As summer break winds down, the NFL buzzes with activity as teams kick off their training camps. The Houston Texans have already started, getting a head start on what promises to be an intense preparation period. Meanwhile, most rookies are set to report this week, marking the beginning of their professional journeys.
Quarterback Chronicles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a central figure in NFL discussions. One year after landing a then-record $255 million deal, Hurts continues to draw attention. "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. This season, Hurts' performance will be under scrutiny, particularly with the arrival of Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator. His trajectory in the new system could significantly impact the fate of coach Nick Sirianni as well.
Hurts isn't just pivotal within the Eagles' camp. His role indirectly facilitated Kellen Moore's arrival, as noted by insiders. This change brings a fresh dynamic to the Eagles' offensive strategies, and how Hurts adapts will be crucial for the team’s success.
Personal Passions of NFL Stars
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Devin White is known not only for his on-field prowess but also for his off-field passions. White has a unique hobby—horse riding. "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. White's love for horses is not just a fleeting interest; he owns several horses and a property to house them. His equestrian pursuits include dressage, cross country, and jumping.
Another interesting personal story comes from Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson, a remarkable athlete with a gold medal in the 125kg weight class from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. "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. The two-time national champion wrestler from Minnesota is leveraging his physical prowess to make an impact in the NFL.
Off-the-Field Achievements
Off the gridiron, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen has been making waves in the world of golf. Thielen recently finished seventh at the American Century Championship, building a reputation as an impressive golfer. "It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer," commented Josh Edwards. With a handicap of 0.6, Thielen’s golfing skills are undeniably noteworthy.
Meanwhile, Tom Brady's influence in the NFL extends beyond his performance on the field. His arrival in Tampa Bay was a catalyst for attracting numerous free agents to the Buccaneers. Every point scored by the Buccaneers in their Super Bowl LV victory came from players who weren’t on the team the year prior. However, not everyone has felt Brady’s positive influence. "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," shared Terrell Owens. "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."
Team Challenges and Changes
The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, with teams facing numerous challenges. The Ravens, for instance, are dealing with significant changes in their offensive line. The departures of Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson have left gaps that need addressing. "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 observed.
The Bengals have moved on from Joe Mixon, seeking to replace him with Zack Moss. This shift opens up uncertainties within their lineup. The Browns are also facing a pivotal season, particularly with Deshaun Watson's performance under the microscope. "Deshaun Watson hasn't been good since 2020. It is wholly unreasonable to count on him being good this year," warned Dubin. The Steelers, meanwhile, must adjust without Diontae Johnson, relying on either a Russell Wilson resurgence or a significant step forward from Justin Fields.
UFL College Draft Highlights
In other league news, the United Football League held its 2024 UFL College Draft, selecting six quarterbacks in total. Jason Bean was chosen No. 1 overall, while John Rhys Plumlee came in at No. 3. The draft saw two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, finding new homes, indicative of the league's dynamic nature and the continuous quest for fresh talent.
As teams finalize their rosters and refine their strategies, the countdown to the new season intensifies. NFL enthusiasts and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama, on and off the field.