Chris Hogan Picks the Best and Worst of What It's Like Playing in the Super Bowl
Chris Hogan, formerly of the New England Patriots, knows what it's like to have the pressure of the Super Bowl looming. Hogan was part of the Patriots dynasty under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and played in three Super Bowls.
Despite playing in the biggest game that the NFL offers, there are certainly pressures that can get to players. The pressure of the big moment is sometimes a bit much. Still, to be called a world champion is the ultimate goal for any player.
"Let's start with the worst. You're not in your normal routine. You're in a hotel. You're in an unfamiliar place. You're practicing somewhere. Whether it's at a college or another facility. You're on the bus. You're kind of having to, I don't want to say abide by this whole different schedule, cause you're traveling with everyone and training with everyone. It's tough."
via Chris Hogan, The Patriots Report
Hogan is alluding to the fact that players are dejected from their normal training schedules and have to deal with unfamiliar territory including the media exposure that the players have to engage in. It's enough to distract anyone.
"The best part about it is, you're at the Super Bowl. You are one of two teams that are playing in the Super Bowl. I think my message to some of the guys that are there this weekend is don't take a day for granted. Prepare like you have never prepared before. Let the moment sink in a little."
via Chris Hogan, The Patriots Report
Hogan may have stated that the media exposure is a bit much, but he also understands that the big game is still the big game. Some players are amazing in the NFL that have never seen the Super Bowl. That moment alone is worth all the anguish of the bizarre week.
Some players on both the 49ers and Chiefs have not experienced this, but they are sure to find out today what it's like to be in the biggest game of their lives.
James Brizuela has been a professional writer since 2019. After covering entertainment and the NFL for Sportskeeda, he now works as an Assignment Desk Editor for the LA Sports Report Network which has partnered with the Sports Illustrated FanNation Network, focusing on his expertise in LA sports at the college and professional level.