report to work for film study, conditioning, and weight training. Regardless, the day after a game leaves you feeling incredibly sore, making it hard to do much."
Willie Anderson:
"After a win, we enjoy victory Mondays, requiring only a weightlifting session between 8 and 1:00. After a loss, we lift weights before meeting with Marvin to review the game. We’re usually finished by 2:30 or 3:00. Tuesdays are off for the entire NFL, and then the cycle repeats."
Before the Game
Fred Beasley on the field
Photo courtesy San Francisco 49ersFred Beasley:
"I make sure to have a hearty breakfast with steak and eggs on game day. I hydrate heavily the night before and the morning of, as even in San Francisco’s cooler weather, dehydration is a risk due to the dry air. Staying hydrated is crucial for me since I sweat a lot. The night before, I keep it light with a salad or ice cream, but on game day, I fuel up with steak, eggs, hash browns, and similar foods."
Willie Anderson:
"I focus on carb-loading — a large bowl of oatmeal mixed with fruit, a baked potato, a few sausage links, and plenty of water and Gatorade."
Carlos Emmons:
"I don’t follow a specific pregame routine. I wake up, eat, and head straight to the stadium for a 1:00 game. I usually warm up in the whirlpool, stretch a bit, and then it’s time to hit the field."
Jonas Jennings:
"I listen to music and visualize making big plays — a crucial block or executing what I’ve studied on film. The music helps me mentally prepare. I keep it playing until it’s time to head out. My iPod has over 3,000 tracks, ranging from blues and gospel to R&B, and I shuffle through them randomly."
Fred Beasley:
"I stick to a consistent schedule every week to avoid downtime. When I arrive, I read the program, which features player stories and other content. Then, I grab coffee and watch some football. Since we play later due to the time difference, this routine helps me stay focused and prepared."
Willie Anderson:
"I always carry a Bible and read verses before the game to stay focused and motivated. I don’t follow rituals or listen to music, as offensive linemen need to remain calm. Unlike defensive players or wide receivers who thrive on hype, we rely on controlled aggression — staying aggressive but disciplined, as our role requires more strategic thinking."
Fred Beasley:
"I respect how others prepare for games, but excessive yelling and hype annoy me. Many players need quiet reflection to get ready, not loud antics. Personally, I prepare by sitting quietly, visualizing the game, and focusing on my responsibilities without the need for rowdy behavior."
Jonas Jennings:
"Right before we head out, I say, ‘Playing in the dirt again.’ It’s like being a kid — go out, have fun, and do your job. It’s a battle, and in my position, it’s either dominate or be dominated. Every play, I have to hit someone, facing the best player on the opposing team each week. That requires both physical and mental preparation."
Physical Fitness
Eagles linebacker Carlos Emmons
Photo courtesy Philadelphia EaglesWillie Anderson:
"As a bigger player, I begin my off-season workouts earlier than most — mid-January instead of February. I focus on cardio to maintain my weight, working out three to four days a week. My routine includes cardio and stretching. For the first time, Marvin introduced an off-season program in Cincinnati, so by late March, we’re training four days a week as a team."
Carlos Emmons:
"Given the physical toll of the game, it’s inevitable to face health issues after retirement. It’s part of the job. You hope it’s not as severe as some former players experience. While you can maintain peak physical condition, the constant impact on your body guarantees some long-term problems."
Willie Anderson:
"I’m in touch with the team doctor monthly because there’s always something bothering me. Sometimes, I rely on Ibuprofen just to get through the day. During the off-season, I detox from it and avoid anti-inflammatory medications as much as possible. This period is crucial for players to cleanse their bodies."
Jonas Jennings:
"I avoid shellfish due to allergies and haven’t eaten beef or pork since my Freshman year at Georgia — about eight years now. My diet mainly consists of chicken, fish, and turkey, which keeps me lean and healthy. This dietary choice has significantly improved my performance and overall well-being. During the season, I steer clear of fried foods, but in the off-season, I occasionally indulge in treats like chicken wings without any negative impact."
