Every year, we spend so much time analyzing rookies drafted into the NFL, and much like their scouts, we want to know everything about their game, and the impact they’ll have as a professional football player. In the process we forget that aside from being apart of the NFL, these players have normal everyday interests, just like us. Here are some rookies who are into anything and everything off the field, from video games to hip-hop.
Alex Collins, RB, Seattle Seahawks
A video of Collins recently went viral of him taking Irish dance lessons. Irish dance is supposed to help him with his footwork, but the dancing also became a hobby for Collins in the meantime. Collins now trains weekly at the Drake High School of Irish Dance.
Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Like most people, Wentz enjoys spending time with his dog Henley, who he also takes hunting with him. Being from North Dakota though, Wentz says “My faith has always been the number one thing in my life.” Wentz has a tattoo on his bicep of his favorite bible verse, which is Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on him for understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.”
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots
Until college, Mitchell had never read a children’s book in his life. In 2016, he wrote one himself. The title of the book is called “The Magician’s Hat” and focuses on a magician who knows the magical power behind books, and the influence that they can have, which Mitchell recently learned himself.
Paxton Lynch, QB, Denver Broncos
While other NFL players may use their time outside of football for rest and relaxation, Paxton Lynch uses it to play another sport. Lynch told PPI he loves to play golf, “I hope I can still play tons of golf when I’m eventually done with football.”
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Growing up, young Ezekiel Elliott’s hobbies may not be what you think. Instead of trading sports cards he told PPI, “I’m more of a Pokemon and Yu-Gio-Oh card guy myself actually.” One of Elliot’s new, exciting experiences with trading cards is now he is on one!
Jared Goff, QB Los Angeles Rams
Jared Goff is just like everyone of us NBA fans around this time of year. According to his Twitter, Goff is closely following the NBA playoffs right now, with his support leaning toward the Warriors. He recently tweeted, “Draymond Green is my favorite player ever” and other tweets rooting for Golden State, guess he’s apart of Dub Nation!
.@Money23Green is my favorite player ever #GoDubs
— Jared Goff (@JaredGoff16) May 4, 2016
Kevin Hogan, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Hogan plans on spending his downtime from football enjoying a past hobby, reading. “Reading is something I got away from in my early years of college,” said Hogan. “I always enjoyed reading, it was relaxing to me and got my mind off all the craziness that’s going on.”
Tyler Ervin, RB, Houston Texans
Ervin is another big NBA fan, who through the years has tweeted along during playoff time. In 2014, Ervin tweeting about Tony Park, the Miami Heat, Lebron James, and more. He recently tweeted his homage to NBA legend Kobe Bryant before his retirement, “Kobe Bryant is the greatest ever!”
Kobe is the GREATEST EVER!
— Tyler Ervin (@tylerervin_) April 14, 2016
Trevor Davis, WR, Green Bay Packers
Aside from being apart of the NFL, Trevor Davis has another full-time job. Davis is a father to 10-month old twin boys. “When I get freetime I just like to spend time with my friends, family and my sons.”
Deandre Washington, RB, Oakland Raiders
Unlike other athletes who have made it to a professional level of sports, Washington found his inspiration in somebody who wasn’t a sports star. Washington is a huge Jay-Z fan, he even credits the rapper’s lyrics for inspiring him to have an incredible work ethic, something you’ll definitely need in the NFL.
These guys may become household names from the NFL eventually, but in their time away from football, they’re just like the rest of us!
