Tag: offseason workout

Falcons set to begin voluntary offseason workout program

The Falcons are set to begin their voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday

The 2024 NFL offseason is far from over but it’s never too soon to start building team chemistry for next season. Since the Atlanta Falcons hired a new head coach, they get to begin their offseason workouts early.

The Falcons, Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers start their voluntary offseason workout programs on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Not only did Atlanta hire a new head coach in Raheem Morris, but the team signed a new starting quarterback, making these offseason workouts even more important.

Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency and the team brought in wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud. The Falcons hope these new faces can help them reach the playoffs after a six-year postseason drought.

Check out the team’s full offseason workout schedule HERE!

Atlanta Falcons 2024 offseason workout dates announced

Atlanta Falcons 2024 offseason workout dates announced

While the 2024 NFL season doesn’t begin until September, most of the work is done long before Week 1 arrives. The Atlanta Falcons have a new head coach in Raheem Morris, which makes this year’s offseason training program more important than usual.

The team must install new offensive and defensive systems while integrating a new starting quarterback. This will require a little extra work and the offseason is where it all starts. On Friday, the NFL announced the offseason workout dates for each team, including the Falcons.

As you can see below, Atlanta’s offseason program kicks off on April 2 (dates are subject to change):

  • First Day: April 2
  • Voluntary Minicamp: April 22-24
  • OTA Offseason Workouts: May 13-14, May 16, May 20-21, May 23, June 3-4, June 6
  • Mandatory Minicamp: June 10-12

In other Falcons news, the team will reportedly host Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on a pre-draft visit. Atlanta currently holds the eighth and 43rd overall picks in the 2024 NFL draft.

While quarterback is an option, most expect the team to address the cornerback and edge-rusher positions early in the draft. Day 1 of the draft officially begins on April 25.

Ezekiel Elliott works out with Dak, Cowboys receivers on Prescott’s backyard field

Settle down. The friends were just staying in football shape, even though some are still clinging to the idea of the team re-signing Zeke. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Cowboys players can kick off their voluntary offseason work at team headquarters as early as next Monday, but plenty of them have already gotten a jump start in quarterback Dak Prescott’s backyard.

The scaled-down turf field he added in 2020 has become affectionately known as “The Dakyard.” Professionally installed by the same company that did AT&T Stadium and The Star in Frisco, it includes regulation hash marks and a 10-yard end zone.

It’s become a popular spot for Prescott and his teammates to practice the precise throws and routes they’ll look to execute on Sundays, and landing an invite for a workout there has come to carry some amount of weight for those who lend credence to such things.

So it took many by surprise when recent photos taken in The Dakyard showed Prescott getting in reps with receivers CeeDee Lamb, Simi Fehoko, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and Dennis Houston, tight ends Jake Ferguson and Sean McKeon… as well as running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Elliott, of course, was released by the Cowboys in mid-March and has yet to land with another club, so his presence raised a few eyebrows. Some even interpreted the workout as a sign that the two-time rushing champ is on his way back to Dallas on a new, less costly contract.

Yes, head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones both publicly left the door open for a possible 2023 reunion with Elliott, but the reality is that it’s highly unlikely.

The team didn’t even offer their former first-round draft pick a reduced-money deal, they said, out of “respect” for what he has meant to the franchise and on the assumption that he’d prefer to let a better offer come to him from elsewhere. The 27-year-old has named a handful of teams he says he’d like to play for, but he’ll probably be waiting until after the draft (and perhaps well into training camp), once a few clubs inevitably realize they’re not as set at the position as they had hoped.

The simple answer to why Elliott was working out in Prescott’s backyard with current Cowboys players is friendship. The quarterback and running back came up together as rookies in that breakout year of 2016; their close relationship has been well documented over the years since. Prescott went so far as to call Elliott “a brother” and admit recently that he was “hurt” by the front office’s decision to release the seven-year veteran.

But the two hanging out together and even getting in a group offseason workout is perfectly natural and innocuous, with no hidden meaning or top-secret subtext.

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Former Texas QB Sam Ehlinger spotted working out with 2022 five-star Quinn Ewers

Sam Ehlinger spotted working out with five-star QB Quinn Ewers.

Four-year starter Sam Ehlinger came a tad short of bringing Texas back, but his time as a Longhorn will forever be remembered.

He set the program up to succeed even after his time ended, and he is now fighting to earn the backup spot for the Indianapolis Colts after being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Photos surfaced on Thursday of Ehlinger working out with the top quarterback prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, Quinn Ewers. Texas fans are all too familiar with Ewers. He was once committed to the Longhorns. Ehlinger appears to be offering his knowledge and guidance to the young signal-caller as well.

