From private hotel rooms to chartered planes, NFL road trips offer players a taste of luxury and comfort.
When rookie running back Eric Gray embarked on his first NFL road trip, he was pleasantly surprised by the luxurious accommodations provided by the New York Giants. Unlike his college days, where he shared a room with a teammate, Gray had his own room throughout the trip. This level of comfort and convenience is just one aspect of the first-class experience that NFL players enjoy during their road trips.
Meticulous Planning for a Seamless Journey
The planning for NFL road trips begins as soon as the schedule is released. The Giants’ vice president of team operations, Jim Phelan, and director of team operations, Jeff Conroy, work together to find suitable hotels in each road city that can accommodate the entire traveling party. They prioritize factors such as service, proximity to the stadium and airport, and the layout of the hotel. Additionally, charter buses and a chartered plane are arranged for transportation, ensuring a smooth journey for the players, coaches, and staff. The operations team also takes care of packing and loading the 20,000 pounds of equipment onto the team plane.
Pre-Flight Food and Routines
While the operations team handles the logistics, players have their own concerns, such as pre-flight meals. Rookies are responsible for catering lunch for their position group, often opting for popular fast-food chains like Chick-Fil-A, Popeye’s, or Wingstop. Once on board the plane, players take their assigned seats, with first-class seats being the most desirable. The Giants’ plane, a Boeing 767, has an expanded first-class section, allowing many players, coaches, and staff members to enjoy the extra comfort. However, not all players can be accommodated in first class, and the criteria for who gets these coveted seats remains unclear.
Different Modes of Transportation
The Giants’ road trips involve various modes of transportation. For games in Washington, the team charters an Amtrak train, eliminating stops and reducing travel time. This allows players to relax, walk around, and even play cards during the journey. Buses are used for games in Philadelphia, with a police escort ensuring a quick 90-minute ride. However, the cramped confines of the bus are not as welcomed by the players. For other road games, the team flies on a chartered plane, providing a comfortable and efficient means of travel.
Free Time and Team Bonding
Upon arrival in a road city, players typically have a few hours of free time. Unlike college road trips, where players are confined to the hotel, NFL players can explore the city or visit malls and parks. Players often break into small groups for dinner, utilizing the per diem provided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Proximity to the hotel is a top priority when choosing a restaurant. Back at the hotel, team meetings are held in the evening, followed by downtime for players to relax and enjoy personal activities such as watching movies or shows.
Curfew and Return Home
Curfew is typically set for 10 p.m., and security guards ensure that players are in their rooms. Missing curfew is exceptionally rare and can result in fines. After the game, the Giants return home immediately. The equipment staff hurriedly loads all the gear into duffel bags, and the team goes through TSA screening before boarding buses back to the airport. Despite the late-night return, players have few complaints about road trips, as they enjoy the camaraderie and bonding with their teammates.
Conclusion: NFL road trips offer players a taste of luxury and comfort, with private hotel rooms, chartered planes, and first-class accommodations. Meticulous planning ensures a seamless journey, while players savor the freedom to explore new cities and enjoy team bonding. Although road trips can be tiring, the experience is cherished by players who appreciate the camaraderie and the unique perks of traveling in the NFL.
