We’re going to ask a big question here: where do the athletes hide when they play for the Texas Tech Red Raiders?
This past Sunday, I woke up way too early and made a run to the 24-hour United (thank you for existing). As I was walking out, I passed a guy who looked exactly like a Texas Tech athlete—tall, in shape, decked out head-to-toe in Tech gear. Then I did a double take and realized he was probably an assistant coach or staffer. And that’s when it hit me: you almost never see Texas Tech athletes just out and about in Lubbock.
The Curious Disappearance of Red Raider Athletes
We live in the age of social media. If athletes were regularly popping up at grocery stores, restaurants, or Target runs, there would be photos everywhere. Yet over the entire season, I can remember seeing maybe one candid “in the wild” photo—of linebacker Jacob Rodriguez—and that was about it.
That feels strange for a college town that revolves around its teams.
Life Inside the Athletic Bubble
The most logical explanation is the bubble. Modern college athletics—especially at a high level—creates an environment where players’ needs are fully met. Meals, training, rehab, academic help, transportation—it’s all provided. If you don’t need to go to the store, why would you?…