Running up rock piles and smashing baseballs: Watch how pros prep for sports to return
The electricity that is currently charging the air carries a distinct feeling of the day before a major sport returns for the season.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has mostly suppressed that vivid feeling and robbed the world of pro sports, athletes are starting to get excited as talks of a return heat up.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. senses it in the air, and so do a lot of other pro athletes who are taking to Twitter to not only express their glee, but also to show exactly what they’re doing in order to prep for a return.
NFL
Some owners are already sure of the return of football come fall.
“I think there definitely will be a football season this year,” Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told CNBC on Tuesday during an interview, ESPN reported. “Real question is, will there be fans in the stadium? Right now – today – we’re planning to have fans in the stadium.”
As owners and league officials mull the fans dilemma, athletes are doing their part to stay ready for the season.
While most people would do their best to avoid a massive pile of gravel, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey saw it as a creative workout opportunity.
Taylor Rapp, safety for the Los Angeles Rams, posted that he attempted a challenge where you try to burn 10,000 calories in a single day.
Aaron Donald, defensive tackle for the Rams, is also putting in some insane (foot) work during this bizarre off-season. Warning: Explicit language is used in this tweet.
MLB
Baseball players may have to face a brand new reality when it comes to playing baseball amid the coronavirus, and while some aren’t thrilled about the changes, others are busy prepping for its return.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen is still showing that he can shoot a baseball into the sun, even while players wait to return to the diamond.
Rangers heavy hitter Joey Gallo was finding ways to stay active even back in March — by upsetting his neighbors.
NBA
Ideas to bring back the NBA are scorching hot now, with talks taking place over the weekend for a potential 2019-20 season finale taking place in Orlando, Florida. As officials talk about which teams will be in the NBA bubble, players are busy prepping for a potential return to the hardwood.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James looked like he got in an intense workout over the Memorial Day weekend instead of grilling out, according to his Instagram story.
James even held private on-court workouts with teammates, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Houston Rockets star James Harden has been getting lean in preparation for the season, and social media took notice to how fit he looks working out in the Arizona heat.
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 1:46 PM.