By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
It’s hard to believe, but the 2013 offseason is officially underway, so now is the time for all NFL players to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually.
With strength and conditioning, as well as voluntary minicamps for some teams, having kicked off in April, players are already onto the NFL version of Spring Football.
And this is just warm-ups.
May and June are the months for OTAs and minicamps, which help determine how you perform in July when training camps open. To maximize these opportunities, preparation is the key.
Stephen Spach, an eight-year veteran tight end and current free agent, said he trains four to six days this time of year, with a regimen ranging from weights and cross-training to biometrics and running/jumping “explosions,” which could include 150- to 300-yard sprints. To change things up and keep it interesting, he also does yoga, aerobics, and basketball.
At the same time, Spach is also preparing for when he will transition from the NFL to his next career.
To prepare for that inevitable day, he has participated in many of our NFLPE Boot Camps and programs, while also shadowing employees in both the media and real estate fields. Additionally, at home in California this offseason, he has become familiar with financial services and worked with a youth physical education organization.
Former New England Patriot Troy Brown, known for maximizing his talent, also prepared intensely this time of year.
He said that first and foremost, he never got out of shape during the offseason, but did take time off from training to let his body recoup from the rigors of the regular season. He noted that early in April he would start to jog lightly while also exercising on the treadmill and elliptical machines, and would quickly build up to catching passes, so that he was working up to four hours per day.
Equally important, he said, was that he used the Spring to spend time with his family, play some golf and go fishing, and additionally to conduct his community work.
And like Spach, Brown has attended numerous NFLPE programs, including Broadcast Boot Camp last June to enhance his TV talent for Comcast Sports New England, and for his radio work as well.
Which means that instead of preparing to play this time of year, Brown is now preparing to talk on-air for OTAs, minicamps, and the NFL Draft.