Takeo Spikes:
"Last year, I started practicing martial arts. It enhances flexibility, which is crucial since weightlifting can make you tight. It also sharpens instincts and improves movement in various positions."
Willie Anderson:
"It usually takes until March for our joints to recover. It’s amusing because, as big guys, people often feel the need to give a firm handshake to prove their strength. However, most football players offer a light handshake because our hands are so battered. By March, the pain subsides enough to shake hands without wincing. That’s also when team off-season workouts begin. While you heal somewhat between January and March, you’re never fully recovered — just enough to get through training camp and the next season."
Mental Mastery
Fred Beasley:
"I believe football is less about skills and more about mental consistency. Avoiding inconsistent performances is key — you want to be reliable. In my view, the game is 70 percent mental and 30 percent physical."
Jonas Jennings:
"I focus on studying my strengths and identifying opponents’ weaknesses. When analyzing opponents, I pay attention to how other players have approached them and how they’ve reacted. This helps me anticipate their tendencies and plan effective counteractions."
Willie Anderson:
"While I’m a strong athlete, I focus heavily on perfecting my technique. There will come a time when I’m not as strong or quick as I am now, and technique will be what sustains me. Whether it’s due to injury, age, or other factors, mastering the fundamentals is crucial. My advice to young athletes is to learn and master their positions thoroughly."
Takeo Spikes:
"When I struggle on the field, I remind myself: ‘Spikes, you’re better than this. I know you’re better than this, so prove it.’ I always think about the opportunity in front of me and refuse to let it slip away. I don’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if.’"
Jonas Jennings:
"I focus on moving forward. If you miss a block and dwell on it, you’re likely to miss another. You have to let it go and push away the negativity. When I make a mistake, I laugh it off to reset and prepare for the next play."
Carlos Emmons:
"I don’t believe you can teach someone to handle pressure. Some people thrive under pressure, while others falter. It’s an innate trait, not something that can be learned or instilled later in life."
Willie Anderson:
"Great players and teams know how to break out of a slump and find their rhythm. Coaches emphasize maintaining tempo — getting plays called quickly, moving out of the huddle, executing with speed, and repeating the process. The faster we operate, the more we confuse the defense. When focus and rhythm are lost, mistakes happen, like a receiver stepping out of bounds on third and one when they should just stay put."
Players at Play
Do professional football players enjoy football video games? Absolutely.
Carlos Emmons:
"It’s a huge part of our culture. They even play at work. In our lounge, during downtime, you’ll find players competing fiercely. It gets intense — some guys walk out frustrated as if they’ve lost an actual game."
Fred Beasley:
"The games are incredibly accurate now. Everything you see on Sundays — celebrations, running styles, ball handling — it’s all in the game. Some players organize tournaments, pooling $100 each, with prizes reaching up to $3,500 at one point."
Jonas Jennings:
"I think the games are sometimes too easy, especially in head-to-head mode. Against the computer on the highest difficulty, it’s challenging, but in player vs. player, there are often exploitable glitches. Still, they’ve made it as realistic as possible."
Misconceptions and Problems
Buffalo Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes
Photo courtesy Buffalo BillsCarlos Emmons:
"Fans often see the glamorous side on TV and assume it’s all fun and relaxation. But professional football is a serious business. While it was more enjoyable as a kid, now it’s a job. With so much money involved, owners and coaches view players as products. If you don’t perform, you’re replaced — just like in any other business."
Jonas Jennings:
"In football, someone always loses, and that’s where the business side comes into play, depending on wins and losses. With individual contracts, you have to bring your best every day and stay consistent. It’s important to focus on playing the game and let the business aspects take care of themselves."
Willie Anderson:
"Fans often don’t realize it’s more than just Sunday games. The grind of Wednesday and Thursday practices is what makes losses so tough. After putting in five days of hard work, losing can lead to frustration and media outbursts. While it’s not comparable to hard labor jobs, it’s still demanding. NFL contracts state we’re paid to practice — Sundays are the reward."
