As summer break concludes and NFL teams ignite their training camps, several key stories and players capture the headlines. Comprehensive team preparations, player developments, and front office decisions are poised to shape the upcoming season.
Philadelphia Eagles: All Eyes on Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a central figure in the league. One year after securing a then-record $255 million contract and two years following his stellar Super Bowl showdown with Patrick Mahomes, Hurts is cementing his place as a cornerstone of the franchise. “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,” Cody Benjamin noted. Hurts' more unpredictable follow-up to his breakout 2022 season resulted in Kellen Moore's appointment as the new offensive coordinator. Hurts' trajectory in this new system is crucial, and it could heavily influence coach Nick Sirianni's fate.
Beyond the field, the Eagles have players with diverse interests. Linebacker Devin White, for example, enjoys horse riding, a passion he developed growing up in rural Louisiana. “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. White’s property in Louisiana houses several horses, providing a serene escape from the football grind.
New Faces and Departures
Other teams also face significant transitions. The Baltimore Ravens, traditionally adept at managing their offensive line, confront challenges with the departure of key players such as Morgan Moses, Kevin Zeitler, and John Simpson. Coupled with Ronnie Stanley's ongoing knee issues, the Ravens' front line stability is in question. “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 commented.
A Changing Backfield in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, have parted ways with running back Joe Mixon and look to integrate Zack Moss into their offensive strategy. With substantial alterations in the backfield, there's an element of uncertainty surrounding the team’s offensive dynamics. Additionally, the Cleveland Browns grapple with Deshaun Watson's inconsistency, not witnessing prime performance 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. 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?” Dubin questioned. The Pittsburgh Steelers face their own issues with the departure of wide receiver Diontae Johnson, further complicating their offensive schemes.
United Football League's Draft Highlights
Shifting focus to the United Football League, the 2024 College Draft introduced significant new talent to the league. Held on a Wednesday, the draft saw a total of six quarterbacks selected. Jason Bean emerged as the No. 1 overall pick, while John Rhys Plumlee was picked third. Notably, two Colts quarterbacks, Jason Bean and Kedon Slovis, found new homes through the draft, indicating a reshuffled quarterback landscape in the UFL.
Tom Brady and Tampa Bay's Transformation
Tom Brady's tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continues to be a talking point. His arrival transformed the team, attracting several free agents, and crucially, all points scored in their Super Bowl LV victory came from players not on the roster the prior year. This dramatic influx of talent underscores Brady's influence in shaping a championship team. However, not all interactions were favorable, as evidenced by Terrell Owens’ candid remarks. “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 stated.
Off the Gridiron Achievements
Away from football, numerous players showcase their versatility. Buffalo Bills’ defensive lineman Gable Steveson is noteworthy for his wrestling achievements, winning a gold medal in the 125kg weight class at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, along with being a two-time national champion wrestler at Minnesota. “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 highlighted. In addition to football, Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers demonstrates remarkable prowess in golf, recently finishing seventh at the American Century Championship. “It is often the quarterbacks that find the most success playing golf, but Thielen is well-documented as being a great golfer,” Edwards added.
As NFL teams gear up for the challenges of the new season, the blend of on-field battles and off-field interests makes for an intriguing narrative. From strategic team changes to personal passions, each thread adds to the rich tapestry of the league, promising a compelling season ahead.