Entering the NFL for the first time has to be intimidating, exciting, and nerve-wracking all in one moment. But, with advice from some of the best in the game, incoming rookies should be able to find some comfort and comfortability.
It does not matter what position you play, each player has high expectations placed upon them that they strive to fulfill. That being said, while Kyler Murray, Cardinals quarterback, was speaking with Fox News Digital, Murray mentioned he had some advice for incoming rookies who want to make an immediate impact.
Murray offered the incoming rookies advice based off his own experience entering the league.
Murray said that as far as the league goes, whether on or off the field, it’s important to be professional in the building and carry yourself the “right way” at all times. He stated that, especially as quarterbacks, it’s already ingrained in them.
Murray emphasized the importance of self-motivation. He said without it, it can feel like “the NFL can eat you up”. He stated how everything is different and you are now playing with men who are decades older than you, who have families, and you’re not just hanging out all the time after practice or workouts like you experienced in college.
Kyler Murray isn’t the only NFL player who had some insight to provide for the incoming rookies.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Detroit Lions wide receiver, agrees with Murray’s sentiments. Although St.Brown did mention that it is slightly easier for the men drafted in the first round due to a sense of security.
Any advice coming from an athlete like St.Brown is sure to be extremely useful as he learned so much from his rookie season. He said his work ethic and using negative experiences or bad plays and failures were what he used as motivation to fuel him to work harder and play smarter.
St.Brown’s thoughts on remaining self-motivated include focusing on what your personal goals are for your career goals in the league.
Another NFL star, George Kittle, 49ers tight end, has advice to offer the incoming rookies. Kittle wants to remind players that it does not matter where you are drafted. Kittle himself was a fifth-round pick back in 2017 and since has become one of the best tight ends in the league.
There is a collective thought among the NFL athletes that they offer to the rookies, “Be yourself” and be humble and observant.