Walter Payton ran rugged hills. Herschel Walker took ballet. Shawne Merriman partakes in boxing. NFL players have always looked for alternative conditioning training to give them an edge.
Curtis Lofton
The Atlanta Falcons have become the first NFL franchise to offer a team endorsed MMA (mixed martial arts) off season training program. Over ten Falcon players, including Curtis Lofton, have volunteered for the core intensive training run by MMAthletics. MMAthletics was founded as a joint venture between Fox Sports Personality Jay Glazer and UFC star Randy Couture.
Prior to the 2006 NFL season, Viking DE Jared Allen went through MMA training at the urging of Jay Glazer. In addition to losing 25 pounds, Allen increased both his speed and strength, and his confidence soared.
“Obviously it strengthened my core, my flexibility, my hips and eye-hand coordination and my cardio went through the roof. But more than that, it taught me how to push myself past barriers your mind puts up to stop you,” said Allen. “Fight training teaches you how to push past those blocks.”
Allen went on to lead the NFL in sacks in 2006.
Stories like this, along with conversations with Glazer during the Combine, convinced Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff to provide this alternative strength and conditioning program for his players. Considering the Falcons face the a pretty good offense in the reigning Super Bowl Champion Saints at home this season, it sure can’t hurt. I’m thinking Lofton will be ready.
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