As the summer break draws to a close, the excitement for the upcoming NFL season intensifies with teams kicking off their training camps. The Houston Texans were among the first, starting their camp on a Wednesday. This week also marks the reporting period for most of the league’s rookies, bringing fresh hope and new faces into the mix.
Jalen Hurts: Philadelphia's Key Player
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a focal point for the team. One year after securing a then-record $255 million deal, Hurts shows no signs of slowing down. His recent battles, most notably going toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years ago, underscore his competitive edge. 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’ performance last year has facilitated the arrival of Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator, a strategic move that could determine the fate of head coach Nick Sirianni.
Devin White: Champion on and off the Field
On a different note, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White has a passion that extends beyond football. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White developed a love for horse riding early on. Josh Edwards noted, "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 dedication is evident in the multiple horses and property he owns to house them, and he is considering focusing on an equestrian discipline like dressage, cross country, or jumping.
Gable Steveson: From Wrestling to Football
Among the NFL's more unique talents is Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson, a former Olympic gold medalist. Steveson clinched gold in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Edwards further elaborates, "Steveson was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL." His transition from wrestling to football adds another layer of depth to his already impressive athletic pedigree.
Adam Thielen's Dual Talents
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen is another athlete showcasing talents beyond the gridiron. Thielen has made a name for himself in pro-am golf tournaments, recently finishing seventh at the American Century Championship. 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." This athletic versatility speaks volumes about Thielen’s capabilities and dedication.
Tom Brady's Influential Year in Tampa Bay
Tom Brady's influence on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was profound, especially during the year they won Super Bowl LV. Brady’s arrival attracted several high-caliber free agents, and every point scored by the Buccaneers in their Super Bowl victory came from players who weren’t on the team the previous year. However, not all interactions were positive, as Terrell Owens revealed, "Tom Brady 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 Facing NFL Teams
The Baltimore Ravens are grappling with significant changes in their roster. The departure of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson, coupled with concerns over Ronnie Stanley’s lingering knee issues, leaves the team with many uncertainties. Jared Dubin encapsulates this scenario well: "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 adapting to life without Joe Mixon, turning to Zack Moss as his replacement. Dubin points out further challenges in the league, stating, "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."
2024 UFL College Draft Highlights
On another front, the United Football League held its 2024 UFL College Draft on a Wednesday, with six quarterbacks being selected. Jason Bean was the No. 1 overall pick, while John Rhys Plumlee was picked third. Additionally, Colts quarterbacks Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis found new homes through the draft, showcasing the ongoing evolution and opportunities within the league.
As the NFL inches closer to the new season, these developments and stories will undoubtedly shape the narrative of what promises to be an exciting year in football.