No matter how much teams try, Super Bowl week cant be normal.
The Packers spent Wednesday practice at a Dallas high school. Most players and coaches I spoke with early Thursday morning didnt try to deny that it felt different preparing for the biggest game of their lives.
I felt the energy, defensive coordinator Dom Capers told PFT. I felt the energy of the players. You kind of had to calm them down a little bit. They were excited to be out there and they were flying around. You just didnt want anyone to get hurt.
Capers, a football lifer, seemed grateful and reflective to finally have his first Super Bowl experience after all these years. 11-year Packers veteran tackle Chad Clifton also understands how special this opportunity is.
There was electricity in the air, guys were definitely jacked up and ready to go, Clifton said. The energy was there.
Linebacker Erik Walden, who has gone from jobless to a Super Bowl starter in a few months, said he was almost too excited.
I had to calm my nerves a little bit, Walden said. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You could get here again, but nothing is promised. You want to cherish it and take advantage of it.
The younger the player, the more likely it was they said this week was business as usual.
Im sure people were excited, but to me it was just a normal practice. No need to get jacked up on a Wednesday, Raji told me with a laugh.
With media responsibilities now over for Packers players, the team can zero in on final preparations for a life-changing Sunday. Capers said the excitement and energy surrounding the team is a good thing.
Youd rather have to back them off a little bit than push them.
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