There is no shortage of creative ways for NFL players to stay in shape during the offseason. However, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers appear to have found another one. The Ravens QB and Flowers recently traded footballs for boxing gloves, working through drills designed to improve conditioning, hand speed, footwork and coordination ahead of training camp. While the workout may have looked like a friendly sparring session, the skills being developed could pay dividends once the pads come on.
@dawsonsaintjour Having a little fun while training Lamar Jackson check it out… #saintdojo #boxinglife #coaching #boxing #skills
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and WR Zay Flowers Throw Punches for Offseason Workout
The recent video of the Ravens QB and Flowers’ boxing session was more than just a little jab to send through to viral video, however. The continued adoption of boing as an offseason training routine by NFL athletes owes itself to its ability to enhance many of the same attributes you will find on the football field. Specifically for quarterbacks, the sport offers improvements in footwork, balance, core strength and reaction time as it relates to pocket mobility and throwing accuracy.
Meanwhile, for wide receivers such as Flowers, it enhances hand quickness against press coverage, crisp footwork out of breaks and the necessary hand-eye coordination to hang on to tough passes.
As the Ravens QB and Flowers hone in on their connection ahead of training camp, session such as this one in particular are bound to help out.
Who is Training Ravens QB and Flowers?
Working with the Ravens QB during the offseason was Miami-based high-performance coach Dawson Saint Jour. Saint Jour specializes in training athletes by incorporating the best aspects of boxing, mixed martial arts, weight training and HIIT cardio. Saint Jour, born in Haiti, honed his craft as he trained and mentored athletes across the Washington D.C. And Northern Virginia area prior to making his move to Miami. He has since developed into a premier trainer among many professional athletes in their offseason by leveraging his boxing-based regimen. This training helps athletes hone their footwork, balance, hand speed, endurance, and general physical condition.
What Other Players Use Boxing as a Training Method During the Offseason?
Boxing has become a trusted offseason training tool for several NFL stars because of the benefits it provides on the football field.
Former Super Bowl winning quarterback and recently retired Russell Wilson has credited boxing workouts with improving his footwork, balance, conditioning and overall athleticism. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has long incorporated boxing into his training regimen, using the sport to sharpen his hand speed, agility and coordination. Former All Pro running back Le’Veon Bell took his passion a step further, eventually transitioning into professional boxing after his NFL career.
While each player has used the sport differently, they all share the same goal as Ravens QB and Flowers: becoming quicker, more explosive and better prepared once the football season begins.
Why Boxing is Becoming an NFL Offseason Staple
Whether boxing becomes a staple in the duo’s offseason routine or a just one-time practice to get them in shape, the session served as a reminder of how the Ravens QB and Flowers operate going into training camp. The ability to gain a slight advantage is key in the NFL, and boxing is another tactic used by some athletes in various sports to improve and compete at the highest level. Baltimore’s offense will already be a lot of fun to watch, so we will see how those quick hands and better footwork help the duo in the upcoming season.
Main Photo Courtesy of Troy Taormina – Imagn Images
