Seven ways NFL players keep from freezing

— -- With temperatures projected to top out in the single digits and wind chills falling down to minus-15 degrees, Sunday's NFC wild-card matchup in Minneapolis between the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings could get nasty if the players aren't ready to handle the cold.

After playing my college ball in Iowa City, Iowa, with NFL stops in Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo, I've seen some brutal weather on the field. Snow, wind, ice -- you name it. And the hits sting in the cold. That stuff hurts. On top of getting past the mental block that it's going to be freezing on the field, how can NFL players prep for the unwelcome conditions?

Given the advanced uniform technology of cold-weather gear, players have an advantage in today's game to keeping up their core temperatures, but there are still situations where they have to lean on some old-school tricks to avoid a miserable experience on the field.

Here are seven ways players can stay somewhat warm -- and still produce -- when the temperatures start to drop toward 0 degrees.

Bring out Vaseline

A jar of Vaseline is an old trick from veteran players to block out the wind. Want to look tough and avoid wearing sleeves? Rub Vaseline all over your arms and slap some on your face. It sounds kind of ridiculous, but I used Vaseline in Green Bay from Thanksgiving through the playoffs when the temperatures would fall. Players want to show off their arms on a national stage in the playoffs, but to avoid shaking from the cold, you need to cover up with Vaseline. It's slimy and it takes some time to scrub off after the game, but it sure does work. And it's much easier than wearing a ski-mask under your helmet.

Hot chocolate and chicken broth

Drink hot chocolate while you are getting dressed for the game and refuel on the sidelines with some chicken broth. It's a great way to keep your body temperature up. But you can't just pound that stuff. No one wants to drink five cups of hot chocolate and then run down on the opening kickoff. That's trouble, and it also leads to vomit all over the field. Yes, you have to continue to hydrate during cold-weather games (I once cramped up during a game in Buffalo), so Gatorade, Pedialyte and water are a must before and during the game. A cup of hot chocolate in the locker room and a cup of chicken broth while you get a break on the sidelines, however, is a smart way to stay warm.