The professional world can be tough. There are deadlines to meet, goals to reach and competitors looking to take your business. Now imagine a day in the office if your deadline is a play-clock, your goal is 100 yards away and your competitors are 11 large men paid to hit you.

That was a day in the life of former professional football player and Austin resident Dave Simonson.

With the 43rd Super Bowl just days away, the nation’s mind has turned to the gridiron, but only a select few know what it’s like to be down on the field.

From 1974 and 1978, Simonson played offensive tackle for five different NFL teams.

“You’re playing and getting paid for it. It’s fun,” said Simonson, who enjoyed his time in the NFL, “You get to see places you otherwise wouldn’t.”

Even with the thousands of people in the stands, for the players down on the field, it’s the game that matters. “The crowd can certainly help, it’s exciting, but you still have 100 yards of field. If you lost track of what’s going on, on the field, you’ve lost.”

The pressure to play well is ever-present, but it intensifies in the postseason. “You’ve got pride in your team, you are doing well; every game could be the last game,” Simonson said.

Even though there was and is fierce competition in professional football, he remembers the camaraderie of the players. “You’re playing against players who are absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “These are people who know each other, who respect each other.”

Emotions do run high in professional football, but it is not uncommon for a player to compliment an opponent for a good play.

With all that goes on during a professional football game, both on and off the field a player, could easily lose focus, but for Simonson it was all about playing the game. “(You) do what you do, and do it to the best of your abilities; relax and play the game.”

Every year around this time football fans make a pilgrimage to watch “The Big Game.” Whether that journey is all the way to Tampa Bay, Fla. or just to the couch, millions of people will be watching the Super Bowl.

And just because the Vikings didn’t make it, that doesn’t mean that Sunday isn’t a day worth celebrating.

Super Bowl parties around Austin

Moose Lodge Super Bowl Party starting at noon for members and qualified guests.

Annual Super Bowl Sunday Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, sponsored by Unity Chapter No. 29 Order of the Eastern Star. Serving from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Austin Masonic Lodge.

Eagles Super Bowl Party

American Legion Super Bowl cook-out with games and prizes, for members and guests. Bring your own meat to grill and an item to pass.

Drink and appetizer specials during the game at Applebee’s.