It is safe to say that current NFL vice president of policy and rules administration, Jon Runyan, has seen his share of pressure situations. Not only did Runyan star in the NFL as a starting offensive tackle for 13 seasons, but he also served for four years in the U.S. Congress.

As a U.S. Representative from the state of New Jersey, Runyan dealt with some of the country's most important political issues. As an offensive lineman, Runyan encountered some of the game's best pass-rushing defensive linemen while playing in two Super Bowls.

Pressure has been a part of his job description since day one and even in the highest of profile situations, he never let that pressure deter him from his duties.

“The first thing I tried to do was block all the extra stuff out,” he said, referring to off-field distractions leading up to the Super Bowl. “Those types of things wear on you because you aren't at home, you aren't practicing in your facilities and you aren't sleeping in your bed. You have to do some many extra things on top of your regular meetings and practices, those wear on you.”

Playing at the all-important left tackle position for virtually his entire career, Runyan's chief job every game was to keep the quarterback safe. By turning off distractions and concentrating on the task at hand, Runyan excelled on footballs biggest stage, the Super Bowl.

“I think the main thing is to remember why you are where you are,” he said. “I was fortunate enough in my first Super Bowl to have [Pro Football Hall of Famer] Bruce Matthews on the team with me. He was well into his career at that point. It was the only time he got to the Super Bowl and when you look at someone like that, it could take their whole career to get to that level. The main thing is to understand the magnitude of where you are and then putting it away and doing your job.”

Over the course of his long career, Runyan has faced pressured both on and off the field. One of the main things that Runyan has learned to rely on in times of pressure is preparation—a trust that what you’ve been practicing and planning will carry you through big moments.

It is this advice that he thinks is most practical not only for football players at every level, but also in most of life's situations.

“I think most people, especially younger players, in situations like a really big game is that they want to try to do more than what actually got them there,” he said. “Doing more than what you do, than what you've practiced, that tends to make people sloppy. Sloppy is when mistakes happen. If you maintain your focus, rely on what you've been practicing, what made you successful, that will carry you through a big game or a big moment. You don't need to be a hero. Just do what you do.”

Eric Moreno is a freelance writer based in San Antonio, Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Texas-San Antonio and a lifetime season ticket holder for UTSA Roadrunner football. In his free time, when not attending games, is an avid reader and traveler. Follow him on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477