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what does it take to be an NFL player

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finsgonewild

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Ive seen many football games and have always wondered what does it take to be an NFL player. How do they get so much muscle? I have been training close to 8 years hard everyday and may be a college athlete. But my question is how is the pro level getting so big and quick. Ricky Williams took a whole year of from football and exercise and it seems like he has not lost a step. He has also added close to the amount of muscle he had before he retired. That just does not seem possible for any human being to gain that much weight in a short amount of time. Is it because they take nutrional supplements to be able to be this fast and big? This may sounds like a dumb question to a lot of you , but im just not sure how they do it.
 
Needless to say, natural size is the ultimate factor. A good friend of mine is 6'3" and 235 lbs. He's a guard. I, on the other hand, am 5'9" and almost 170 lbs. About the only positions I could play would be receiver or defensive back, but I'm far too slow. Some people just have the build to play football. Others don't.
 
Hard work and determination are huge factors but when it comes down to it, most players who make it to the top level are just blessed with natural talent and great genes.
 
A drug conviction, a felony charge, bad grammar and Drew Rosenhaus.
 
a friend of mine plays for the Seahawks and from what I have seen when visiting him and whenever he comes home is someone who's entire life revolves around their job...
by that I mean...everything that you put into your body has a consequence and every action that you take, you have to think twice about it because you know that everything you do puts you under intense scrutiny...
at the same time, when you go out, you are treating like Royalty , i mean after all, you are a celebrity, being an athlete nowadays is a 365 day a year job...above all that you have Managers, Agents, Coaches, Trainers, Fans, Media, and endorsers to answer to on a daily basis...
all that and at the same time, since he is still on his rookie contract, you have to try to live frugally and pray to god that you don't get hurt before it is time for your second contract, that is where all the big money is...
unless your Ronnie Brown of course
 
popularwar said:
Needless to say, natural size is the ultimate factor. A good friend of mine is 6'3" and 235 lbs. He's a guard. I, on the other hand, am 5'9" and almost 170 lbs. About the only positions I could play would be receiver or defensive back, but I'm far too slow. Some people just have the build to play football. Others don't.
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Size is good, but I think speed is the ultimate factor. There are a lot of 250-300LB guys out there, and a good number of them are strong. Speed is what sets the NFL players apart from the rest.
 
hardhittin whats the name of your friend? That is really cool that you know an nfl player. There is a kid at my school who is bryan leftwich's cousin. This kid that goes to my school is such a beast. Never even seen him in the weight room before and he just looks strong. I wished it would be that easy. That must be pretty cool having a relative that is so good at football as leftwich.
 
HysterikiLL said:
A drug conviction, a felony charge, bad grammar and Drew Rosenhaus.
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You forgot 10 kids with 10 different women.
 
finsgonewild said:
hardhittin whats the name of your friend? That is really cool that you know an nfl player. There is a kid at my school who is bryan leftwich's cousin. This kid that goes to my school is such a beast. Never even seen him in the weight room before and he just looks strong. I wished it would be that easy. That must be pretty cool having a relative that is so good at football as leftwich.
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his name is Niko Koutouvides he's (as of today) the starting Middle Linebacker
 
Speed strength. Not just strength, but an ability to fire those muscle fibers faster than most people.

I've also heard from a friend who played, and one who still does, that it's a mental thing more than people realize.
 
1) "god given" tallent

2) ability to learn and be coached

3) ability to consistantly beat the other guy.

4) avoid injuries

5) always improve your self.
 
My best quess..

A signed contract :D (Without it Upshaw and the Union won't allow you on the field)
 
don't forget that most of the professional football players have been athletes their entire lives. aside from having natural talent and great genetics, they have a certain workout routine and a diet that consists usually high in protein (for muscle synthesis) and carbohydrates (for energy.) these guys also have paid trainers who are genius' in their field. these guys know what foods contain muscle building properties so that they can maximize their clients' workout effectiveness. (also see the story about david boston's trainer) i think the biggest factor in achieving ideal growth is frequency and intensity, plus a good workout partner. if you don't have someone there to help push you, then you MUST have the desire. and if you don't have the determination and desire you will never be successful. jmho.
 
ch19079 said:
1) "god given" tallent

2) ability to learn and be coached

3) ability to consistantly beat the other guy.

4) avoid injuries

5) always improve your self.
Click to expand...

All of these things plus one more... SHEER DETERMINATION. These guys don't quit! I know it is slightly unrelated, but watch "The Ultimate Fighter" on SpikeTV. It is a reality show similar to "The Contendor" but is is for UFC fighters. The amount of training and pain they have to fight through to become a professional athlete is probably similar to the experiences that a player has to go through to make it in the NFL.

They had 18 of the best fighters in the World, and two of them quit the first day because they couldn't put up with the rigors of training necessary to become an ELITE athlete. I would bet the NFL is similar. There are TONS of guys in college with natural ability... but the ones that make it to the NFL and become successful are the ones that constantly push to go to the next level, play through pain, and refuse to get beaten on the field.

Not having any responsibilities, plus full-time nutritionists, trainers, and coaches in their corner doesn't hurt, and I'm sure a lot of them (read: all of them) are on some kind of supplementation (legal or illegal), but I think Determination and god-given physical ability are the two biggest factors.
 
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