As summer winds down and the NFL gears up for another exhilarating season, training camps have kicked off amidst a flurry of anticipation and excitement. The Houston Texans marked the beginning of their camp on a Wednesday, setting the stage for rookies everywhere to report this week. It's a time of renewal and rebuilding for many teams and players.
Jalen Hurts: The Eagles' Offensive Dynamo
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been a focal point of attention ever since he inked a then-record $255 million deal a year ago. As 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' more mercurial follow-up to his breakout 2022 season paved the way for Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator. With Nick Sirianni's fate intricately tied to Hurts' trajectory in this new system, the upcoming season will be pivotal. It's evident that the young quarterback's performance will play a significant role in shaping the Eagles' future.
Devin White’s Equestrian Passion
Not every NFL star spends his offseason focusing solely on football. Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White indulges in his passion for horse riding. "Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and has had a passion for it ever since," Josh Edwards mentioned. White owns several horses and a property to house them, displaying his deep-rooted connection to equestrian activities. Whether it’s dressage, cross country, or jumping, White’s versatility on the field mirrors his diverse interests off it.
Gable Steveson: From Olympic Glory to NFL Gridirons
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson is not just making headlines for his football prowess. The former wrestler won a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. As Josh Edwards stated, "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’s transition from a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota to an NFL defensive lineman showcases his incredible athletic versatility and determination.
Adam Thielen’s Golf Success
While many NFL players turn to golf during the offseason, few achieve the success Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen has. Recently finishing seventh at the American Century Championship, Thielen’s golfing skills are well-documented. "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer," Josh Edwards observed, noting Thielen’s impressive 0.6 handicap. His ability to excel in both football and golf speaks volumes about his athletic talent and dedication.
Tom Brady’s Influence and Controversy
Tom Brady's move to Tampa Bay was a game-changer, attracting several high-profile free agents to the Buccaneers. Notably, during their Super Bowl LV victory, every point scored came from players who were new to the team that year. However, not all interactions surrounding Brady have been positive. Terrell Owens recounted a less-than-favorable experience: "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."
Challenges and Changes Across the League
The Baltimore Ravens face significant challenges with the departure of key players such as Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Jared Dubin reflected on the situation: "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."
For the Cincinnati Bengals, parting ways with Joe Mixon signifies a major shift, looking to Zack Moss as a potential replacement. Dubin also commented on the uncertainties facing several teams: "The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... 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? 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."
UFL College Draft Highlights
While the NFL garners much of the spotlight, the United Football League (UFL) is also making waves. The 2024 UFL College Draft took place on a Wednesday, with a total of six quarterbacks selected. Notably, Jason Bean was the No. 1 overall pick, followed by John Rhys Plumlee at No. 3. Two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through the draft, highlighting the competitive nature and opportunities within the UFL.
As teams navigate these changes and challenges, the upcoming season promises to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and unexpected twists. With training camps in full swing, fans eagerly await the thrilling action that only the NFL can deliver.