Ask any NFL player for the moment they were reminded that they were no longer in college, and they will not hesitate to tell you.
It’s called their “Welcome to the NFL Moment” — the instance where a veteran opponent shows them that the pro game is no cakewalk. The message is usually delivered in physical form, by the way.
For New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., that moment came last year in Week 8 on Monday night in Pittsburgh at the hands of Steelers‘ defensive lineman Cam Heyward.
“He hit me so hard… I hit my head on the ground,” Tracy said. “I needed a moment to catch my breath. I’m in the NFL, it’s a little different.”
For the record, Tracy had a breakout game that night with 145 yards on 20 carries, including a 45-yard touchdown run. The Giants lost, 26-18.
Tracy went into the concussion protocol after the game but was able to play the next week against Washington.
