In a recent interview, Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach Sam Pittman shared a heartfelt perspective on the value of presence and genuine connection in today’s tech-driven world. Pittman, known for his down-to-earth approach and genuine leadership style, emphasized how important it is to be fully present in the moment, especially in an era where smartphones dominate everyday life. The comment, “Not a single phone in sight. Just people living in the moment,” highlights a nostalgic longing for simpler, more direct forms of connection—something Pittman believes is critical, not just in sports, but in life itself.
It’s no secret that smartphones have become a central part of daily life, connecting us to friends, family, work, and entertainment. However, Pittman’s remark points to a growing sense of loss that many people feel when it comes to human interaction. While phones can bring the world to our fingertips, they often distract us from the here and now. For Pittman, who spends much of his time on the field, the difference between being engaged in real-world experiences versus being absorbed in a screen is a critical issue, especially among young athletes.
During the interview, Pittman elaborated on how this sentiment applies to his role as a coach and mentor. “I see it all the time—players with their heads down, scrolling through their phones, even right after practice or during downtime in the locker room,” he said. “I understand the pull of social media and the need to stay connected, but there’s something to be said for just putting the phone away and being in the moment with your teammates, your coaches, and the game you love.”
For Pittman, the idea of “just people living in the moment” is especially significant when considering the dynamics of a football team. Building camaraderie, trust, and a sense of family among players is crucial for a team’s success. But he believes that the pervasive use of smartphones has sometimes made it harder for players to form deeper bonds with one another. Instead of engaging in face-to-face conversations or enjoying shared experiences, it’s common to see players absorbed in their screens during downtime.
This isn’t just a problem in the locker room—it extends to the broader culture of sports. Pittman noted how even fans in the stands often seem more focused on recording plays or checking social media updates than fully experiencing the energy of a live game. “It’s not about never using your phone,” Pittman clarified. “It’s about knowing when to set it down. There’s a time for sharing moments online, but there’s also a time to just be present and soak in the experience.”
As a coach, Pittman feels a responsibility to set an example for his players when it comes to being present. This is why he emphasizes personal interactions over text messages or online communications whenever possible. He believes that looking someone in the eye and having a real conversation builds stronger relationships than anything that can be communicated through a screen.
“When I talk to a player about something important—whether it’s about their performance on the field or something going on in their personal life—I want to have that conversation face-to-face,” Pittman explained. “It shows that you’re truly there for them, not just physically but mentally. And I think players appreciate that.”
Pittman’s approach is rooted in his own experience as a coach and former athlete, understanding that the moments that truly matter often happen when we’re least expecting them. He recalled some of his favorite memories in football—moments of triumph, moments of heartbreak, moments of sheer joy with his players—and emphasized that these were experiences you simply can’t capture through a phone camera.
The sentiment behind “not a single phone in sight” isn’t just about sports; it speaks to a broader cultural conversation about the impact of technology on our lives. Pittman’s words resonate with those who feel that while technology has made certain aspects of life more convenient, it has also taken away some of the magic of being fully present with others. There’s a shared nostalgia for a time when people gathered without the constant impulse to check their devices, where moments were experienced fully, without the need to be documented and shared online.
This perspective is especially relevant to the younger generation, for whom smartphones have been a constant presence throughout their lives. Pittman believes that guiding young athletes toward a healthier balance between their digital lives and their real-world experiences can help them grow not just as players, but as individuals. He encourages his team to focus on the joy of the game and the camaraderie that comes with being part of something bigger than themselves.
Sam Pittman’s reflection on the value of living in the moment is a timely reminder of the importance of presence in a world that’s constantly pulling us toward our screens. Whether it’s in the context of a football game, a family gathering, or simply spending time with friends, there is value in choosing to put the phone down and engage with the world directly.
For Pittman, this mindset is about embracing what makes sports—and life—truly meaningful: the shared experiences, the highs and lows, and the simple, unfiltered moments that we carry with us long after the final whistle blows. His message is not just for athletes or fans but for everyone who feels the pull of modern technology. It’s a call to remember that some of life’s best moments don’t need to be captured or shared—they just need to be lived.
As Pittman concluded in his interview, “There’s a time and place for everything. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is to just look up, be present, and enjoy the moment right in front of you. Those are the memories that stick with you forever.” His words are a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of human connection, presence, and the joy of simply living in the moment.