The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl closed out on Saturday, as the National team defeated the American team 20-10. The week-long event started the lengthy process up to this year’s NFL Draft. Ultimately, this one week could make the difference if a player sniffs any chance of making an NFL roster. And plenty of teams are looking to add new faces during the 2022 off-season.
Reese’s Senior Bowl: Stand Out or Be Forgotten
Senior Bowl Gives Opportunity to Shine
Surely, many of these players are likely to be drafted over seven rounds. But being drafted doesn’t guarantee any future time in the NFL. Furthermore, the only financial guarantees on many of these contracts guarantee only a signing bonus, which is usually a small portion of the entire deal. To be clear, players drafted in the first two rounds stand pretty solid odds of going the distance and playing out their contract but for any players after that the odds diminish. The Senior Bowl at least gives an opportunity to many players vying to get an invite to an NFL training camp. The bright lights and the plethora of media attending any future event to scout certain players disappear now going forward.
Moreover, the players from smaller schools face even higher odds as the exposure is little to none for those individuals. Still, the Senior Bowl gives a chance for the little guys to shine on a big stage. Players from small schools include the following: Jequez Ezzard (Sam Houston State), Troy Andersen (Montana State), or offensive lineman Nick Zakeli (Fordham) may be new names for many. But all of these guys are on the same roster as quarterback Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis. And even Willis has risen steadily this past week. He is from Liberty University. Not exactly a powerhouse football school either.
Prepare for Stardom
All players have the ability to talk with national media reporters to give their own stories. Sometimes one little snippet can make all the difference. Words matter. Every NFL team appreciates a player’s character as much as the physical traits. Someone is always watching or listening. Players have their own responsibilities too. Preparing for this past week shows up at practices and drills. An NFL team searches all year for niche players to do certain things. One example is special teams.
Special teams are extremely underrated in today’s game. A player can carve out an entire career playing solely on special teams. Just look at Matthew Slater, who has now made ten Pro Bowls for his special team’s efforts. The reality is, for some players, this may be their only route to carving out a role in the NFL.
Understanding the Process
Also, it would be in their best interest for players to be mindful of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Can’t be the guy to make news off the field or a controversial social media post. Hopefully, the people around these players provide crystal clear advice on how not to act off the field. For many guys, this is their first impression, and leaving a good one is vital.
Surely, the players at the Senior Bowl are young men. Perfection is not expected to give the perfect answer to every single question. However, the NFL is not the official babysitting club. Boys become men quickly. It’s important for these young men to understand the competition for a 53 man roster is fierce. Getting an invitation to a training camp should be celebrated. But make no mistake, it’s the start of a long journey. Most importantly, enjoy the process as much as possible. It is a business in the NFL. That being said, take time out to stay balanced and get proper sleep. One never knows who holds the keys to the future of an NFL career. One person is all it takes.
Congratulations to all the players making it this far. The question is, are you willing to go a little further?
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
