As summer transitions into the football season, NFL teams are getting ready for the challenges ahead, starting with their training camps. Notably, the Houston Texans have already begun their preparations, commencing their camp midweek, while most rookies are expected to join their respective squads this week.
Jalen Hurts: The Catalyst for Change
One player in the spotlight is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. A year removed from securing a $255 million deal, Hurts continues to be a pivotal figure for his team. His impressive duel with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years ago is still fresh in fans' minds. Cody Benjamin captures the essence of Hurts' journey, stating, "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 has also played a significant role in facilitating changes within the Eagles’ coaching staff, including the arrival of Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator. As Benjamin notes, "Hurts' trajectory in the new system could determine the fate of coach Nick Sirianni as well."
A Love Beyond the Gridiron
The Philadelphia Eagles also boast linebacker Devin White, who has a unique passion outside of football—horse riding. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White developed his equestrian skills early. Josh Edwards highlights this aspect of White’s life, writing, "Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and has had a passion for it ever since." White owns several horses and even has a property dedicated to housing them, reflecting his deep-rooted love for the sport.
A Champion's Journey
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson stands out not only for his football skills but also for his remarkable achievements in wrestling. Steveson won a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Edwards accentuates his exceptional career, stating, "Steveson was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL." Steveson's transition from wrestling to football adds a layer of intrigue to his athletic prowess.
Adam Thielen: Master of Two Sports
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen has made a name for himself not only on the football field but also in golf. Thielen recently showcased his golfing talent by finishing seventh in the American Century Championship. Edwards mentions, "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer." Thielen’s prowess in golf, where he maintains an impressive handicap of 0.6, sets him apart as a versatile athlete.
Tom Brady's Influence in Tampa Bay
Tom Brady's arrival in Tampa Bay was a game-changer for the Buccaneers. His presence attracted several free agents to the team, significantly contributing to their success. Remarkably, every point scored by the Buccaneers in their Super Bowl LV victory was by players who joined the team after Brady’s arrival. However, not everyone found inspiration in Brady. NFL legend Terrell Owens shared his disappointment, saying, "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 for the Ravens and Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens are facing significant challenges with the departure of key players such as Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Jared Dubin explains, "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."
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are coping with the loss of running back Joe Mixon, looking to fill his position with Zack Moss. Dubin points out the uncertainties facing the team, including the performance of Deshaun Watson, who hasn’t met expectations since 2020. "Deshaun Watson hasn't been good since 2020. It is wholly unreasonable to count on him being good this year," he asserts.
UFL College Draft Highlights
In the realm of emerging football talent, the United Football League's 2024 UFL College Draft took place on a Wednesday, marking the beginning of many young athletes’ professional careers. Six quarterbacks were selected during this draft, with Jason Bean being picked first overall, followed by John Rhys Plumlee as the No. 3 pick. The draft also saw two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, finding new opportunities with different teams.
As the NFL season draws nearer, each team's preparation and the individual stories of players will undoubtedly shape an exciting and unpredictable season. From established superstars to promising rookies, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in professional football.