Emotional Rollercoaster

This year has been a special one for the URI Football. Our success has me reflecting on what makes this team different compared to years past. Of course, every team builds on the foundation laid by those who came before. The work, culture, and lessons of previous years all contribute to where we are today. But there’s something unique about this team —a quality that stands out. This team doesn’t ride the emotional rollercoaster. Now, football is an emotional game. There are highs and lows, turnovers and sudden changes, moments that can swing momentum in an instant. The best players, however, are the ones who stay even-keeled. They don’t let mistakes drag them down, and they don’t get too caught up in celebrating the highs. They understand that whether you’re up or down, there’s always more work to do. That’s what sets this team apart. They approach every situation—good or bad—with the same focus and intensity. They believe, even when the chips are down, and that belief spreads throughout the team. It’s infectious. This year, we’ve won more games coming from behind than games where we’ve played with a lead (Including yesterday where we scored 20 unanswered after being down 17-0 at halftime on Senior Day!) . And a big reason for that is this team’s ability to stay steady, composed, and locked in. It’s not just talent; it’s mental toughness. It’s the understanding that one bad play or even one bad quarter doesn’t define the outcome of the game. And when the highs come, they don’t lose sight of the bigger goal—they know the job’s not finished. For your younger players, this is a critical lesson: Don’t ride the emotional rollercoaster. If you let frustration or excitement dictate your performance, you lose control of what really matters—your focus, your effort, and your ability to execute the next play. As a team, when you’re surrounded by players who stay calm and composed, it builds confidence in every situation. You know the work isn’t over until the final whistle. That’s what makes this team special. The belief is unshakable because it’s rooted in composure, not emotion. And when everyone buys in, amazing things can happen.

Whatever team you’re leading—on the field, in the weight room, or in life—challenge yourself and your group to embrace this mindset. The ability to stay even-keeled, to stay focused no matter what, is what separates good teams from great ones. Keep the Fire Burning, Leech The Offseason is coming, check out my 12 week Offseason Field Program for speed, plyos, contact prep, drills, and more! (Version 2.0 out soon) Gridiron Warrior Program Follow me on Twitter! I try to share training clips, thoughts, and ideas daily there. Twitter Profile RemovemyEmail · Preferences