For the players on the field, the Super Bowl is the ultimate test of skill and composure. But just above them, in the broadcast booth, another high-stakes performance is unfolding—one with no second chances, no instant replay, and no room for error.
In this episode of The Game Inside the Games, Dr. Michael Gervais sits down with Greg Olsen, former NFL star turned Emmy-winning broadcaster, to unpack the relentless preparation, mental discipline, and pressure that comes with calling the biggest game in sports.
Greg shares why broadcasting the Super Bowl was more nerve-wracking than playing in one, the mental traps sportscasters must avoid, and the game-day routines that helped him deliver when millions were watching. He opens up about self-doubt, trusting his instincts in the booth, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to rise to the top of the broadcasting world.
This episode is a masterclass in handling pressure, preparation, and performing at your best—whether you’re on the field, in the booth, or in any high-stakes moment of life. Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Episode Insights by Microsoft Copilot
Broadcasting the Super Bowl Was More Nerve-Wracking Than Playing in One: Despite playing 14 seasons in the NFL and competing in Super Bowl 50, Greg Olsen admitted that calling the Super Bowl was even more stressful.
The Biggest Mistake Broadcasters Make – Trying to Say Too Much, Too Soon: A mentor advised Greg before his first Super Bowl to “go slow”—reminding him that he had three hours to tell the story of the game, not just the first two drives.
The Mental Game is Just as Crucial in the Booth as It Is on the Field: Greg spoke about the importance of “being in the pocket”—the broadcasting equivalent of an athlete being in flow state. To avoid overthinking and self-doubt, he focuses on simplifying his thoughts, trusting his instincts, and staying present in the moment.
Success in High-Stakes Moments Comes from Filtering Out the Noise: Whether in football or broadcasting, external feedback can be overwhelming—especially in an era of instant criticism. Greg emphasized the importance of “tuning into the signal and gating out the noise”, learning to separate valuable feedback from distractions that can derail confidence and focus.
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Confidence Comes from Preparation, Not Just Experience: Whether on the field or in the booth, Greg’s confidence has always been rooted in his preparation. He follows a structured weekly routine, refining storylines, testing ideas in conversations, and drilling key insights so they feel second nature by game time.
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