The Monday Mommy: What Should Really Be Taught at NFL Rookie Camps
“Sure, it’s great to know what plays are being run and what one’s role is
while “Green Frog Left” is going down. Building chemistry with teammates
is understandably a solid thing to work on as well. However, nothing is
more important than the real knowledge gained on the list below. “
Dove Valley was in full swing this past weekend as the Rookie class of 2013 commenced with the first of many camps scheduled at the Broncos’ training facility this summer.
Players that were in attendance were ones selected in the NFL draft, signed as college free agents and those that were not on the roster long enough to count as vested last season.
These athletes got to finally put on the NFL uniform that had only appeared in their dreams for most likely a large portion of their childhood, and for a few of these rookies, some of those visions even included an actual Denver Bronco jersey.
While most of their time at the camp was spent either in the training room getting fitted for gear or learning and running plays on the practice field, there are probably specific lessons with greater long-term effects that need to be addressed at these camps.
Sure, it’s great to know what plays are being run and what one’s role is while “Green Frog Left” is going down. Building chemistry with teammates is understandably a solid thing to work on as well. However, nothing is more important than the real knowledge gained on the list below. The NFL life is a unique one and these guys need to be well equipped to live it. Or they will potentially be eaten alive, declaring bankruptcy and selling whatever memorabilia they can gather during the length of time spent in the league on EBay at some point.
Here’s a look at five sessions that should be offered with mandatory attendance by all rookies during camp before they can be considered as card carrying members of the league.
Financial Planning: This should be fairly obvious as 78% of NFL athletes find themselves in financial distress at some point either during or after they are no longer receiving paychecks signed by the league.
Some of these guys have never seen that many zeros in one place before, but running out to the Mercedes Benz dealership to purchase a ride for you and four of your family members after signing your rookie contract is not exactly smart business.
Also, putting your boys on the payroll should be frowned upon for these newly minted NFL athletes. Just because all of the hard work that the player has put in over the years finally came to fruition doesn’t mean their childhood buddies should benefit as well.
Family Planning: Another way to secure that their money will last long after the play on the field has ended is to educate these guys about what to do with their libidos. One would think that the topic of sex and pregnancy prevention would be well covered in junior high and high school health class. However, based on the amount of children born by various mothers around the league, the information is just not sinking in. Just ask Travis Henry or Antonio Cromartie what it’s like to father upwards of five children with different women. Brutal on the wallet and sanity as well.
Respect the Veterans: The NFL has a certain hierarchy which needs to be adhered to and not ignored. Similar to a fraternity or sorority, the older, wiser veterans should command the respect of the rookies from day one. These newbies should be taught that if a long-time member of the team asks them to perform a certain task: it should be done without question. Looking at you, Dez Bryant. Refusing to follow these rules will result in lack of respect and potential ostracizing by their fellow teammates. That’s not exactly the way to win over your new football family and build chemistry amongst the team.
Proper On-field Etiquette: Coaching staff and trainers need to get a proper handle on the celebrations that occur during the course of a football game. There should be a segment outlining the correct time to show their excitement as well as what the parameters of those celebrations should be. For example, do not jump up and indicate a first down with your arm in a ridiculously obnoxious manner when your team is down by four scores late in the fourth quarter.
Also, if upon scoring a touchdown, you are so wrapped up in your pre-rehearsed choreographed dance steps that your teammates have to wait to celebrate with you, you’re doing it wrong.
Proper Off-field Etiquette: This particular class should be comprised of a few main subjects. The first important category that needs addressing is driving under the influence of anything. While I am sure they do go over the NFL’s policies and the services available to them at some point, it is apparent that whatever information these young rookies receive is not working.
I believe that upon entrance to the NFL, players should be required to have the phone number to the driver service’s hotline tattooed somewhere on their body. That way there is no excuse for not being able to call and get a ride anywhere their heart’s desire any time of the day or night.
There should also be a thorough discussion on the possession of weapons by members of the NFL. For some reason, many of these athletes feel the need to purchase guns and carry them at times that are not exactly the most appropriate: like through airport security or to a very crowded nightclub. Plaxico Burress could probably teach these guys a thing or two about the stupidity of carrying an unnecessary weapon.
While aware that not every rookie makes idiotic decisions and most of the guys are hard-working and humble, it’s the ones that are so excited to finally have made the NFL and act foolish that ruin it for the good folks. Learning these rules and staying grounded will allow these athletes to spend more time actually playing in the league they have worked so hard to reach.
For those of us, including myself, who do not have the ability to ever experience the NFL life, it’s super frustrating to see guys piss away the amazing opportunity that is presented to them. So if any team’s coaching staff wants to, they can feel free to utilize one or all of these ideas for your rookie camp curriculum, I grant you full permission.