Ewers, a Southlake native, is the No. 1 overall prospect for the 2022 cycle according to 247Sports. At the moment, he appears confident in his commitment to Ohio State.

Whether Ehlinger was selling the Longhorns to Ewers to get him to reconsider where he will play is unknown, but what we do know is Ewers certainly has the skills to have an incredible collegiate career. Having a mentor such as Ehlinger could only increase that likelihood.

WATCH: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes looking spry during offseason work

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is looking spry in the latest video posted by his trainer…

So far during the NFL’s 2021 offseason program, the Kansas City Chiefs have engaged in what Andy Reid refers to as “passing camps.” Patrick Mahomes, who is rehabbing from offseason toe surgery, hasn’t been doing much in the way of running around during practices because of that.

The big question moving forward into training camp is whether Mahomes would have any limitations from his injury when the running work resumes. Well, the latest workout video from Mahomes’ long-time trainer, APEC’s Bobby Stroupe, should alleviate all worries about Mahomes being ready for training camp in late July. He looks to be in excellent shape and doesn’t appear limited at all by his toe.

Check it out:

When mandatory minicamp broke, Mahomes said that Chiefs’ athletic trainers Rick Burkholder and Julie Frymyer were in communication with Stroupe about his continued rehab. This looks to perhaps be a part of that plan.

“I’ll be training with my trainer Bobby Stroupe and he’s talked to Rick (Burkholder) and he’s talked to Julie (Frymyer) and really got a good game plan of how we’re going to continue the rehab,” Mahomes told reporters in mid-June. “But at the same time, making sure that I’m physically ready to go whenever training camp goes and I have no limitations at all.”

To the naked eye, this seems to be Mahomes participating in some sort of game of tag. But it’s actually an agility drill, designed with working out his feet and flexibility, in addition to working out his natural competitiveness. Drills like these are the type that makes Mahomes so good at avoiding defenders in the pocket and on the run. It also looks like a lot of fun, which is an underrated part of offseason training while away from the team.

Beyond how good Mahomes looks in this video, it also sounds like he’s doing more running out in Texas. Whatever you do, don’t call him sneaky fast.

If Mahomes is hitting 20.6 mph while training, I think it’s safe to say that he will be ready to go with no limitations at training camp. . . and then some.

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LOOK: Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger working out with Patrick Mahomes

Former Texas quarterback and now Indianapolis Colt Sam Ehlinger was recently spotted working out with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Making the jump from college to the NFL is no easy task. Having a mentor that has succeeded at the highest level is an valuable asset to a young quarterback.

Sam Ehlinger’s career in the burnt orange is over and he’s now the new kid on the block for the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft and is looking to battle Jacob Eason for the rights to the backup quarterback role behind newly acquired Carson Wentz.

Ehlinger’s chances of becoming a starter in the NFL is still to be seen, as obviously he has yet to play, but there were many doubts about whether his limited arm talent would translate to the NFL level.

The former Longhorn was recently spotted working out with arguably the best player in the NFL recently: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes and Ehlinger went to high school just hours away from one another and both played their college ball in the Big 12 as Mahomes is a Texas Tech alumni.

Learning from one of, if not the best quarterback in the league, can greatly benefit Ehlinger and his career. Their paths to the league were a little different as Mahomes was a heralded gunslinger, who the Chiefs traded up to the No. 10 overall pick for, but Mahomes was not a starter right from the jump either. He sat and learned behind Alex Smith, just like Ehlinger is expected to do behind Wentz.

Ehlinger has always been a workhorse and someone who wants to improve on every aspect of his game, which is something he will certainly need to do in order to move up the depth chart in Indianapolis.

NFL scout Lance Zierlein views Ehlinger as a career backup. Here’s a portion of Zierlein’s scouting report for Austin’s beloved quarterback prospect:

“Highly touted dual-threat quarterback from the Austin area who put together four solid but somewhat unspectacular years at Texas. They don’t come much tougher than Ehlinger at the position, and his intangibles are as good as you could ask for. He’s a very average passer, but can deliver most throws with good enough accuracy and velocity to hit the open target. He doesn’t have a plus arm and could struggle to fit throws into tight windows or make big completions throwing on the move. His deep ball accuracy is a step below average but he’s fairly effective throwing with anticipation on intermediate routes. He’s not an explosive runner, although he gets tough yards on a consistent basis as a scrambler and on called runs. His 2019 tape is a better study of his potential, but career backup looks like his ceiling.”

If Mahomes can rub off just the slightest bit of magic that he possesses, Ehlinger can add that to his already present mental and emotional capabilities to be a decent NFL quarterback.

