San Francisco 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle made headlines when he got physical during a WWE match in April 2023. Kittle taunted WWE villain The Miz and ended up clotheslining him, much to the surprise of many. Despite receiving a text from 49ers general manager John Lynch warning him not to repeat such actions, Kittle’s philosophy is to avoid getting hurt to prevent any issues.
As NFL players navigate the offseason before training camp, they must be cautious about participating in activities that pose a risk of injury. Standard NFL contracts often include clauses that void guarantees if players are injured engaging in risky activities. While some activities like hang gliding, rock climbing, and skiing are commonly prohibited, there are also unexpected prohibitions such as playing basketball for some players like Patrick Mahomes.
Despite contractual restrictions, many players still engage in activities like basketball, with some even participating in high-profile events like the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game. However, coaches like Andy Reid emphasize the importance of players avoiding activities that could lead to injuries and impact their performance on the field.
While some players, like Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, enjoy playing basketball during the offseason, others like Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett have decided to retire from such activities to prioritize their health and career longevity. Coaches like Kevin Stefanski stress the importance of player safety and urge caution when engaging in off-season activities to prevent injuries that could jeopardize their careers.
In some cases, players have faced consequences for engaging in risky activities. Running back Nyheim Hines suffered a season-ending injury while on a jet ski, resulting in the Buffalo Bills placing him on the non-football injury list and renegotiating his contract. Similarly, former players like Malik McDowell and Xavier McKinney sustained injuries in ATV accidents, leading to financial and career repercussions.
Coaches and front-office executives have varying approaches to managing players’ off-season activities. While some, like Atlanta Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray, encourage players to play basketball to improve skills like agility and teamwork, others, like Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan, prefer players to avoid high-risk activities like mountain climbing.
As the NFL landscape evolves, with flag football potentially becoming an Olympic sport and involving NFL players, the issue of player safety and off-season activities remains a key concern. Players like George Kittle, who enjoy pursuits like wrestling, must balance their passion for other activities with the need to protect their careers and contractual obligations. Ultimately, finding the right balance between engaging in off-season activities and prioritizing player safety is crucial for NFL players looking to have successful and injury-free careers.