What Is “Bloody Tuesday” For Utah Football?

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — University of Utah football is known for being a hard-nosed team of discipline and defense. In almost every season preview about the Utes, Utah is described as “blue-collared,” disciplined, and tough.

Since 2014, the Utah defense has usually been in the top three in yards per allowed in the Pac-12 and points allowed. All of that translates into being a really good defensive squad.

So, how does Utah do that? Utah defensive lineman Devin Kaufusi joined KSL’s UnRivaled and explained how “Bloody Tuesday” helps the team prepare for its opponents each week with a very physical practice.

Want to know what "Bloody Tuesday" is for @Utah_Football?@devskaufusi gives insight to this type of intense practice. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Wv4mGxkYvS

— KSL Unrivaled (@KSLunrivaled) September 1, 2021

“Usually during the season, our Tuesday practices, are our full go, big day of practice or full pads. We have the most practice periods at like 19 something plus we do all the hard stuff,” Kaufusi said. “We do all the hitting. We do all the drills. We have all the big-hitting in it, the tackling, the running is all on Tuesday.”

“It is ‘Bloody Tuesday’ because it gets bloody. Instead of warming up normally and stretching, we start running as our warm up. Coaches get us tired and we do conditioning as our warm-up, it is hard on us though, and it is bloody.”

At Pac-12 media days, sports.ksl.com’s Alex Kirry and Scott Mitchell were told by opposing coaches and players that Utah is a very strong, tough, and physical team. This is Utah’s culture. It’s what the Utes are known for and opponents know what to get when they line up against them, and especially on defense.

Worst Injury Was Not In Football

While “Bloody Tuesday” can lead to some physical play, it has not led to any major injuries for Kaufusi. The worst injury he has ever suffered did not come from playing football. He has a large 15-inch scar across his forearm due to a broken arm that he suffered when in the fifth grade. The injury came after he lost a bet.

Last night we had @devskaufusi in studio for a FULL HOUR.

– What is his worst injury
– First look at Weber State
– Going from BYU to Utah
– What the heck is "Bloody Tuesday"https://t.co/v4AQ7aXAAG pic.twitter.com/3hv6RVDsKC

— KSL Unrivaled (@KSLunrivaled) September 1, 2021

Kaufusi was challenged to jump off a ledge. Being a 10-year, he couldn’t resist the chance to earn $100 to jump. However, the jump was a bit more than he thought.

“I was playing around with my friends in the neighborhood up on the mountain in Provo and they had a big property. The older brother bet me $100 to jump off and clear this ledge. I am in fifth grade and have never seen 100 bucks in my life, but I would sure love to,” Kaufusi said. “All the neighborhood girls are there so I am like, ‘heck ya, I’ll take your money.’ I love jumping off and over things so when I jump off it is a lot higher than it is and I snap my arm in two places.”

That was his biggest injury to date and nothing compared to what Kaufusi has dealt with as a football player.

Utah defensive lineman Devin Kaufusi will join KSL’s UnRivaled each Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. during the college football season.

Tune into KSL Unrivaled every Monday through Friday, 7-9 p.m., or subscribe to the podcast. Also, download the all-new KSL Sports app on iOS or Android.

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