IMG Academy Proves Boot Camp Before Training Camp for NFL Players

Filed under: Chiefs, Jaguars, Ravens, Redskins

BRADENTON, Fla. — Training camp for most NFL players doesn’t start for another week or so, yet Kansas City Chiefs rookie Dexter McCluster was getting an earful from a couple veterans Tuesday. The mini-lecture was constructive. It was also from members of two other teams.

Players, they say, are made in the offseason, but there is no NFL offseason, anymore; not even in the countdown days to camp that once were used to recharge the batteries. For many a pro football player, the hottest days of July are as high-voltage as the rest.

“You only got one release, man, so dudes are gonna get used to that [stuff],” Baltimore cornerback Fabian Washington, a former first-round draft pick, told the kid during a workout this week under an unforgiving afternoon sun. “You gotta be able to release outside — but also speed release inside, too.”

Jacksonville cornerback Michael Coe grabbed the young receiver and tossed out a couple more pointers.

“When you have pads on, you’re gonna have to learn to drop a shoulder coming off [the line of scrimmage],” Coe explained, pulling the apprentice closer. “I’ve got long arms, so I might be able to grab or use my hands to direct you. Dip that shoulder, though, and keep me off you.”

 

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