Kansas State Players Criticized for Running Stadium Steps in Snow

Fans on social media questioned the safety of the offseason workout, sparking debate about the toughness of modern college football players.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:23am

Kansas State football players were recently filmed running stadium steps in the snow as part of their offseason training program. This sparked criticism from some fans on social media, who questioned the safety and necessity of such a demanding workout. The debate highlights the evolving attitudes towards player welfare and the changing culture of college football, where players now have more power and leverage than in the past.

Why it matters

The backlash to Kansas State's offseason workout reflects a broader shift in how college football is perceived and discussed. While intense training has long been a part of the sport, some argue that modern players are seen as too "soft" compared to past generations. This raises questions about the balance between player safety and the traditional toughness associated with the game.

The details

The Kansas State players were filmed running up and down the stadium steps at Bill Snyder Family Stadium while it was snowing. Some fans on social media criticized the workout, arguing that it was unsafe and unnecessary. They suggested that the players could be at risk of injury or illness from the extreme conditions. However, proponents of the workout argued that it was a time-honored tradition that builds camaraderie and mental toughness among the team.

  • The Kansas State players were filmed running the stadium steps in the snow during their offseason training program in January 2026.

The players

Kansas State Wildcats

The college football team from Kansas State University, known for their intense offseason training programs.

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What they’re saying

“When did we get so soft as a football-watching society?”

— Paul "Bear" Bryant

“Attorneys? Personal injury claims? Guys, come on! When did we get so soft as a football-watching society?”

— Anonymous, Outkick Columnist

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between player safety and the traditional toughness associated with college football. As the sport evolves, there are questions about whether modern players are seen as too "soft" compared to past generations, and how that perception impacts the culture and expectations around the game.