Training Camps Kick Off as NFL Teams Gear Up for the Season
As summer break winds down, the excitement for the upcoming NFL season begins to build. Teams across the league are kicking off their training camps, with major storylines emerging that could shape the landscape of the season to come.
Jalen Hurts: A Pivotal Year Ahead
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts finds himself at the center of attention. One year after securing a then-record $255 million deal, Hurts is poised for another critical season. Reflecting on his meteoric rise, 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 this season will be under scrutiny as it facilitated the arrival of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. The success of the Eagles, and potentially the fate of coach Nick Sirianni, hinges on Hurts’ trajectory in Moore’s system.
Devin White’s Unique Passion
Off the field, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White is known for his passion for horse riding. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White developed a love for equestrian activities at an early age. Josh Edwards commented, “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, indulging in various equestrian disciplines like dressage, cross country, and jumping.
Buffalo’s Golden Asset: Gable Steveson
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings Olympic pedigree to the NFL. Steveson won a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota. His transition to football has been noteworthy. “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,” added Edwards. Steveson’s wrestling background equips him with unique leverage and block-deconstruction skills, making him a formidable presence on the Bills’ defensive line.
Adam Thielen Shines in Golf
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen isn’t just making headlines on the football field. Thielen’s prowess in pro-am golf tournaments has been impressive. Recently, he finished seventh at the American Century Championship. Edwards remarked, “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.” Thielen’s athletic dexterity continues to shine across multiple sports.
Tom Brady’s Lasting Influence
Tom Brady’s arrival in Tampa Bay had a seismic impact, drawing numerous free agents to the Buccaneers. Every point scored in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory came from players not on the team the prior year. However, some relationships didn’t flourish. Reflecting on his own experience, Terrell Owens shared, “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 on the Horizon for the Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens face critical issues with the departure of key players like Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Additionally, Ronnie Stanley’s lingering knee issues have affected his performance. 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.” The Ravens will need to strategize effectively to maintain their stronghold in the AFC.
Bengals, Browns, and Steelers Adjusting Roles
The Bengals have moved on from running back Joe Mixon and are looking to Zack Moss as a potential replacement. At the same time, the Browns face uncertainty with Deshaun Watson, who hasn't performed well since 2020. “The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... There’s a lot of uncertainty there,” Dubin added. “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?”
The Steelers, without wide receiver Diontae Johnson to soak up targets, are also in a state of flux, and Dubin suggests they are counting on a remarkable turnaround from either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
2024 UFL College Draft Takes Center Stage
Meanwhile, the United Football League held its 2024 UFL College Draft. A total of six quarterbacks were selected, with Jason Bean going No. 1 overall and John Rhys Plumlee at No. 3. Notably, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, both former Colts quarterbacks, found new homes through the draft.
As the NFL training camps progress, these narratives will continue to develop, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season.