NEW ORLEANS (AP) — As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for their third Super Bowl appearance in as many seasons and the Philadelphia Eagles return for their second in three years, Sunday will feature players with significant big game experience. From strategies like relaxing and hydrating to having fun while maintaining focus, players from both teams shared what they wish they had known before their first Super Bowl appearance.
**Kansas City Chiefs:**
– Patrick Mahomes, quarterback: “Play the game you love the way you’ve always played it, and that will be enough.”
– Jaylen Watson, cornerback: “Chill out, pace yourself, and enjoy the excitement of the week.”
– Nick Bolton, linebacker: “Understand the emotional ebbs and flows of the game.”
– Justin Reid, safety: “Enjoy the experience, be prepared for the length of the game, and have a solid plan in place.”
– George Karlaftis, defensive end: “Remember, it’s just a game like any other.”
– Harrison Butker, kicker: “Manage nerves and pressure by pacing yourself and staying focused.”
– Creed Humphrey, center: “Embrace and savor the moment while staying focused on the mission.”
– Leo Chenal, linebacker: “Appreciate the spectacle but stay grounded and focused on the game.”
**Philadelphia Eagles:**
– AJ Brown, wide receiver: “Maintain focus on the game.”
– Darius Slay, cornerback: “Pace yourself with warm-ups and stretching to stay loose and ready.”
– DeVonta Smith, wide receiver: “Just be yourself on the field.”
– Reed Blankenship, safety: “Have fun, embrace the moment, and remember it’s just another game.”
– Dallas Goedert, tight end: “Focus on helping the team win and making dreams come true.”
– Landon Dickerson, center: “Stay level-headed through ups and downs and keep focused on playing.”
– Lane Johnson, offensive tackle: “Remember to hydrate and maintain energy levels for peak performance.”
“Certainly,”__ said Joel Haas and Tyler Millen, who are enrolled as students at the esteemed John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Pennsylvania State University.___For more updates and news from the National Football League, make sure to check out the latest from the Associated Press at: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
