Beyond touchdowns, NFL players also excel in other types of arenas: virtual ones. Away from the noise of the stadiums, many of them connect to the world of video games to relax, compete and socialize with their peers.
Between swords, rifles and more
Names like Jayden Daniels – a fan of NCAA Football, MW2 and Fortnite – and DeSean Jackson, who was once happy with Madden NFL 10 in part because of his in-game stats, show that the connection between the NFL and video games goes way back.
On the other hand, Lamar Jackson shreds tracks in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, while Bryce Young lets his creativity fly in Minecraft. Both prove that there are plenty of ways to escape the intense pace of the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, dives into the epic adventure of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a reflection of his creative and unpredictable style on the field. The Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa, on the other hand, prefers the craziness of Fall Guys, where falls don’t mean shock, just laughter.
Others like Tyreek Hill and Justin Fields stay true to the action with Call of Duty and Modern Warfare 2, where speed and aim are just as important as in the real game. Dak Prescott opts for a more leisurely pace with Red Dead Redemption 2, trading in his helmet for a cowboy hat.
The strategic side is provided by players like Kirk Cousins, a fan of StarCraft II, where planning every move is key. Geno Smith prefers the direct combat of Street Fighter 6, demonstrating that he also knows how to fight hand-to-hand, at least virtually.
More than just entertainment, video games are a channel for relaxation, connection and friendly rivalry for American soccer stars. Because for them, competing never shuts down, it just changes format.
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