As summer break draws to a close, the NFL gears up for its annual ritual: training camps. The Houston Texans have already kicked things off, marking the beginning of a season filled with high expectations and burgeoning talent. For many teams, the focus this week is on the rookies as they report for duty, hoping to make their mark in the big leagues.
The Jalen Hurts Phenomenon
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to be a focal point in conversations around the league. "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," noted Cody Benjamin. His impressive performance has not only secured him an astronomical contract but also influenced significant changes within the team's coaching strategy. "That starts with Hurts, whose more mercurial follow-up to 2022's breakout helped facilitate Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator. Hurts' trajectory in the new system could determine the fate of coach Nick Sirianni as well."
Off-Field Pursuits of NFL Stars
Beyond the gridiron, several NFL stars have intriguing hobbies that add depth to their public personas. Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White, for instance, is an avid horse rider. Josh Edwards highlighted White's rural upbringing, explaining, "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 love for equestrian pursuits runs deep, with multiple horses and a property to house them.
Meanwhile, Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson's athletic prowess extends beyond football. Steveson won a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota. "Steveson is the only gold medalist on this list. He won the medal in the 125kg weight class as part of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics," said Edwards. Now, his wrestling skills are translating onto the football field, where he uses his technique to break through blocks.
Golf Wonders and Missed Opportunities
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen isn't just a force in football; he's a standout in the pro-am golf circuit as well. Thielen recently achieved a seventh-place finish at the American Century Championship, a testament to his golfing skills. Edwards remarked, "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."
However, not all off-field ventures have happy endings. In a candid revelation, Terrell Owens shared his experience with Tom Brady. "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." Owens' words depict the often unspoken narratives in professional sports, where off-field politics can sometimes overshadow on-field talent.
Team Dynamics and Tactical Shifts
The Baltimore Ravens are grappling with significant changes in their lineup. The departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson have left critical gaps in the offensive line. According to Jared Dubin, "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 navigating their own personnel shifts, having moved on from Joe Mixon and eyeing Zack Moss as his replacement. Dubin notes, "The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... There's a lot of uncertainty there."
Challenges and Uncertain Futures
For some teams, player performance is key to future success. Deshaun Watson of the Browns has struggled to regain his form since 2020, casting doubt on his future contributions. "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?" questions Dubin.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers face their own set of challenges. With Diontae Johnson no longer available to soak up targets, the team is banking on either a resurgence from Russell Wilson or a significant leap from Justin Fields.
The 2024 UFL College Draft
In other football news, the 2024 UFL College Draft was held on a Wednesday, spotlighting the future stars of the game. A total of six quarterbacks were selected, with Jason Bean going No. 1 overall and John Rhys Plumlee taken at No. 3. Notably, two quarterbacks from the Colts, Jason Bean, and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through the draft.
As the NFL training camps unfold, these stories—both on and off the field—will shape the narrative of the upcoming season, highlighting the intricate dynamics and multifaceted lives of professional football players.