Since I’m at the football facility every day, I keep hearing the same question from teammates, coaches, and trainers: “What’s up, you good?”

“You good?” is a wide question, but I hear it virtually every day. It can either begin or finish a conversation, or even lead to an hour-long discussion about anything and everything. Most of the time, I consider it a basic greeting. I’ll answer, “Yeah, I’m good,” and ask how they’re doing, and we’ll both go about our business. To be honest, I don’t give it much thought, and it’s gotten so routine that I almost always respond with the same answer—”Yeah, I’m good.” It’s almost automatic, something we do without thinking because we’re so used to it in our daily lives. However, there are situations when “You good?” demonstrates far more than simply saying “hello.” After a tough practice, a horrible game, or simply a difficult week of juggling football and courses, it feels like someone is truly checking in on me. When the question grows more serious, I take time to reflect on how I am doing. Am I truly good, or am I simply saying so because it is the simple, anticipated response?

Sometimes, when the timing is right, I open up more. Perhaps I’ll say I’m exhausted from the daily grind of training or concerned about an approaching assignment that I haven’t had time to begin. When that happens, the conversation transforms and develops. My teammates or coaches may share their own stories, offer advise, or simply listen, which is sometimes all I need. We end up talking about more than football—life off the field, personal issues, and sometimes mental health. It serves as an incredible reminder that, while we’re all here to compete and achieve, we’re also struggling with many of the same pressures physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

I’ve spent about 4 years with the team now and I’ve realized that “You good?” is more than just checking in to be respectful. It is part of the football culture, particularly at the collegiate level. The activity is demanding, and we are expected to push through everything. Things like injuries, mental fatigue, and the stress of juggling athletics can have an impact on our academics and personal lives. Therefore, asking “You good?” can be a subtle way of stating, “Hey, I’m here if you need anything,” without having to state it explicitly. It’s a way to provide assistance without coming across as intrusive, especially in an environment when we’re all trying to demonstrate toughness and resilience.

Sometimes I ask the question, and I’ve discovered that my teammates don’t always take it literally. They, like me, may answer, “Yeah, I’m fine,” even if they are struggling with their own issues. It really makes me take a step back and realize that they might be going through obstacles too. Whether they’re nursing a lingering injury, feeling swamped by classwork, or concerned about matters unrelated to football, they have to keep pushing just like me. In these moments, I’ve realized that “You good?” can be more than just a fast conversation; it’s a means for us to stay connected and look out for one another, even if it doesn’t necessarily lead to a long discussion right away. This question shows the fast-paced life we all experience as student-athletes. Whether it’s football, school, or personal life, we all move so quickly that we don’t always take the time to check in with ourselves or each other. However, even if the question appears casual, it can serve as a reminder to slow down and reflect on how we’re feeling. It’s easy to say “I’m fine” even when you’re not, but those brief moments of honesty can mean a lot. At the same time, being asked “You good?” has made me more conscious of what my teammates may be going through below the surface. When I ask a question and someone hesitates or seems irritated, I attempt to dig deeper or provide room for them to explain if they want to. Sometimes the follow-up talk is where true connections form, and I get a glimpse into their life outside of sports. Those times tell me that we’re not just teammates; we’re people going through a lot of the same things. Sometimes all we need is someone to ask us if we’re okay.

Overall, “You good?” has become more than a question for me. It’s part of our team’s everyday lingo, but it also demonstrates how much we care about each other and understand the grind we’re all going through. It’s a chance to check in with one another and make sure we’re all okay and in this together. Whether it sparks a lengthy conversation or simply a “Yeah, I’m fine,” it serves as a reminder that even in a tough, competitive climate, we’re all looking out for one another in our own unique ways. And often, just asking a simple question is enough to make a difference.