Fred Beasley:
"When I talk to my mom, she asks, ‘Why do you keep running that play? Why didn’t you throw the ball? Why don’t you do this or that?’ What fans often don’t grasp is the strategy behind the game. It’s tough to explain why certain plays aren’t used. Opponents study your tendencies on film, so you can’t repeat what worked in the past. You have to adapt and mix things up."
Takeo Spikes:
"The biggest misconception fans have comes from commentators. They don’t know everything, yet fans take their words as gospel. As players, we sometimes overcomplicate things, but the game isn’t just about Xs and Os."
Jonas Jennings:
"Commentators do their best, especially during play-by-play analysis, but they often miss the nuances, like protection schemes or other strategic elements we focus on."
Fred Beasley:
"In other sports like baseball and basketball, players earn massive salaries without enduring the physical toll we face. Sometimes I wish I’d played baseball for the financial rewards, but it wasn’t my passion. Compared to their earnings, what we make feels insignificant."
Jonas Jennings:
"Many of today’s rules detract from the essence of football. Unnecessary roughness and celebration penalties, among others, feel overly restrictive. While I understand the business reasons, especially with TV in mind, it takes away from the raw, traditional spirit of the game."
The Good and the Bad
Willie Anderson:
"After a game, I’m sore for the next five or six days. You don’t start feeling better until Saturday night. Then, you wake up Sunday morning, go out, and put your body through it all over again. Everyone in the league feels the same way. Coaches always say they’ll have you ready by Saturday, and you do feel better by then. But after Sunday’s game, the pain returns and lasts until the next Saturday."
Jonas Jennings:
"Winning or losing makes a huge difference. After a win, minor mistakes are overlooked, and you feel good. But after a loss, those same mistakes are amplified. You dwell on missed blocks or errors, and the only way to move past it is to win the next game."
Carlos Emmons:
"As a player, after every game, you always feel there’s room for improvement. Even if others say you played well, you can recall moments where you think, ‘If I had been quicker, maybe I could’ve made an interception or a big play.’ There’s always something to refine in your performance."
Jonas Jennings:
"My family watches every game. They’re accustomed to seeing me perform well, so if something goes wrong, they react like everyone else: ‘Are you okay? Are you sick? What’s going on?’ They hold me to the same high standards."
Carlos Emmons:
"Some players overreact or celebrate routine plays just to grab media attention, which I find annoying. Celebrating a big play or hit is fine, but making a fuss over something ordinary feels excessive and unnecessary."
Jonas Jennings:
"Maintaining a family-like atmosphere in the locker room is crucial. Just like at any job, you might not get along with everyone, but you still have to work together. After work, you don’t have to socialize with them — that’s your choice. You focus on winning and being a team while at the stadium, but outside of it, you live your own life."
Every Step of the Way
Carlos Emmons:
"Growing up in a small Mississippi town, we lacked access to weights, training equipment, and organized football leagues. While many players I know started playing in pee-wee leagues at seven or eight, we didn’t have those opportunities. We played informally as kids and didn’t join organized teams until middle school."
Fred Beasley:
"As a kid, I wasn’t into football because I was always working with my dad. He prioritized work, so I didn’t have time to watch sports. After he passed away, I got involved in sports, enjoyed playing with friends, and eventually stuck with it."
Jonas Jennings:
"In high school, I decided I wanted to play professionally. Receiving letters from colleges made me realize I had potential, so I aimed for the next level and started putting in the work."
Carlos Emmons:
"High school football was more enjoyable — it was about having fun, bonding with teammates, and playing without much pressure. In college, the business side starts to show as schools focus on revenue, similar to pro teams. By the time you reach the pros, it becomes a job. While the competition is still thrilling, the business aspects can be less appealing, though they’re unavoidable."
Jonas Jennings:
"The difference between college and the pros is professionalism versus amateurism. In the pros, you’re paid, and expectations are higher. In college, there’s more leeway, and you face fewer challenges compared to the professional level."
