As summer draws to a close, the anticipation for the NFL season heats up with teams kicking off their training camps. The Houston Texans set the tone by starting their camp on a Wednesday, marking the beginning of weeks filled with rigorous preparation and evaluation. This period is crucial as most rookies report this week, eager to make their mark in the professional league.
Jalen Hurts: The Million-Dollar Man
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a focal point, especially after securing a then-record $255 million deal a year ago. Reflecting on his performance, 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' trajectory will be pivotal, not just for his personal career but also for the fate of coach Nick Sirianni, as Kellen Moore comes on board as the new offensive coordinator.
Beyond the Gridiron: Devin White's Equestrian Pursuits
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White has interests that extend beyond the football field. White's passion for horse riding is well documented. Growing up in rural Louisiana, he learned to ride horses at an early age and continues to nurture this passion by owning several horses and a property to house them. Josh Edwards highlighted White's dedication, mentioning, "There are multiple elements of equestrian, like dressage, cross country, jumping, etc. ... so White could focus on one discipline."
Gable Steveson: From Wrestling Gold to NFL Glory
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson is not new to the spotlight. As a gold medalist in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota, Steveson’s athletic prowess is unquestionable. Josh Edwards emphasized Steveson's transition, stating, "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: A Dual Threat
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen is known for his success on the football field and in pro-am golf tournaments. Known for his impressive handicap of 0.6, Thielen recently showcased his golfing skills by finishing seventh at the American Century Championship. Josh Edwards pointed out, "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer."
Tom Brady’s Impact in Tampa Bay
Tom Brady's tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has had a ripple effect throughout the league. His arrival drew several free agents to the Buccaneers, significantly altering the team's dynamics. One notable consequence was that every point scored by the Buccaneers in their Super Bowl LV victory came from players who weren't on the team the prior year. However, not all interactions have been smooth. Terrell Owens expressed frustration, saying, "Tom Brady ignored me... It just shows you the lack of respect there."
Ravens and Bengals Face Challenges
As teams gear up for the new season, the Ravens are contending with significant changes on their offensive line. The departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson have left gaps that the team is working to fill. Jared Dubin remarked, "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 Bengals are navigating their own set of challenges, parting ways with Joe Mixon and eyeing Zack Moss as his replacement. Deshaun Watson's performance since 2020 has been underwhelming, raising questions about the Browns’ prospects. "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?" Jared Dubin pondered. The Steelers, on the other hand, are seeking replacements for Diontae Johnson, hoping for a Russell Wilson resurgence or a significant leap from Justin Fields to stay competitive.
UFL College Draft Highlights
Outside of the NFL, the United Football League (UFL) recently held its 2024 College Draft, selecting six quarterbacks with Jason Bean going No. 1 overall and John Rhys Plumlee at No. 3. Notably, the Colts saw two of their quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, find new opportunities through the draft.
As training camp progresses, the narratives and dynamics within these teams will unfold, setting the stage for another thrilling NFL season. The mix of new talents, seasoned players, and strategic overhauls promises an exciting journey for teams and fans alike.