NFL players are creatures of habit. Some wear the same pregame outfit every week. Others follow identical warm-up routines down to the minute. After enough success, even the smallest ritual can become difficult to abandon. Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has developed one of his own. Speaking with reporters on Wednesday
ahead of Sunday's home opener against the New Orleans Saints, he shared an unusual game-day routine that began almost by accident.It started as an early arrival at the stadium. It eventually turned into something bigger. Now, it's a pattern he couldn't ignore or stop.
"Last year, I cannot remember what game, I went with the staff, and they go really early. I had a turnover, and then I did it again the next week and had another
turnover. Then I did it again and I had another turnover."
Humphrey quickly acknowledged what many players would say in a similar situation. You can probably already guess what he said.
"I am not going to say I am superstitious, but I am a little superstitious. If I am at the stadium at 6 a.m. — I am getting my eight hours though, so I do go to sleep early. But I just started doing it early, If I am at the stadium at 6 a.m. — I am getting my eight hours though, so I do go to sleep early — but I just started doing it early."
That means some very early mornings on game days. The funny part is that the turnovers were only part of what kept the routine alive. By arriving hours before most players, Humphrey gained a different perspective on everything that goes into preparing for an NFL game.
Instead of walking into a finished locker room with jerseys hanging neatly in place and equipment ready to go, he watched the behind-the-scenes work happen in real time.
"The other cool thing that I did like to see is usually when we come into the stadium, in the locker room, jerseys on, the helmets, everything is all done up and neat. It is crazy to see all those guys putting it together, doing everything."
The experience gave him a greater appreciation for the people fans rarely see.
"It takes more than just the players. It takes more than just the coaches. It takes a whole unit to make this thing flow."
Humphrey enters Week 2 coming off another productive performance in Baltimore's season-opening victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He helped lead a secondary that limited big plays, contributed to a defensive effort that forced turnovers, and played a key role in the Ravens' 1-0 start.
Whether the early arrival routine actually influences what happens on Sundays is impossible to know. Humphrey seems willing to admit that much himself.
Still, when a habit coincides with turnovers and reminds you how many people contribute to a game-day operation, it's easy to see why he keeps showing up before sunrise. As long as the Ravens keep winning and Humphrey keeps making plays, don't expect the 6 a.m. arrivals to stop anytime soon.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey explains his unusual 6 a.m. game-day routine
