Estimating: The Football Game of Construction

Football and estimating share more in common than one might think. Just like a football game, estimating is a process that requires strategy, preparation, execution, and sometimes, the ability to pivot quickly when things go awry. In both cases, the stakes are high, the clock is always ticking, and a single misstep can cost you the game—or in construction terms, the project. Let’s take a look at some memorable moments from football over the past five years and draw parallels to the world of estimating.

1. The Kickoff: Setting the Stage

Think back to Super Bowl LV (2021), where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game started with excitement and anticipation, just like the initial project kickoff meeting in estimating. Everyone is aligned, reviewing scope, timelines, and budgets. But much like the first snap of a football game, the outcome is still unwritten. Tom Brady’s leadership and precision set the tone for the Buccaneers, just like an experienced estimator sets the stage for a successful project, getting every detail right from the very start. Preparation is everything.

2. The Drive: Making Adjustments Along the Way

Football is fluid, and so is estimating. Plans can change at any moment, and like an offense driving down the field, estimators need to adapt. Take, for instance, the 2022 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. In a game that saw an explosive 25 points scored in the final two minutes of regulation, both teams had to constantly adjust, strategizing around every defensive and offensive shift. Estimating works the same way—when unexpected changes, like scope additions or material price hikes, come your way, being agile and adjusting quickly is the key to staying on track.

3. Fourth and Long: Handling Tight Deadlines

There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a critical fourth-down play to win or lose the game. Picture the Los Angeles Rams' final drive in Super Bowl LVI (2022) against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was 4th and 1 on the Bengals' 49-yard line, and the Rams had no room for error. They needed a precise play to keep the drive alive, which resulted in Cooper Kupp’s crucial catch to extend the possession. In estimating, we face our own “fourth and long” moments—tight deadlines, last-minute requests, and the constant push to get bids in on time. In these moments, precision and a calm approach, just like that final drive, make all the difference. The Rams executed under pressure, and so must estimators.

4. Overtime: When Projects Go Long

Sometimes the project doesn’t go according to plan, and that’s where estimating becomes like an overtime football game. Think back to the 2022 AFC Championship, where the Cincinnati Bengals stunned the Chiefs in overtime. The Bengals were down by 18 points at one stage, but resilience paid off. As an estimator, you may sometimes feel like you're in overtime when unforeseen conditions or scope changes extend the project. Like Joe Burrow and the Bengals, success often comes from pushing through adversity, adjusting your strategies, and staying composed under pressure.

5. The Game-Winning Kick: Sealing the Deal

Just like football, the estimate doesn’t end until the final whistle. Even after all the numbers have been crunched and the bids are in, there’s always that game-winning moment, much like the final kick to win the game. For instance, the walk-off field goal by Evan McPherson in the 2022 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Titans—a 52-yard clutch moment that sent the Bengals to the AFC Championship. In estimating, this might be the final negotiation with a client or the last-minute submission of a bid. Every detail matters, and sometimes, it’s these final moments that determine whether you win the project or go back to the drawing board.

6. The Post-Game Review: Learning from Wins and Losses

One of the most critical aspects of both football and estimating is the post-game review. After the game is over, teams break down every play to see what worked, what didn’t, and how they can improve next time. In estimating, the post-bid review serves the same purpose. Just like the Philadelphia Eagles reviewed every decision that led to their victory in Super Bowl LII (2018) over the New England Patriots, estimators should take time to reflect on each bid, learn from both mistakes and successes, and use that knowledge to refine their process for the next project.

Conclusion

Estimating, much like football, is a game of strategy, adjustments, and execution under pressure. Both require preparation, teamwork, and the ability to stay focused, even when the odds seem stacked against you. The memorable moments in football, from the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory to the Bengals’ clutch playoff performances, remind us that success is often found in the details, the adjustments, and the perseverance to see the game through to the end. So the next time you’re in the middle of a tough estimate, just remember—it's your own version of the big game, and with the right preparation, strategy, and execution, you can come out on top.