EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The great athletes often have a routine they swear by to get ready for competition, and Harrison Smith is no different. Now in his fourth season, Smith has become one of the NFL's best safeties. Each Saturday morning, he begins his final preparations for Sunday's game the same way: With a glazed croissant.
"For me, it starts my routine for a game, as stupid as that sounds," Smith said.
He's not alone. The Vikings' Saturday Donut Club dates from the days of quarterback Gus Frerotte bringing pastries to the facility on Saturday mornings.