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A detailed look at a day in the life of a Navy football player.
The life of a typical college student is relatively simple. Attend class, maybe take a nap, grab some grub, then hit the town. Responsibilities are minimal. You can enjoy your first real test of freedom so long as it doesn’t impact your grades.
The daily schedule of a Navy football player is far different. It’s anything but ordinary in terms of the college experience. Timelines are strict. There is on downtime. Rest is not an option.
Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden sat down with co-captains Giuseppe Sessi and Braxton Woodson this offseason to gain better insight into a day in the life of a Midshipman. He came away with a new point of view.
Life as a Navy football player is not easy.
Sessi described a typical day, which includes practice, meetings, lifts, and coursework. The morning begins early. A 7 AM start is considered sleeping in.
Every day is largely the same, and it’s a grind.
- Wakeup call – 7:00 AM
- Class – 7:45 AM
- Lunch – 11:30 AM
- Meetings/Lift – 12:00 PM
- Class – 1:00 PM
- Meetings – 3:00 PM
- Practice – 4:00 PM
- Treatment – 7:00 PM
- Study – 7:30 PM
For Sessi, that study period involves quantitative economics lessons. For Woodson, data science.
After homework, it’s off to bed. Then, you do it all over again. Rinse, repeat.
Sessi and Woodson are familiar with the routine. Both are entering their senior years. They are expected to make major impacts as team leaders.
Navy co-captains primed for big years.
The Midshipmen are 21-5 over the last two seasons. Sessi and Woodson’s contributions are a big reason why.
Sessi is a veteran safety that finished second on the team with 81 tackles last year. Woodson, meanwhile, is slated to be the starting quarterback. He’s appeared in 20 games over the last two seasons.
Both players look to cap their football careers with another strong campaign. Their strict schedules have prepared them for on-field success.
Navy is unable to recruit 5-star talent. They instead rely on effort, discipline, timing, and IQ. Preparation is key. An inability to do your job compromises the entire mission.
Sessi and Woodson are locked in. They have sights set on another Commander’s Trophy while competing for a conference title.
“There are no breaks (in the schedule),” said head coach Brian Newberry. “And none on the football field,” quipped Gruden.
“There are no excuses, either,” added Sessi.
The Midshipmen will continue through preseason camp before kicking off the season at home vs. Towson on September 5th. Gruden will be rooting for success after learning of the sacrifices made.