If Bill Belichick training camp quotes are the NFL’s Groundhog Day, then hearing seemingly every player is in the “best shape of their lives” is like the leaves outside unofficially turning orange.
Most NFL training camps begin this week. They are an earnest grind toward the regular season designed to test elite football players’ mental and physical limits and bring them closer together before all of the action counts in the standings. Of course, after a long offseason, someone almost always professes they feel better than ever. They lost weight. They gained weight. They got stronger. They did something, anything, no one expected them to.
By basic logic, this is simply impossible. Not everyone can be in the “best shape of their lives.” And even if they actually are healthier and better, it’s a rote cliche that ultimately means nothing when it’s not between the lines of a meaningful game. It’s summer optimism in the form of a short update. It’s just something NFL players and coaches say this time of year.
Nothing more.
Here’s a running list of all the NFL players who are apparently in the best shape of their lives as 2023 training camps open.
1
TE Hayden Hurst, Carolina Panthers
Panthers TE Hayden Hurst is impressed with how composed rookie QB Bryce Young is for a ‘’21-year-old.’’ As for himself Hurst says he’s 100 percent ready to go and in the best shape of his life. pic.twitter.com/RfNv24g4Sx
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) July 25, 2023
The Panthers are the fifth team of Hurst’s career. He knows better than to say he feels like he’s in terrible shape going into camp.
2
DT Alim McNeill, Detroit Lions
#Lions DL Alim McNeill said he dropped 22 pounds since the last time he was "at a podium."
Used to weigh 327 pounds, now he's at 305 — "and I still have the same strength," he said. pic.twitter.com/s2pHc7C3Dh
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) July 24, 2023
I’m not denying that an athletic human being who weighs over 300 pounds improves when they slim down. But this is general offensive line fodder.
3
OT Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears
Poles lauded rookie RT Darnell Wright. Says he’s in much better shape than he was during the spring. Also mentioned that he “crushed” the conditioning test. #Bears
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) July 25, 2023
Oh, he “crushed” the conditioning test? You mean the thing he has to pass to do his job? Hmm. Interesting.
4
WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
49ers' WR Deebo Samuel has been determined to prove to HC Kyle Shanahan and others he will be better prepared this season. "Never had a grown man send me so many pictures of himself with his shirt off, but he looked good," Shanahan said.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2023
It looks like the former First-Team All-Pro is ripped … which isn’t really any different from previous seasons.
5
QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett’s arm has reportedly looked “noticeably stronger” than its ever been this off-season.
Arm strength was Pickett’s biggest knock by many NFL scouts before last year’s NFL Draft.
Charlie Batch (former Steelers QB) reportedly sees “a lot” of similarities between… pic.twitter.com/RqMuckqlxE
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 24, 2023
I’m not sure how one makes their throwing arm stronger. That’s kind of an intrinsic talent, no?
