So excited to introduce to you all Briana! Her husband is an Equipment Assistant for the Miami Dolphins. For only knowing the player side of things, I appreciate learning the experiences of others' involved in the NFL organizations. What I've learned reading through this is that we are really all in this together. The transitions, the loneliness, the missing holidays with family, etc. We all go through it no matter where we're at in the organization.
What team did you start on?
My husband, Tyler, started with a training camp internship with the Arizona Cardinals. During this time he was away from mid July-Sept and I stayed home (Chicago suburbs) and taught my first year as a 2nd grade teacher.
Teams you've been on since? (if any)
Since his first internship, we have only been with the Dolphins. After Tyler's first internship with the Cardinals, he then got in touch with the Dolphins, so the following season we both made the move to South Florida. We are going on year 3 :)
Game day ritual or tradition?
I personally don't have any besides putting my dogs Dolphins bandana on him LOL! But I am not sure if Tyler has any... I'll have to ask because he says he has to be on his A game so the players are prepared and he doesn't throw them off!
What was your experience with the draft/free agency/etc?
So because the draft and player movement around the league is so specific to the players, it doesn't affect him as much as it would a players family like you. So for example, if a player is drafted, traded, or signed to the Dolphins, he is either getting their equipment ready for when they arrive or shipping off all their belongings to the team they went to.
Your favorite moment in the NFL?
Well because I have only had one "real" NFL season and one Covid season, I would say so far I just like winning!
But I am ready to make so many more memories!
Something you've struggled with in the NFL?
Although we are only going on the 3rd year, being in the NFL has been an adjustment to say the least. I have learned to be flexible and go with the flow. I say the adjusting is a struggle because in the equipment world of the NFL, they work tirelessly throughout the year to make sure players and staff have everything they need. They are always at the facility hours before and hours after the coaches and players. And if you're like my husband who can't miss his morning workout, then he's there even earlier LOL! I think we can both agree that training camp has some pretty long days, but for Tyler his days start at 4:30am and he doesn't come home until about 8pm or later. Training camp is a small fraction of his busy year but we can leave the other long days like road games for another time.
Every day is different for them!
There have been many struggles as I adjust to this NFL lifestyle, but one other that really hits home with me is the times he can't just "take off" work. Holidays are the hardest because practices/games are so close to the day of the holiday and all of our family is up north. Being from 2 big families, this makes it extremely hard to spend time together because time is so limited. Spending time with our families and friends is so important so it's difficult when we miss lots of weddings and fun memories, however I know with time we will learn to adjust.
One thing you wish someone prepared you for?
EVERYTHING! Kidding but not.
The long hours have definitely been something that takes time to get used to.
A resource that the NFL offers that you use(d)?
We are still learning all the resources they offer because they are different from other staff and players. Although it may seem silly, I appreciate when the Dolphins have meals for him! I can't imagine preparing food for all the time he is gone. I think we receive discounts at some places but we have not used any yet.
Anything else you'd like to add? An experience, how you deal with issues (or mean fans) in the NFL, etc?
Haven't had any major issues, hoping not to have any!
Thank you Briana for you perspective! I know the players appreciate all that Tyler does for them to make their days and transitions as smooth as possible.
