How eSports players can learn from NFL professionals

Two contrasting but demanding worlds, eSports players and NFL football players always need to be at the peak of their powers if they’re to reign supreme in the games they play. The ruthless nature of both offerings can result in a current star becoming yesterday’s man or simply a poor run of form that can see them fall down the pecking order. It’s tough.

However, eSports players can certainly learn a thing or two from their football-playing counterparts. After all, American football players face similar pressures and they also have to dedicate themselves to their craft. Likewise, the same fans who support them one week are backing another team when assessing any DraftKings Super Bowl odds the next, while certain players might be heroes for a few weeks, then experience some tricky spells soon after. Essentially, it’s all part of competing in a highly ruthless arena.

With NFL professionals, therefore, always looking at ways they can gain an advantage over the competition as they strive to be at their very best, below we focus on some notable ways eSports players, plus any budding professionals, can learn from some of the NFL’s finest.

Be dedicated

From the rigorous training methods they employ to the constant need to evolve their games, most NFL players never stand still. Given the demanding nature of the sport, there is always another player coming through the ranks who could take their spot if they stagnate. With gaming being enjoyed around the world and thousands of players keen to make it in the eSports sphere, professional gamers need to have a similar mentality or they’ll simply get left behind. As such, dedication is absolutely vital, perhaps by looking at new strategies to employ or simply by showing up every day determined to grow.

Mental fortitude

NFL players go through it from a mentality perspective. Many players aim to never get too high after a win, while others strive to bounce back after a loss. This type of mental fortitude is required in all competitive sports as the stresses of competing can take their toll. Some NFL players also switch off through meditation, while others bring comedy into their lives through some leading podcasts. Essentially, stress management is hugely important given the anxiety and pressure they face on a weekly basis on the field. For eSports players, employing some similar methods will only benefit them moving forward.

Focus on sleep

Given the hard hits they take and the recovery required after a grueling game on the field, NFL players put a great deal of time and effort into ensuring they sleep properly. A key part of recovery, many NFL players have apps that track their sleep patterns, while others opt for herbal remedies to ensure they’re sleeping soundly at night. For eSports players who spend large periods of time in front of a screen, sleeping properly is essential if they’re to reign supreme the following day.

Eat properly

Generally, NFL players eat foods that are high in protein and healthy. While many gamers snack on salty treats and consume foods that are high in sugar, these provide no nutritional value and could hinder their efforts in the competitive gaming scene. Healthy fats from the likes of nuts and avocados are important, carbohydrates give gamers the energy they need, and fruits and vegetables are filled with goodness. Crucial for both performance and recovery, eating properly is essential.

Learn from the best

Finally, many NFL players learn from their fellow professionals. For any eSports players looking to reach the very top, seeing how the finest players conduct themselves is highly beneficial.