As summer edges to a close, NFL teams are igniting their engines for another electrifying season. Training camps have begun, with notable actions occurring across the league. The Houston Texans kicked off their camp this past Wednesday, while rookies flood into camps this week, eager to showcase their talents and secure roster spots.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Jalen Hurts Effect
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a central figure in the team's strategy. A year ago, Hurts secured a then-record $255 million deal, solidifying his value to the Eagles. His daring face-off against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years ago remains a testament to his competitive prowess.
"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," noted Cody Benjamin. "That starts with Hurts, whose more mercurial follow-up to 2022's breakout helped facilitate Kellen Moore's arrival as the new offensive coordinator. Hurts' trajectory in the new system could determine the fate of coach Nick Sirianni as well."
Meanwhile, Eagles linebacker Devin White nurtures a passion off the field. White, who learned horse riding in rural Louisiana, owns several horses and a property dedicated to them. "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. "There are multiple elements of equestrian, like dressage, cross country, jumping, etc. ... so White could focus on one discipline."
Olympian Turns NFL Star
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings an Olympic pedigree to the gridiron. The gold medalist, who triumphed in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, was a wrestling powerhouse at Minnesota, clinching two national championships.
"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," Josh Edwards said. "Steveson was a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL."
Adam Thielen: From the Gridiron to the Greens
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen has found success beyond football, excelling in pro-am golf tournaments. His recent performance at the American Century Championship saw him secure a seventh-place finish.
"It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer," Josh Edwards commented. "One report stated that his handicap is a 0.6."
Challenges and Changes
The Ravens are grappling with the departure of key players Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Ronnie Stanley's lingering knee issues and declining performance compound these challenges.
"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," Jared Dubin pointed out.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals have moved on from Joe Mixon, seeking to fill his shoes with Zack Moss. The uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson's performance remains a shadow over the Browns.
"The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss," Dubin observed. "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."
Tom Brady's Impact
Tom Brady's tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers left a significant mark, attracting several free agents and culminating in a Super Bowl LV victory. Terrell Owens, however, recalled a personal disappointment during Brady's time in Tampa.
"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," Owens expressed.
United Football League College Draft
The United Football League recently held its 2024 UFL College Draft, witnessing six quarterbacks being selected. Jason Bean emerged as the No. 1 overall pick, with John Rhys Plumlee following at No. 3. Two former Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean, and Kedon Slovis, also found new teams through the UFL draft, marking a pivotal moment for the league.
As training camps unfold and the pre-season action escalates, these stories illustrate the enduring dynamism and intrigue of the NFL, both on and off the field.