104 Quotes by Mark Schlereth

Preparation occurs in the week before the game, and continues during the game as you notice trends and talk to the coaches when you're on the sidelines. And it continues right up to the snap, putting yourself in a position to make plays.

We get so enamored by speed, size, vertical jumps, and all these other measurables and tangibles. But what makes a great football player isn't size or speed. Great football players know how to play the game, and they push harder than guys twice their size.

When the kids come home, we get back into the same routines: Sitting around the table, flipping grief to each other and laughing about it.

When a team starts to win, the confidence filters down through the roster. Everyone gets pumped up about the success. Everyone works harder. Everyone wants to be part of the glory.

Just about every Super Bowl team takes the first 3 days after the conference championship to get their players' ducks in a row: They purchase tickets, set family up with hotels, and take care of other loose ends. After that, it's work time.

During the playoffs, some players have more second-guessing and outright doubt to deal with than others.

Anyone can rise from obscurity and make a few breakout plays when no one's expecting them to. But when a guy you've got your eye on jumps out and shows you what he's made of, that he's ready to compete at the highest level at the most crucial time - that guy's the real deal.

I played a sport for most of my adult life that required me to work on two of the biggest holidays in America, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I pride myself on having been a productive player in the NFL for 12 seasons.