On January 27, 1973, the great Stevie Wonder reached #1 on the music charts singing the message that “superstition ain’t the way”. Forty-one years and one day later, NFL players and people everywhere are still not heeding his warning.
Superstition is defined as “an irrational belief: an irrational, but usually deep-seated belief in the magical effects of a specific action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it”. Athletes are known to have all kinds of superstitions and pregame rituals. Long, elaborate handshakes, tying shoes a certain way, having the same meal before every game, are some common pre-contest superstitions that athletes participate in.
There are others reported rituals that may raise an eyebrow or two. Former Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson would have an assistant trainer slap him across the face as hard as he could in order to psych himself up for the task at hand. Brian Urlacher spent his Sunday mornings watching fishing shows to calm himself before the storm he was preparing to bring on the unfortunate opponent later on in the afternoon.
Every athletes has their own way of going about things before a game, for members of the Denver Broncos it is no different. Could Mr. Wonder have been misguided about superstition all those years ago?
“All I do is listen to music” said Denver Linebacker Danny Trevathan “ I go over my plays in my head and focus on the task that’s at hand, there are a lot of guys how have their own rituals and superstitions but I focus on me.”
10th year Defensive End Shaun Phillips takes his superstition seven days at a time. “I try and do the same things in the same order every time. If I had a good game that week I do things in the exact order. When I wake up, when I take my shower, how I get dressed, the order I get dressed in, when I eat my meals, everything is a routine.” Before the AFC Championship game Phillips woke up, showered, ate breakfast and then showered again to warm back up before heading off to the stadium. Hopefully the Hyatt Hotel, where the Broncos are staying this week, has plenty of hot water for Shaun.
Offensive Lineman Chris Clark, Linebacker Wesley Woodyard and Running Back Montee Ball say they all pray before every game and thank God for their opportunities. Ball also added that to calm his nerves before the game he chews gum. Offensive Lineman Louis Vasquez never takes his mouthpiece out once he puts it in his mouth for the whole game. If you’ve ever used a mouthpiece you understand that is serious commitment.
Back-up Quarterback Brock Osweiler likes keeping every day the same. From the Monday before, all the way up to game day. “There is a little saying that I say inside my head when I am standing in the tunnel about to run onto the field. Outside of that I just try and keep my routine the same.”
games to calm his nerves
It seemed that the Bronco’s players were leaning towards being more superstitious than not, until Tight End Julius Thomas swayed Denver back in Stevie Wonder’s favor. “No superstitions, no rituals, just sit back, relax and visualize yourself making big plays.” Linebacker Nate Irving doesn’t need superstition either. “Just eat some grapes and drink green tea” he said.
Over four decades later, the jury is still out on the eventual 22-time Grammy Award winners words about staying away from superstitious activity. However, his lyrics carry meaning for those thinking about trying something new for this Sunday’s Super Bowl: “When you believe in things that you don’t understand, then you suffer”. So don’t go become a non-believer or find new faith come the morning of February the 2nd, stay true to what you do, regardless of how far-fetched or simple it may seem to others.
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