For millions of fans, the Super Bowl halftime show is a must-watch spectacle filled with music and entertainment. But for the players, it’s an entirely different experience. Unlike regular games, where halftime flies by in minutes, the Super Bowl break lasts around 30 minutes- twice as long as usual. This extended pause presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring teams to plan how they use their time carefully.
Whether it’s refueling, reviewing game strategies, or simply finding ways to stay sharp, players must adjust to the unique demands of the biggest game of the year.
A Chance To Rest And Refuel
Unlike regular season games, where players barely have time to catch their breath, the Super Bowl halftime allows them to sit down, eat, and hydrate properly. Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson noted a simple yet important benefit with USA Today: “We have more time to use the restroom.”
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna shared that teams follow a structured schedule, including four or five minutes designated for eating a light snack. Players review coaching points drilled into them for two weeks before the game, followed by a break and another round of eating and hydrating. Chiefs safety Justin Reid emphasized that decompression is key, saying, “The first little bit is just decompressing. Then from there, you do another mini warmup to get out there and play again.”
As reminded by the NFL draft the players think they're cool, but they'll never be as cool as Len Dawson, the starting QB of the KC Chiefs during halftime of the 1970 Super Bowl, on the sideline smoking a cigarette & drinking a Fresca (KC won btw)!
— Dane.ltrp (@danerm67) April 26, 2024
How times have changed!!🤣 pic.twitter.com/PFwNqfgK25
Adjusting Game Plans And Staying Focused
Coaches get extra time to analyze first-half performance and relay adjustments. Washington Commanders right tackle Andrew Wylie, formerly of the Chiefs, pointed out that this extended break gives coaches “an extra while to digest that information and then get it to us.” However, major adjustments aren’t drastically different from regular games since teams have already made changes between series using sideline tablets. “It’s about the same amount of plays as a regular game,” Reid said. “It’s just stretched out over four or five hours instead of three hours.”
Also Read: How Long Is The Super Bowl Halftime Show?
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Staying Warm And Ready To Go
A longer halftime means players need to warm up again before returning to action. Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat admitted he barely remembers his last Super Bowl halftime, saying to USA Today, “Last Super Bowl was a blur.” Chiefs right guard Trey Smith compared it to college games, where band performances extend the break.
Former NFL offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, who played in two Super Bowls with the Rams, said reactivating after shutting down is one of the toughest parts. “Whereas in a normal halftime, I would never even sit down, here, you truly need to shut it down for a second and then ramp it back up,” Whitworth explained. For older players like Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Lane Johnson, getting their bodies moving again takes even more effort.
The Role Of Snacks: PB&Js And Uncrustables
Food plays a crucial role in keeping players fueled. Trey Smith swears by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, while Reid prefers Uncrustables and applesauce. Danna sticks to orange slices, a habit from high school. Nick Allegretti, a former Chiefs lineman, described the halftime as a time for players to “actually turn it off and get a full snack in, if not a meal.”
Former NFL player and current TSN analyst @Jabari_Greer on some players actually napping during long halftime at the Super Bowl.https://t.co/jEAMZxoUP1https://t.co/VYKu5X2FTX pic.twitter.com/JtnyZDhC6K
— TSN 1200 Ottawa (@TSN1200) February 4, 2021
Hearing The Super Bowl Halftime Show
While millions tune in for the halftime performance, players mostly tune it out. Bengals kicker Evan McPherson famously watched the Super Bowl 56 halftime show from the bench, drawing criticism from his special teams coordinator. Danna, a fan of recent performers like Rihanna, Usher, and Kendrick Lamar, prefers to catch the show later, saying, “It’s always a better feeling when you watch it after.”
Managing The Unusual Break
The Super Bowl halftime feels like a “double halftime,” according to Allegretti. Players lie down, lift their legs, and conserve energy before gearing up for the second half. Smith summed up the approach best: “Refocus, regroup, don’t freak out about anything.” And, of course, don’t forget the PB&Js.