WATCH: Texas football releases hype video of offseason workout

The Longhorns social media department seemingly heightens the excitement surrounding Steve Sarkisian each week by releasing hype videos.

The excitement surrounding the Texas football program after the hiring of former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is high enough, but the Longhorns social media department seemingly heightens those emotions each week by releasing hype videos. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas football releases hype video of offseason workout”

Watch: Andrew Wiggins working on his drives to the bucket at preseason workout

After showing off highlight-reel dunks and impressive shooting, Andrew Wiggins is back in the gym practicing his driving layups at an offseason workout.

Throughout the Golden State Warriors’ unique and lengthy offseason, Andrew Wiggins has been in the gym working on his craft.

Before the Warriors return to San Francisco’s Chase Center for preseason training camp, the former Rookie of the Year has been going through drills that focus on shooting, dunking, handles and other phases of his game.

Along with individual workouts, Wiggins has lined up against other NBA players for a 1-on-1 drill.

On Saturday, Wiggins was back in the gym in Southern California. Wiggins Enterprise shared a video on Instagram of the Golden State Warriors forward working on his drives to the basket with NBA trainer Chris Johnson.

After a series of crossovers and a behind the back dribble, Wiggins bumped his defender out of the way to finish the drive attempt with a smooth finger roll at the rim.

Via @wigginsenterprise on Twitter:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHlhbtHF9na/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Following a long-offseason, Wiggins will have his first opportunity to officially join both Klay Thompson and Steph Curry on the court at the same time during Golden State’s preseason training camp.

Wiggins only played one game with Curry last season and zero with Thompson as both Splash Brothers dealt with injuries throughout Golden State’s 2019-20 campaign.

How Wiggins meshes with Curry and Thompson on the court will play a significant factor in Golden State’s chances of returning to the top of the Western Conference.

During his first stint in Golden State, Wiggins tallied 19.4 points on 45.7% shooting from the field with 4.6 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest.

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Watch: Andrew Wiggins shows off highlight-reel dunk at offseason workout

During an offseason workout, Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins showed off his athleticism with a highlight-reel slam dunk.

With the start of the 2021-22 NBA schedule officially on the calendar, Andrew Wiggins is putting the final touches on his extended offseason with the Golden State Warriors.

During Golden State’s lengthy layoff from game action, the former Rookie of the Year has been active in the gym. His camp has displayed a behind the scenes look at Wiggins working on his long-distance shooting, layups and handles. At a recent offseason workout with a group of fellow NBA players in Los Angeles, Wiggins looked impressive in a 1-on-1 training session.

With the NBA season approaching, Wiggins may have saved his best offseason exercise for last. On Monday, the Andrew Wiggins Enterprises Instagram account posted a video of the Golden State wing throwing down a highlight-worthy dunk.

Watch Wiggins’ explosive behind the back dunk via @wigginsenterprise on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHTQBYcFiz7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

If Wiggins can carry over his offseason dunking talent to the start of Golden State’s 2020-21 campaign, the 25-year old could provide a new dynamic to Steve Kerr’s rotation that needs a jolt of athleticism.

Following a trade to the Warriors from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the deadline, Wiggins’ first stint in the Bay Area was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During his 12-game run in Golden State, Wiggins averaged 19.4 points on 45.7% shooting from the field with 4.6 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest.

After working on different areas of his game throughout the offseason, Wiggins will finally get the chance to join Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the rest of his teammates at Chase Center when preseason training camp opens on Dec. 1.

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Klay Thompson counting down the days till ‘basketball tryouts’ at offseason workout

During a lifting session at an offseason workout, Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson is counting down the days till “basketball tryouts.”

When the new NBA season tips off on Dec. 22, it will have been eight months since the Golden State Warriors laced up for live game action. For Klay Thompson, the layoff will have been even longer.

Since injuring his knee in game six of the 2019 NBA Finals, the five-time NBA All-Star has slowly been working his way back to the court. Throughout the offseason, Thompson has been sharing glimpses of his rehab and workout sessions.

On Friday, the sharpshooting wing shared a post on Instagram from a recent trip to the gym. While lifting weights, Thompson was preparing for the start of the NBA season. In the caption, Thompson was counting down the days till “basketball tryouts.”

Via @klaythompson on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHRXTJrMflG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

After getting cleared to train without restrictions, Thompson was one of the key members in attendance at Golden State’s voluntary offseason minicamp in San Francisco.

Along with his work at Chase Center, Thompson has been getting up shots in Southern California over the offseason. During his rehab, the Washington State product released a short documentary chronicling his journey back to the court.

Before making his long-awaited return to Steve Kerr’s rotation, Thompson will reunite with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and the rest of his teammates at Golden State’s preseason training camp on Dec. 1,