by The Importance of Pregame Rituals: A Look at Jason Kelce’s Routine
Pregame rituals are a big part of an athlete’s preparation and mental focus heading into competition. For Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, his pregame routine has become legendary in the NFL. Through meticulous planning and attention to detail, Kelce has crafted a set of rituals and habits that help him get into the perfect mental state to lead his team on gameday. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key elements of Kelce’s routine and why sticking to familiar patterns is so important for an elite athlete.
One of the hallmarks of Kelce’s routine is blasting Christmas music in the locker room. This unusual choice helps Kelce relax and stay loose before the intensity of an NFL game. As one of the veteran leaders on the Eagles offensive line, Kelce understands the value of mental preparation. Playing Christmas tunes like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” helps him avoid getting too amped up too early. The lighthearted vibe of the music matches Kelce’s outgoing personality. It allows him to chat and joke with teammates without feeling stressed or anxious about the impending battle on the field.
The Christmas music tradition started back in 2014 when Kelce was scrolling through his iTunes library before a game. He came across his holiday playlist and decided to give it a try as something different. The music immediately put Kelce in a more upbeat mood compared to the typical pregame hip hop or rock most players listen to. Since then, blasting Christmas classics has become a staple of Kelce’s routine no matter the time of year. Even in the dog days of summer, Kelce is getting hyped to “Deck the Halls.” It’s a small mental trick, but an important one to help Kelce avoid nerves and enjoy the gameday experience.
Another key part of Kelce’s routine revolves around his digestive health. As an offensive lineman, Kelce knows the importance of feeling light and energized before taking on 300-pound defenders for 60 minutes. That’s why ensuring a smooth bathroom experience is a priority. Kelce doesn’t like having any “what if” scenarios playing out in his head on the sidelines. So part of his routine involves being extremely regular in the days and hours leading up to kickoff.
On occasion, Kelce has even resorted to Imodium to guarantee he won’t have an “accident” during the game. The mental clarity that provides allows him to fully focus on his assignments without any distractions. It’s a somewhat unconventional approach, but elite athletes will try anything for a potential competitive advantage. Kelce’s attention to his digestive schedule shows how meticulous he is about eliminating potential stressors or worries before competition. A clear physical state matches his lighthearted mental approach from the Christmas music.
Once Kelce has taken care of his bodily needs, it’s time for relaxation. A key part of unwinding is finding the perfect spot to sit and unwind before gametime. For many years, Kelce advocated for a better recliner in the Eagles locker room. He wanted something with optimal comfort and support for pregame naps or meditation. Kelce believes small acts of relaxation are important to manage adrenaline levels and avoid burning out mentally before even taking the field.
Sitting in a stiff chair wouldn’t provide the calm environment Kelce seeks. That’s why he pushed the team to upgrade their reclining options. It’s all about putting his body at ease while his mind remains focused. Even 15-20 minutes of rest can make a difference in Kelce’s energy levels and mental clarity later. The recliner allows him to fully relax muscles while keeping gameplan notes or inspirational messages readily accessible. It’s the perfect pregame oasis amid the chaos surrounding an NFL Sunday.
In addition to avoiding heavy stress or discomfort, Kelce also steers clear of heavy foods before competition. Most athletes know to avoid a big meal right before exerting themselves. Kelce sticks to lighter snacks that will digest easily without weighing him down. Things like fruit, yogurt, or protein bars provide energy without sitting like a rock in his stomach. On gameday, Kelce’s body is his tool. Fueling it properly with easy-to-process foods maintains optimal performance without any gastrointestinal issues.
Staying properly hydrated is also a priority. Kelce drinks water and electrolyte beverages consistently in the hours before kickoff. This prepares his body to handle the rigors of NFL football without cramping up. Like his digestion-focused habits, keeping hydrated removes potential physical problems from the equation. It allows Kelce to play free and confident, without distractions down below. His fueling choices on gameday match the rest of his routine’s emphasis on relaxation and mental clarity.
In addition to avoiding heavy foods, Kelce also makes sure to avoid being completely silent in the pregame lead up. As one of the veteran leaders on the Eagles offensive line, Kelce understands the importance of communication and bringing positive energy. He wants to be engaged with teammates, going over final keys or keeping the mood upbeat. While relaxation is important, so is mental preparation and bonding with others. Kelce strikes a balance, chatting and joking with others while also taking time for himself when needed.
His outgoing personality helps set the right tone in the locker room. Leaders like Kelce know when to have fun and when to get more serious. In the hours before kickoff, Kelce likes keeping things on the lighter side to avoid tension or overthinking. But as game time nears, he smoothly transitions into more focused discussions and hype sessions. It’s all about reading the moment and mentality of his teammates. Kelce’s social approach and communication skills are as important to his routine as his personal relaxation habits.
Through trial and error over many NFL seasons, Kelce has crafted the perfect pregame routine for his mental and physical needs. The Christmas music, meticulous digestion schedule, relaxation time, hydration, and social engagement all come together in a carefully planned sequence. Kelce understands that even small adjustments can impact his performance and leadership on gameday. That’s why he sticks religiously to familiar patterns that eliminate worries and distractions. Consistency and attention to detail allow Kelce to play freely without mental clutter.
While Kelce’s exact routine may not work for every player, it demonstrates the importance of finding personalized rituals. Taking time for relaxation, proper fueling, and mental preparation all play important roles. For Kelce, sticking to familiar habits in the hours before kickoff is as important as his on-field preparation. It allows him to control the controllables and focus solely on the job at hand. Kelce’s legendary routine shows how far meticulous planning and mental focus can take an elite NFL athlete. His commitment to pregame rituals is a big part of his success leading the Eagles offensive line year after year.
