Mike Norvell jokes about how viral video revealed his competitiveness, 'trash talk' with FSU players

Mike Norvell did not want the competitive spirit to die at Florida State once the 2022 season ended. He found a way to keep the juices flowing for his players while also having fun with it. Races have occurred with some of the Seminole linemen, including a win for Norvell.

The logic behind conducting the races are simple for Norvell. If players are going to give him everything during a practice period, he may as well do the same. They might be getting harder on his body as the days go by but you can tell the head coach enjoys them.

Norvell even said the best part about the races is noticing how much quicker the defensive linemen have gotten. While it may annoy him during the foot races if the speed translates to Saturdays, Norvell will be a happy camper.

“The problem is that the age keeps going up, so the muscles feel it with each one of those runs,” Norvell said. “So, the muscles feel it a little bit more with each of those runs. It’s another thing I am just grateful to be able to do. I get to coach this team. I try to be an example and inspiration as much as I can.

“The way we start practice, I’ll try to race our defensive linemen. We’ve gotten faster on the defensive line because I am having to stream pretty good. But it’s just about a mindset. I just want to give these kids everything that I have and get them to where they want to go.”

As shown in the video above, if Norvell gets a win, he is going to let his players hear about it. He might have officially finished in second place but Braden Fiske was a few steps behind his head coach. Norvell let him hear about it — apparently, something he is not afraid to do.

“There is plenty of trash talk that goes on,” Norvell said. “I tell them I’m going to show up every day. Whether you choose to, that’s on you. But I’m going to control things I can control and we definitely have a good time.”

Florida State is going to need to keep the competitive spirit through the 2023 season, with national championship hopes surrounding the program. Implimenting the mindset in spring practice and into fall camp is how Norvell plans on having it translate during games.