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As a kid, I remember growing up watching Monday Night Football. you hear the music and it just sends chills down your spine. You remember watching the highlights at halftime with the results from the week and I still remember Earl Campbell taking it down the right sideline against the Dolphins in the Astrodome.
There is something magical that happens under the lights. Everything seems so surreal and you are the only show in town. There is something about playing on Monday Night. Your body is awake, your mind is alert, all your senses are heightened and everything is crisp. It is an electrifying feeling, especially when you are playing at home with the home crowd's energy.
I think Vince will thrive in the Monday Night atmosphere. He loves the stage. This is his time and this is what he lives for. I anticipate him having a great game because he used to playing in front of the big lights, especially in the National Championship Game.
The morning of the game is the toughest part — what you do with that energy for five hours from the last meeting until going over to the stadium. I tried not to watch too much television and get caught up in the breakdown of the game or the predictions for the game, because that is when the adrenaline starts to flow. But when it was time to get on the bus, I would let it go. You can't be overhyped for the game, you have to let the fist close slowly and let the game come to you.
It is interesting, I was at a Tennessee State game earlier this year at LP Field and I was down on the field and it was a night game and there was a slight breeze. I could smell the grass and it took me right back to those primetime games and playoff contests that we played there and all of the great experiences that we had. Those games, when the world is watching, are special times. I am looking forward to seeing the guys perform on that stage this week.
