Bieber, Blessings & Handshakes: Inside Athletes’ Game Day Rituals
Sports are just as much a mental game as they are physical. When it comes to preparing for a game, many athletes have traditions to help them feel ready to perform at their best. It may be following the exact same routine leading up to a game, eating a specific meal, or a handshake. Whether it’s science or superstition, it has been proven time after time that these traditions work. Here are some ways athletes get ready on game days.
Jalen Brunson’s Bieber Fever
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This New York Knicks guard has an extreme case of Bieber fever. Listening to Justin’s music before games has become an essential tradition since his days as a Villanova Wildcat. This pregame ritual brought him success in the NCAA and seems to be working in his professional career.
“Going to the game, I’m shuffling music, and one of the songs on the album was like playing as I’m going to an NCAA tournament game. So I listened to it, and we ended up winning. We kept winning and winning; we won the national championship my freshman year.”
Saquon Barkley and His Biggest Supporters
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We already knew Saquon is a family man; his heartwarming pregame tradition further proves it. Before every game, Saquon takes a moment with his two biggest fans, daughter Jada and son Saquon Jr. His adorable pregame ritual consists of a longstanding handshake with Jada and, more recently, a Finding Nemo-inspired handshake with Saquon Jr.
Tug, Sprint, and Chalk Toss at the Paris Olympics
The 2024 Men’s Olympic Basketball Team was filled with all-star players coming together to represent the U.S. Before games, Jayson Tatum, Steph Curry, and LeBron James brought their pregame rituals to the international stage. Jayson prepared for the game with a prayer, followed by an ear tug to acknowledge his grandma. Steph sprinted to the baseline - a tradition carried on from his early days in the NBA when he would race former teammate, David Lee. Last but not least, LeBron hyped up the audience with his iconic chalk toss.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Super Fan
Vivian Havens is not just a huge Memphis Grizzlies fan, but Jaren’s good luck charm. Before tip off, she kisses the game ball and tosses it to Jaren before he passes it along to the other starters.