Many NFL players are forming alliances within their positions, coming together to engage in collaborative training. The biggest example of this camaraderie is within the tight end community's "Tight End University." This unique initiative brings together some of the most exceptional tight ends in football, who generously offer a three-day program to fellow players, enabling them to share their knowledge and benefit from the collective expertise of seasoned professionals in the field. Tight ends like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen have initiated the program offering drills, film study, and learning opportunities with the best in the game.
Are other positions missing out on this sort of opportunity to excel within their position? Veteran cornerback, Darius Slay seems to think so. Slay is a standout in the NFL, having recently made a trip to the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. With the team being a popular pick for another world championship this winter, Slay's skills and experience are highly regarded.
Despite a remarkable career in the league, Slay maintains a humble attitude, always eager to learn and enhance his skills. He firmly believes that defensive backs from all teams should unite, engaging in joint workouts or academies to exchange knowledge and offer support to one another. This was expressed by Slay during an interview with The Volume.
Over the course of six seasons, Slay's exceptional performance has garnered him five Pro Bowl selections, a testament to his unwavering consistency on the field. Remarkably, even at the age of 32, he continues to demonstrate outstanding prowess in his position, proving that age is no obstacle to his exceptional abilities.
We also often see quarterbacks training in this more collaborative approach. This offseason, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, sought guidance from Kansas City Chiefs' star Patrick Mahomes. The results were promising, as Lance displayed significant improvement.
The NFL is frequently compared to a fraternity, a place where players foster a sense of camaraderie, providing mutual support and encouragement. Slay's concept perfectly aligns with this ethos, finding resonance with other players who have already put similar ideas into action, so it's possible that in the near future we can expect to see a DB training camp.
