NFL Strength & Conditioning Breakdown! 


Strength and conditioning is a crucial component of any NFL player’s training regimen. In order to perform at their best on the field, football players need to be strong, fast, and agile, and this requires a combination of specialized training techniques and a commitment to physical fitness. In this blog, we will explore the world of NFL strength and conditioning, looking at the specific exercises and training routines that are used by players to build muscle, increase endurance, and improve performance. We will delve into topics such as deadlifting, squatting, and bench pressing, examining the benefits and drawbacks of each exercise for NFL players. 

NFL players typically train in the gym using a combination of weightlifting, cardio, and agility exercises to build strength, speed, and endurance. These workouts are usually designed by certified strength and conditioning coaches who work closely with players to develop individualized training plans that meet their unique needs and goals.

In terms of weightlifting, NFL players typically focus on compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups at once. This includes exercises like deadlifts, squats, bench presses, and overhead presses, which help to build overall strength and power. Players may also incorporate isolation exercises, such as bicep curls and tricep extensions, to target specific muscles that are important for their position.

Cardiovascular training is also a critical component of an NFL player’s gym routine. This may include activities like running, biking, or using the elliptical machine, as well as more sports-specific exercises like sprinting and agility drills. Cardiovascular training helps to improve endurance, stamina, and overall fitness, which are essential for performing at a high level on the football field.

Finally, NFL players may also incorporate agility and plyometric exercises into their gym routines. These exercises help to improve balance, coordination, and explosiveness, which are crucial for making quick cuts and movements on the field.

Overall, an NFL player’s gym routine is highly focused and tailored to their specific needs and goals. By combining weightlifting, cardio, and agility exercises, players are able to build the strength, speed, and endurance they need to excel on the football field.

Example of NFL Player’s Gym Routine

  1. Warm-up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio to get the blood flowing and warm up the muscles.
  2. Dynamic stretching: A series of dynamic stretches to increase flexibility and mobility.
  3. Resistance training: 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps of compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses, focusing on increasing weight and intensity over time.
  4. Isolation exercises: 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps of isolation exercises like bicep curls, tricep extensions, and calf raises, targeting specific muscles that are important for the player’s position.
  5. Cardiovascular training: 20-30 minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the treadmill, bike, or elliptical, alternating between periods of high intensity and active recovery.
  6. Agility and plyometric exercises: A series of agility drills and plyometric exercises like box jumps, ladder drills, and shuttle runs, designed to improve quickness, explosiveness, and footwork.
  7. Cool-down: 5-10 minutes of light cardio to bring the heart rate down, followed by static stretching to improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Do NFL Players Deadlift?

NFL players on occasion deadlift as this is a popular exercise for building strength and power in the legs, hips, and back muscles. However, most players do not deadlift heavy and instead perform exercises which incorporate the deadlift such as power cleans, bent over rows and stiff leg deadlifts.

Why Don’t NFL Players Do Deadlifts?

NFL players don’t deadlift because the risk of injury is too high. NFL players are so strong that they can easily deadlift over 500 and even 600 pounds. When you start moving such large amounts of weight the chance of injury increases radically.

Also NFL players need to be explosive. While the deadlift is great for building overall strength it is not ideal for building speed and can even reduce a player’s mobility.

This is why many NFL players perform exercises similar to deadlifts but that can be performed with much lower weights and focus more on speed and explosiveness such as power cleans, snatches and bent over rows.

How Much Can the Average NFL Player Deadlift?

NFL players are incredibly strong and the average player can deadlift 500 pounds. NFL linemen can deadlift over 600 pounds. However, nowadays very few NFL players deadlift heavy and maxing out on deadlifts is virtually unheard of due to the high risk of injury and its lack of positive influence on on-field performance.

Do NFL Players Lift Heavy?

NFL players lift heavy during the off-season as they attempt to put on muscle and prepare their body’s for the upcoming season. During the season NFL players do not lift heavy and focus more on maintaining their muscle mass and injury prevention.

Why Does Tom Brady Not Lift Weights?

While Tom Brady is known for his strict training regimen and dedication to physical fitness, he has stated in interviews that he does not lift heavy weights as part of his routine. Instead, he focuses on exercises that promote flexibility, mobility, and core stability, such as yoga, Pilates, and resistance bands. Brady believes that this type of training helps him avoid injuries and maintain his athleticism and agility on the field.

Do NFL Players Squat?

Yes, many NFL players include squats in their training routines. Squats are a compound exercise that target the muscles of the legs, hips, and glutes, which are important for running, jumping, and changing direction on the field.

Why Do NFL Players Squat?

Squats are an effective exercise for building lower-body strength and power, which is essential for football players who need to be explosive and agile on the field. Squats can also help improve mobility and stability in the hips and knees, which can help prevent injuries.

How Much Can NFL Players Squat?

The average NFL player can squat 400 pounds. The average NFL linebacker can squat 500 pounds and the average NFL lineman can squat 550 pounds.

How Much Can the Average NFL Quarterback Squat?

The average NFL quarterback can squat 300 pounds. NFL quarterbacks do not lift heavy in the gym as  heavy weight training does not result in significantly improved on-field performance. Some quarterbacks like Tom Brady don’t even lift weights at all. 

Do NFL Players Bench Press?

Yes, many NFL players incorporate the bench press into their training routines. The bench press is a popular exercise for building upper-body strength and power, which is important for many positions on the football field.

How Do NFL Players Get So Big?

NFL players become big and strong through a combination of factors, including genetics, nutrition, and training. Football players typically have large, muscular frames that are built through years of dedicated strength and conditioning training

In conclusion, the world of NFL strength and conditioning is a complex and ever-evolving field that requires a combination of science, dedication, and hard work. From deadlifting and squatting to bench pressing and agility training, football players must use a variety of techniques to build strength, speed, and endurance. However, strength and conditioning is not just about physical training. It also requires a focus on nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation. Whether you are a professional football player or just a fitness enthusiast, there is much to be learned from the world of NFL strength and conditioning. By understanding the techniques and principles that drive this field, we can all become stronger, faster, and more agile athletes.

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