Being a professional football coach requires an immense level of commitment, often at the expense of personal time.
A viral clip featuring Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has highlighted just how much that sacrifice can entail. The defensive-minded coach has drawn criticism online after candidly sharing that he typically spends only about 30 minutes with his young son on Thursdays, one of the busiest days of the NFL week. Macdonald was asked about carving out any time away from the daily grind.
“On Thursdays, I don’t get to see Jack as much,” he told KING-TV in Seattle. “I try to get home pretty quick to be with him maybe a half-hour an hour before he goes to bed. Then I got a set up at my house where I can go and work on the game plan.”
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The comments quickly sparked reaction on social media, with some users noting that many professional athletes and coaches openly embrace an all-consuming commitment to their craft. One commenter compared Macdonald’s mindset to “sicko Tom Brady, Michael Jordan like behavior.”
Macdonald later emphasized that even limited family time carries meaningful benefits, both personally and professionally.
“I’m able to spend some more time at home and be with Jack and it kind of lets you get away from everything and see things from a different perspective,” he said.
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Macdonald and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their first child, Jack David, on Dec. 3, 2024. Following the birth, Macdonald briefly stepped away from the team, entrusting responsibilities to his assistant coaches.
Now, Macdonald and the Seahawks are preparing for the game of their careers. Seattle will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the NFC championship, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The matchup is expected to pit the league’s No. 1 offense against its No. 1 defense.
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