Training Camps Kick Off as NFL Faces Dynamic Shifts
As the summer break wraps up, NFL teams are diving into their training camps, signaling the start of rigorous preparations for the upcoming season. The Houston Texans got a jumpstart, beginning their camp on a Wednesday, with most rookies slated to report this week. One significant focus in these early days is the specter of contracts and player movements, which will undeniably shape the narrative of the season.
Jalen Hurts: A Season of Expectations
All eyes are on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who secured a monumental $255 million deal a year ago. This contract marks Hurts as a pivotal figure, especially after his heated face-off with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years back. Cody Benjamin noted, "One year after landing a then-record $255 million deal, and two years after going toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, Hurts isn't going anywhere."
Hurts' performance this season carries substantial weight. "That starts with Hurts, whose more mercurial follow-up to 2022's breakout helped facilitate Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator," Benjamin emphasized. The trajectory of Hurts under Moore could very well decide the fate of head coach Nick Sirianni.
Devin White: A Passion Beyond Football
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White not only makes headlines on the field but also garners attention for his off-field pursuits. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White developed a passion for horse riding. Josh Edwards highlighted this unique facet of White's life: "Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and has had a passion for it ever since." White's equestrian interests span various disciplines, from dressage to show jumping, demonstrating his multifaceted talents.
Gable Steveson: From Wrestling Mat to NFL Field
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings with him the prestige of an Olympic gold medal, which he won in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. A two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota, Steveson is now transitioning his formidable skills to the gridiron. Edwards remarked, "Steveson was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL."
Adam Thielen: Excellence on Greens and Gridiron
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen isn't just excelling on the football field. His prowess extends to the world of pro-am golf tournaments, where he has made notable achievements. Thielen recently clinched a seventh-place finish at the American Century Championship. Edwards commented on Thielen's golfing skills: "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer. One report stated that his handicap is a 0.6."
Challenges for the Ravens and Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens face significant challenges with the departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Jared Dubin reflected on the issues plaguing the Ravens, stating, "The Ravens seemingly always figure things out up front; but with Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson leaving, and Ronnie Stanley both experiencing lingering effects of his knee issues and not playing at as high a level as he once did, there are a lot of balls up in the air."
Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals are in a period of transition after moving on from Joe Mixon, looking to replace him with Zack Moss. Dubin observed, "There's a lot of uncertainty there. Deshaun Watson hasn't been good since 2020. It is wholly unreasonable to count on him being good this year. Can the Browns keep winning if he keeps disappointing?" The Steelers, meanwhile, face their own set of challenges without Diontae Johnson to soak up targets, relying instead on a potential Russell Wilson bounce-back or a significant leap from Justin Fields.
Tom Brady’s Impact and a Growing Rift
Tom Brady's influence on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot be overstated. His arrival drew several free agents to the team, leading to a Super Bowl LV victory where every point was scored by players who were not part of the team the previous year. However, behind the scenes, not all interactions have been harmonious. Former NFL superstar Terrell Owens shared his disappointment: "Tom Brady ignored me. The year that AB went crazy... they just needed somebody to fill some holes with AB leaving at the receiver position. I reached out to him through Randy [Moss] and some other people, just to come in and play third down and red zone situations. This dude ignored me. It just shows you the lack of respect there, but then when they get in front of you they want to act like they respect you."
UFL College Draft Adds New Talent
The United Football League's 2024 UFL College Draft was marked by notable selections, particularly of quarterbacks. A total of six quarterbacks were chosen, with Jason Bean going No. 1 overall. John Rhys Plumlee was selected third. Notably, two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean, and Kedon Slovis, were among those finding new homes through the draft, highlighting the ongoing evolution and talent influx into the league.
As NFL teams continue their preparations, the stories of players and their dynamic paths—whether in football, personal passions like horse riding, or even transitioning from wrestling—paint a complex, engaging portrait of the season to come.