As summer edges towards its end, NFL teams are diligently preparing for the coming season with the commencement of their training camps. The Houston Texans were among the early starters, kicking off their camp on a recent Wednesday. The anticipation is further heightened as most rookies are expected to report this week, marking the true beginning of the grind leading up to the NFL season.
Jalen Hurts: The Philadelphia Anchor
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a pivotal figure in discussions. Hurts, who secured a historic $255 million deal a year ago, continues to be a linchpin for the Eagles. His memorable duel with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years ago is still fresh in the minds of fans. Cody Benjamin aptly notes, "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." As the Eagles look ahead, the synergy between Hurts and Moore will be under the microscope, especially with Coach Sirianni's future potentially at stake.
Off-Field Passions: Devin White and Adam Thielen
Off the field, players continue to pursue their passions. Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White, for instance, has a deep-seated love for horse riding. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and now owns several horses and a property to house them. Josh Edwards elaborates, "There are multiple elements of equestrian, like dressage, cross country, jumping, etc. ... so White could focus on one discipline."
Similarly, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen has showcased his golfing prowess in various pro-am golf tournaments. Thielen recently finished seventh at the American Century Championship, demonstrating his versatility beyond the gridiron. Edwards comments, "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." Thielen's athletic versatility sets him apart, highlighting the varied interests and talents of NFL players.
From Wrestling Mat to NFL Scuffles: Gable Steveson
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings a unique set of accolades to the NFL. Steveson, who won a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, was also a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota. His transition to the NFL has raised eyebrows and expectations alike. Edwards succinctly captures Steveson’s impact: "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. Steveson was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL."
Challenges and Changes: Ravens and Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens are contending with significant roster changes this season. The departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson have left noticeable gaps in their lineup. In addition, Ronnie Stanley is still dealing with lingering knee issues, affecting his performance on the field. Jared Dubin provides insight, "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."
The Cincinnati Bengals, on the other hand, are navigating the transition from Joe Mixon to Zack Moss as their primary running back. Dubin again weighs in, "The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... There's a lot of uncertainty there." Meanwhile, the performance of Deshaun Watson remains a point of contention, as he hasn't shown his top form since 2020. Dubin continues, "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? And then the Steelers both no longer have Diontae Johnson to soak up targets, and are counting on either a Russell Wilson bounce-back or Justin Fields taking a significant step."
United Football League Draft Insights
Turning to the United Football League, a notable event this past week was the 2024 UFL College Draft, held on a Wednesday. A total of six quarterbacks were selected, with Jason Bean being the top overall pick. John Rhys Plumlee was picked third, showcasing the competitive landscape for up-and-coming quarterbacks. Notably, two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through the draft.
These movements and narratives demonstrate the dynamic and multifaceted nature of professional football, where athletic prowess is complemented by personal passions, strategic transitions, and the ever-present scrutiny on player performance and team success. As the NFL season looms, these stories will continue to evolve, adding depth and excitement to the world of sports.