Preparation is everything for a professional athlete, and each has a routine that enables them to reach peak performance when it matters most.
Star San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is no different, and he recently revealed how he works to ready himself for grueling NFL Sundays.
This insight was revealed on Receiver, a new feature available on Netflix that focuses on stars of the game at one of the most high profile positions.
Kittle explained that he does “the exact same thing pre-game, whether it’s at home or on the road, I try to be as consistent as I possibly can.”
He explained the first thing he does is “take in the stadium” and get a feel for where he will perform.
Along with this comes a concerted effort to appreciate the atmosphere and the rare opportunity he has to be part of the game he enjoys so much.
Kittle’s routine involves centering himself with deep breaths and remove the distractions that surround him.
This slows things down and gives him the chance to take in “that specific moment.”
Another aspect of his weekly protocol is seeking out his family on the sideline and sharing time with loved ones before each game.
Kittle said this reminds him of why he plays football.
The tight end also revealed that he regularly talks to himself and asks himself what he wants to be and accomplish on the field.
Kittle even has words before games for family and friends who are no longer with us but “watch over my team.”
