Athlete Development

  • As many athletes—professional and amateur alike—are constantly searching for new ways to train, they must be careful not to injure themselves in the process. 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Gatlin arrived at the World Championships with frostbite on his feet as a result of his personal training methods. [Justin Gatlin Dealing with Frostbite]
  • Former Chiefs and Penn State running back Larry Johnson, who signed with the Miami Dolphins, must now prove he can both contribute and stay out of trouble. The following quote sums it up: “It's kind of hard to convince anybody with my colorful background that, yeah, I've changed. But you change with every situation you go through. You know that you can't get many more shots. You do the best you can with your opportunity and ride on out to the sunset." [Larry Johnson Signs with Dolphins]
 
Business 
  • For those of you aspiring to be the face of a franchise, please take into consideration factors other than your physical tools and knowledge of your sport. For example, your physical appearance may also be a factor. Ask No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton. [Cam Newton Told To Be Tattoo-Free]
  • NFL wide receiver Nate Hughes has found his true calling and a back-up plan for his post-athletic career: being a registered nurse. Yeah, you read that right! [Lions WR Nate Hughes doubles as registered nurse]
     
  • Although returning Stanford senior quarterback Andrew Luck could have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, there is clearly a lot of benefits to finishing school, as current NFL player Matt Leinart points out: “College is college. You’ve got to have fun. In the N.F.L., it’s a business. You have more responsibilities. You’re older. Guys have families, have kids. It’s a job. In college you have the responsibility to do schoolwork, but there’s less on your plate. Just enjoy it.” [Lessons About Not Leaving]
     

Human Relations

  • Congrats to free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis, who recently signed with the Tennessee Titans, after battling testicular cancer last year. I wish him nothing but the best as he tries to restart his NFL career. [Can Kevin Curtis Help Titans Receivers]
  • High school wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham is currently the No. 1 ranked player in the nation. Going into his senior year, the 6-6, 220-pound 18-year-old is being compared to Randy Moss, A.J. Green, and Calvin Johnson for his play on the field. Yet, very few people know how much this Missouri native has endured to this point. [Dorial Green-Beckham's Journey]