As the summer heat fades and anticipation builds, NFL teams are kicking off their training camps, marking the beginning of another exciting season. Among the first to start was the Houston Texans, commencing their preparations on a Wednesday. This period is a critical time for rookies as most are set to report this week, ready to make their marks in the professional league.
Philadelphia Eagles: Spotlight on Jalen Hurts
One of the most talked-about figures heading into this season is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. With a massive $255 million deal secured a year ago, all eyes are on Hurts, especially after his head-to-head clash with Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl two years ago. Hurts’ performance has been instrumental in shaping the Eagles' offensive strategy.
Cody Benjamin pointed out, "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."
This season, Hurts' influence has facilitated the arrival of Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator. Benjamin elaborated, "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."
Talents Beyond the Field
Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker Devin White is another player garnering attention, not just for his skills on the gridiron but for his passion for horse riding. Growing up in rural Louisiana, White discovered his love for horses at an early age and now owns several horses and a property to house them.
"Growing up in rural Louisiana, White learned to ride horses at an early age and has had a passion for it ever since," said Josh Edwards. "There are multiple elements of equestrian, like dressage, cross country, jumping, etc. ... so White could focus on one discipline."
Champions in Multiple Arenas
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Gable Steveson brings an impressive athletic resume to the team. Steveson, who won a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, was also a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota.
Edwards highlighted Steveson's achievements: "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 a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota and is now using his leverage exposure to deconstruct blocks in the NFL."
Cross-Sport Talents
Carolina Panthers' wide receiver Adam Thielen has also demonstrated prowess beyond football, particularly in golf. Thielen recently finished seventh at the American Century Championship, showcasing his ability to excel in pro-am golf tournaments.
According to Edwards, "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."
Transitions and Challenges
Meanwhile, the legacy of Tom Brady in Tampa Bay continues to be discussed. Brady's presence had a notable impact on attracting free agents to the Buccaneers, culminating in every point scored in their Super Bowl LV victory coming from players not on the team the previous year.
John Rhys Plumlee and Jason Bean, both quarterbacks, found new teams through the 2024 UFL College Draft held on a Wednesday, with Bean being selected No. 1 overall and Plumlee at No. 3. Two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, also secured new homes via the UFL draft.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
The Baltimore Ravens face a challenging season with the departures of key players Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Jared Dubin remarked, "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."
Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals are navigating the transition away from Joe Mixon, looking to Zack Moss as a potential replacement. Dubin noted, "The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and are looking to replace him with Zack Moss... There's a lot of uncertainty there."
The landscape is equally uncertain for the Cleveland Browns, with Deshaun Watson struggling to find his form since 2020. "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?" questioned Dubin. The Pittsburgh Steelers face their own challenges, missing Diontae Johnson's dependable presence on the field.
As new and returning players prepare to shape the upcoming season, every team faces a unique set of trials and triumphs. With training camps in full swing, the countdown to kickoff is officially underway, promising another unforgettable season of NFL action.