Takeo Spikes:
"The biggest difference is the game’s speed. In the NFL, it’s on another level because every player is bigger, faster, and stronger."
Jonas Jennings:
"In the NFL, there’s no such thing as taking a play off. In college, you might get away with it occasionally, but in the pros, it doesn’t matter who you are — every play counts, and everyone is fast."
Willie Anderson
"Offensive lineman was always the position nobody wanted. Kids would laugh at you because it was a no-glory role. But my high school coach told me, ‘Offensive linemen will be among the highest-paid players in the NFL. If you master it now, you’ll set yourself up for a long career.’ I took that advice and have played the position ever since. I love breaking it down, and now when I watch NFL games, I focus on the linemen. It’s one of the longest-lasting and highest-paying positions in the league. I always encourage kids to stick with it — those who laugh now might admire you later."
Takeo Spikes:
"In high school, I played defensive end and tight end, inspired by Bruce Smith. When I signed with Auburn, the coaches suggested I switch to linebacker, as there were strong players ahead of me at defensive end. They believed I could contribute immediately. I agreed, and that night, walking back to my dorm, I decided to make the most of the opportunity."
Fred Beasley:
"In college, I kept shifting between tailback and fullback. I wanted to play tailback and would lose weight for it, only to be told I’d play fullback. This back-and-forth was exhausting. At one point, I wasn’t playing at all and considered transferring to a smaller school. I stuck it out, and in the end, everything worked out."
Carlos Emmons:
"I wasn’t highly touted coming out of college, so many didn’t know about me. Pittsburgh showed interest during the draft but didn’t pick me until the second round. They later admitted they knew I’d be available. It was frustrating because I knew I was better than many players drafted ahead of me. That’s a tough situation for any athlete."
Takeo Spikes:
"Leaving college early to go pro was the right choice for me. I’d always dreamed of playing professional football, and opportunities like this are rare. I felt I’d achieved my collegiate goals and wanted to seize this chance to make my childhood dream a reality."
Fred Beasley:
"I wasn’t a Heisman contender or a media favorite in college. I was just a hardworking team player, and that’s how I got drafted. Labeled a ‘tweener’ — not big enough for fullback or fast enough for tailback — I knew any team that picked me would be surprised by my potential. The 49ers gave me that opportunity."
Carlos Emmons:
"I didn’t grow up dreaming of playing pro football. It wasn’t until after my junior year in college that I started believing it was possible. I didn’t have many role models who had made it to the pros, so I never felt confident about my chances until then."
Words from the Wise
Willie Anderson:
"To college players considering the NFL early, I’d say, ‘Be honest with yourself. You can fool others, but if you’re not ready, it’s okay to wait. Once you leave, there’s no turning back.’"
Fred Beasley:
"It’s about how much you want it. Many players get opportunities but expect success to be handed to them instead of working for it. In the pros, it’s different — you have to earn your spot. Some players struggle because they’re used to being treated as stars in college or high school, but here, it’s all about what you can contribute."
Carlos Emmons:
"Focus on your education. Don’t bet everything on making it to the pros — the odds are slim. Even if you’re a standout in high school, there are countless talented players. Be realistic, prioritize your education, and if the opportunity comes, consider it a blessing."
Jonas Jennings:
"Focus on academics first. Without education, you won’t get far. Take it step by step — don’t rush to the pros. Go through college, do the work, and let the process unfold naturally."
Willie Anderson:
"Never say, ‘I’ve made it,’ because that’s when things start to fall apart. Always strive for more. If you’re a high school freshman on the varsity team, aim to start. Once you’re a starter, aim for a scholarship. After that, aim to make an impact as a freshman. If you can’t, wait for your chance, but when it comes, seize it. Successful people never settle — they keep pushing. As an athlete, you must think the same way, because someone younger is always working just as hard."
Jonas Jennings:
"My mom always told me not to worry about things I can’t control and to remember that right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter the situation. I live by these principles, and they’ve kept my life running smoothly."
