When I left for Foxboro, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had an idea of how lucky I was to be getting this opportunity, but that was all I had, an idea. I knew what I wanted to get out the internship, but I did not know how to get that from the Patriots.

After seven weeks of non-stop labor and football, I’m finally home and have time to think about everything I just did.

What the Patriots needed from me was someone to do all the things the staff athletic trainers did not want nor have time to do, such as inventory, carrying Gatorade, setting-up practice, breaking down the trainers’ area after practice, simple rehabilitation with the athletes, and comedic relief. I did all of those things the best and fastest way I knew how and I’ve come away with a great reference and an even greater appreciation for naps.

What I wanted from the Patriots was simple, a good reference. What I got was much more. I learned that although prestigious, I do not want to work in the NFL, ever. The players were nice enough and being on the sideline for the games was surreal, but overall I don’t think I would enjoy the job. The hours the staff trainers, and interns, put in are crazy, but that is only a small part of my disdain for the job. I can’t swallow my pride enough to be successful. The trainers do not have the option of being respectful towards the players; they have to be. The players are only respectful if it suits them. There were several instances where players would do/not do/say something and get away with it that if they were an athlete here at SEMO, or almost any other training room not in the professional setting, they would be kicked out of the training room, refused treatment for the time being, or at the very least yelled at. None of that happened there, we, the trainers, just had to swallow all of our pride and smile through this athlete being an ass.

Overall, I’m glad I went because I now know what I don’t want to do once I grow up and leave college, which is almost as important as knowing what I do want to do.

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