As the summer break draws to a close, NFL teams are gearing up for what promises to be an action-packed season. Training camps have kicked off, with the Houston Texans leading the charge on a Wednesday start. This week, most of the rookies are set to report, and the excitement around the league is palpable.
Jalen Hurts: A Quarterback in the Spotlight
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts finds himself at the center of attention. A year has passed since Hurts secured a then-record $255 million deal, and two years since he faced off against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Cody Benjamin remarked, "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 in 2022 facilitated Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator, and Nick Sirianni's fate as head coach could very well hinge on Hurts' trajectory in the new system.
Devin White's Equestrian Passion
Switching from quarterbacks to linebackers, the Philadelphia Eagles' Devin White has showcased his interests off the field. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White developed a love for horse riding, a hobby he still passionately pursues. Josh Edwards highlighted, "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 a property to house them, making him a unique figure among his peers.
Gable Steveson: From Olympics to NFL
The world of professional wrestling has also made a significant impact on the NFL. Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson transitioned from an illustrious wrestling career to the gridiron. Edwards noted, "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 also a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota, which has equipped him uniquely for his NFL career.
Adam Thielen: A Dual-Sport Star
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen is another multi-talented athlete who has achieved success in both football and golf. Thielen recently finished seventh at the American Century Championship, adding another accomplishment to his impressive career. As 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. One report stated that his handicap is a 0.6."
Tom Brady's Influence in Tampa Bay
Meanwhile, Tom Brady's influence on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot be overstated. His arrival helped attract several free agents to the team, culminating in a Super Bowl LV victory where every point was scored by players who weren't on the team the year prior. However, his decision-making didn't always sit well with fellow players. Terrell Owens explained, "Tom Brady ignored me. The year that AB went crazy... 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," adding a layer of complexity to Brady's storied career.
Challenges Facing NFL Teams
Several NFL teams face significant challenges as they prepare for the new season. The Baltimore Ravens are dealing with the departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson, along with Ronnie Stanley's lingering knee issues. Jared Dubin commented, "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."
In Cincinnati, the Bengals have moved on from Joe Mixon, looking to replace him with Zack Moss. Dubin noted the uncertainty the team faces: "The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... There's a lot of uncertainty there."
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are similarly grappling with changes. Deshaun Watson has not performed well since 2020, posing a significant question about his future contribution to the Browns. Dubin added, "Deshaun Watson hasn't been good since 2020. It is wholly unreasonable to count on him being good this year." The Steelers are coping with the loss of Diontae Johnson, while seeking substantial improvements from either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
UFL College Draft: Rising Stars
Beyond the NFL, the United Football League (UFL) held its 2024 UFL College Draft on a Wednesday, marking a significant event for college players. Jason Bean was selected No. 1 overall, and John Rhys Plumlee picked at No. 3. Two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through the draft, highlighting the depth of talent emerging in the UFL.
As training camps progress and teams adjust to new rosters, strategies, and coaches, the upcoming NFL season promises to captivate fans with its blend of talent, drama, and competition. Each team's journey will undoubtedly add new chapters to the ever-evolving story of professional football.