CINCINNATI —

Darrin Simmons, the Bengals assistant head coach, has upheld a unique pregame ritual for nearly three decades, climbing every step in the stadium before each game, a tradition that began in 1998 when he was with the Ravens.

"It was awesome, honestly. It was what I knew. It taught me hard work and discipline. A lot of those things carry over to what we do now," Simmons said, reflecting on his childhood spent on a farm in Elkhart, Kansas. Advertisement

Despite not getting home as much now, Simmons still finds time to get his steps in, often riding over with the trainers five hours before every game to climb the stadium steps.

"I used to actually go over on the first bus. I like getting over there even earlier now. So I ride over with the trainers," he said.

Simmons uses th

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