Graham Nicholson, the winner of the Lou Groza Award, discusses the mental process and pressure of being a kicker. He emphasizes the importance of routine and trusting the process, as well as overcoming negative thoughts and learning from past mistakes. Graham shares his competitive mindset and the motivation to prove himself as a walk-on kicker. He also talks about the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a kicker and the desire to be the game-winning kicker. Throughout the conversation, Graham highlights the control and confidence he feels in high-pressure situations. Graham Nicholson, the winner of the Lou Groza Award for the best kicker in college football, discusses his journey and experiences as a kicker. He shares how he overcame nervousness and built confidence in high-pressure situations. Graham emphasizes the importance of consistency and simplifying the kicking process. He also talks about his preferences for sideline interactions and the mindset of not setting expectations. Graham reflects on winning the Lou Groza Award and the motivation to continue improving. He discusses his off-season preparation and the balance between making adjustments and staying true to his routine. Graham highlights the difference between working smart and working hard.Takeaways

• Developing a routine and trusting the process is crucial for kickers to maintain consistency and overcome negative thoughts.
• Learning from past mistakes and building confidence are essential for success as a kicker.
• Having a competitive mindset and the motivation to prove oneself can drive kickers to achieve remarkable things.
• The pressure and expectations of being a kicker can be intense, but maintaining confidence and focusing on oneself is key.
• The limited opportunities and mental preparation required for kickers make every kick crucial, and settling into the game is important for success. Overcoming nervousness and building confidence is crucial for success in high-pressure situations.
• Consistency is key in kicking, and simplifying the process can help maintain it.
• Sideline interactions can vary for kickers, and personal preferences play a role in maintaining focus.
• Setting goals and expectations can be challenging, and focusing on the present moment can lead to better performance.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Congratulations on Winning the Lou Groza Award

00:58 - The Pressure and Mental Process of Being a Kicker

03:05 - Developing a Routine and Overcoming Negative Thoughts

05:13 - Learning from Past Mistakes and Building Confidence

06:16 - The Importance of Routine and Trusting the Process

08:33 - The Mental Game and Closing the Loop

11:10 - The Mindset of a Kicker and Finding Rhythm

13:37 - The Competitive Mindset and Proving Yourself

16:50 - Overcoming Adversity and Believing in Yourself

18:40 - The Pressure and Confidence of Being a Kicker

20:16 - The Importance of Failure and Learning from Mistakes

23:10 - Focusing on Yourself and Ignoring Comparisons

25:37 - The Journey of Overcoming Adversity and Failure

26:22 - The Mental Process of Forgetting Missed Kicks

28:18 - The Rollercoaster of Emotions as a Kicker

29:55 -The Pressure and Expectations of Being a Kicker

31:30 - The Limited Opportunities and Mental Preparation

34:16 - The Desire to Be the Game-Winning Kicker

36:00 - The Control and Confidence of Being a Kicker

38:43 - The Constant Reminder of Big Moments

40:08 - The Nervousness and Settling into the Game

41:53 - Overcoming Nervousness and Building Confidence

45:28 - Keys to Consistency

46:30 - Simplifying the Kicking Process

49:26 - Sideline Interactions and Preferences

51:31 - Winning the Lou Groza Award

54:52Setting Goals and Expectations

57:52 - Off-Season Preparation and Growth

59:47 - Balancing Adjustments in the Off-Season

01:01:00 - Working Smart vs. Working Hard

01:01:42 - Appreciating Hard Work and Future Goals