As the holiday season approaches, the Texas Longhorns football team is gearing up for the final stretch of their season. But before the intensity of bowl games and recruitment deadlines take over, coach Steve Sarkisian has made a heartwarming decision to give his players a break. Instead of keeping the team in a strict, no-nonsense regimen over the Christmas holiday, Sarkisian is sending the Longhorns home to be with their families, with a special emphasis on enjoying the little pleasures that make this time of year memorable, like drinking eggnog with loved ones.
This decision speaks volumes not only about the culture Sarkisian is cultivating within the Texas football program but also about the evolving role of head coaches in the lives of their players. While coaches have historically been known for pushing their teams to the limits, there’s a shift in coaching philosophies today that emphasizes balance, well-being, and the importance of mental health — something that goes beyond the X’s and O’s of football.
The Importance of Family and Mental Health During the Holiday Season
In a world where football players are often under constant pressure to perform at elite levels, the holiday season presents a unique opportunity to pause and reflect. The life of a college football player can be intense. Between rigorous training sessions, weightlifting, film studies, and academic responsibilities, these young men are asked to give their all to the sport, often at the expense of personal time and family connection.
When Sarkisian made the decision to release the Longhorns for Christmas, he emphasized the value of family and the importance of taking time away from the sport to recharge. In an interview, he noted that, “I want these guys to go home and enjoy the holidays. I want them to have that time to be with their families, to relax, and to experience the things that make this time of year special. Whether it’s sitting down with loved ones to drink eggnog or just enjoying a quiet moment, it’s crucial for them to step away from the pressure and recharge mentally.”
This sentiment is particularly poignant because the holiday season is often a time for reflection and bonding. For many players, it’s a rare moment to reconnect with family, especially if their schedules during the season are packed with travel, practices, and games. It’s these small moments — the ones that might seem insignificant at first glance — that can have a profound impact on an athlete’s well-being and performance in the long run.
In a world that often emphasizes the grind and hustle of success, it’s refreshing to hear a coach acknowledge that there’s more to life than the game itself. For Sarkisian, it’s about recognizing the whole person — not just the player on the field. In fact, studies have shown that players who feel supported and who have healthy relationships outside of their sport tend to perform better, as they feel more balanced and less burnt out.
A Culture Shift in College Football
Sarkisian’s decision is also reflective of a broader shift in coaching philosophies across the country. In recent years, college football has seen a wave of head coaches who prioritize the well-being of their players, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and fostering a positive team culture. Rather than just coaching the game, these coaches are taking an active role in the lives of their athletes.
Steve Sarkisian is a prime example of this. Since taking over as head coach at Texas, he has made it a priority to not only build a competitive football program but to ensure that his players thrive on and off the field. This has meant creating an environment where players feel empowered to take time for themselves when needed, and where personal development is just as important as physical training.
Many head coaches across the country are embracing this approach. Coaches like Dabo Swinney at Clemson and Kirby Smart at Georgia have similarly made mental health and player well-being central to their programs. This shift is especially important in a sport that is physically demanding and often grueling, where injuries, both physical and mental, can take a serious toll on athletes.
By offering players the freedom to take a break over Christmas, Sarkisian is sending a powerful message: family matters, and taking time to rest and reconnect is as important as any playbook or game plan. This isn’t just about football; it’s about life. Players can’t give their best on the field if they’re not in a good mental state or if they feel disconnected from their loved ones.
The Power of Taking Time Off
While the decision to release the team for the holidays may seem like a small gesture, it actually holds great significance in terms of its impact on the players’ mentality and performance. A few days off to enjoy the holidays allows players to take a mental break, which can significantly improve their focus and energy when they return to training.
Sarkisian is fully aware of the demands of college football and how relentless the schedule can be. Coaches are known for pushing their players hard to prepare for the next game, but this constant grind can wear down even the most dedicated athlete. The ability to step away for a while, even just to enjoy some eggnog with family, offers a necessary reprieve. Time off can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and prevent burnout — all of which are critical to ensuring players are fresh and ready for the challenges ahead.
The positive effects of rest and relaxation aren’t just physical — they’re emotional and psychological, too. During the holiday season, many athletes struggle with homesickness, loneliness, or the pressure to perform, making it even more essential to offer them the chance to unwind and regain perspective. The mental benefits of taking time off are often underappreciated, but they can make a tangible difference in a player’s mindset and ability to perform at their best once they return.
A Growing Trend in College Athletics
Sarkisian’s decision to give his players this time off is part of a growing trend in college athletics, where more and more coaches are recognizing the importance of balance and mental health. Whether it’s allowing players to take time off during the holiday season or creating spaces for open conversations about mental health, these actions are a step toward a more holistic approach to coaching.
By empowering his players to take a break and focus on family and relaxation, Sarkisian is not just building a strong football team — he’s building strong, well-rounded individuals who will carry the lessons learned on and off the field for the rest of their lives. These players will come back to their training stronger, more focused, and more grateful for the support system they have in their families and their coaches.
In conclusion, Steve Sarkisian’s decision to release the Longhorns for Christmas is a testament to the importance of family, rest, and mental well-being. In a world where the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, Sarkisian’s gesture offers a reminder that success is not just measured by wins and losses but by the health and happiness of the players. This holiday season, the Longhorns will not just be thinking about football — they’ll be cherishing time with their loved ones, drinking eggnog, and embracing the true spirit of the season.