A select group of players from the NCAA receive the sought-after invitation to the NFL Combine. The event has happened every year when players head to Indianapolis since 1987. The Player Selection Committee strategically spearheads the process to broaden the scope for aspirants. This committee comprises representatives from various NFL player departments in order to evaluate eligible players. The evaluation helps the stakeholders to extend invitations based on a position-by-position assessment.

The objective of the Selection Committee is to invite everyone who can be potentially drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft. An array of schools have received over 10 invitations for the NFL Combine this year, with top numbers from the national title holders Michigan Wolverines.

Schools with 10+ NFL Combine Invites
Michigan – 19
Washington – 13
𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 – 𝟏𝟐
Texas – 11
Georgia – 11
Alabama – 10 pic.twitter.com/Fi0kdppHeb

— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) February 13, 2024

In totality, a number of players are invited to the NFL Combine which typically exceeds 300 per draft cycle. While there isn’t a fixed minimum for invitees, the aim remains to provide a platform for all brightest prospects who have NFL dreams.

Eligibility for Entering the NFL Combine

To be invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, players must meet specific eligibility criteria before being vetted by the Selection Committee. Moreover, there are currently three main eligibility criteria in place.  Each of these is designed to include a broad range of potential candidates. First, all college seniors are automatically eligible immediately after having achieved their final year of collegiate eligibility. Second, underclassmen who declare for the NFL Draft before the deadline and are deemed fit for NCAA and NFL requirements, are eligible.

Finally, any athlete who is not actively participating in college football may qualify under special circumstances. Moreover, they can enter in the draft year as they would naturally be eligible for if playing collegiately. It’s essential for players seeking eligibility under the third criterion to verify their status with the NFL‘s Player Personnel Department.

How to Get an Invitation?

Players who are eligible under the three conditions can secure an invitation to the NFL Combine after undergoing a rigorous selection process. The procedure is overseen by the Player Selection Committee also includes directors of the National and BLESTO Talent Organization. The committee members vote on every eligible player who should be invited. While the process has its own intricacies, it has provided the NFL with some of the most promising talents across the collegiate football landscape.

6 DAYS TILL THE @NFL COMBINE!!! pic.twitter.com/2zqV8D2Cdw

— The Giovanni Show Podcast (@GioThePodcaster) February 20, 2024

The next NFL Combine is set to happen at the Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, with its induction on Thursday, Feb. 29,  2024. Interested parties can view the thrilling activities on the LIVE coverage on NFL Network

The post How to Get Invited to the NFL Combine? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Pro Day provides NFL teams with essential information on players, including measurements and test scores, which they can incorporate into their evaluation models. Many undrafted free agents enter the league based on their Pro Day performances. Unlike the Combine, Pro Day allows NFL teams and their scouts to spend more time and have a higher degree of contact with the players, as per ProFootball Network.

Most schools conduct their pro days from early March to the last week of April. It often becomes hectic for teams since there are more than a few pro days being held across the country; therefore, teams must prioritize where to go. As it turns out, at least one conference has found a solution to this problem — the Bis 12. They have entered into a partnership with the NFL for the first-ever conference-wide Pro Day, featuring state-of-the-art medical and player skill assessments.

The 5-day event will kick off on 27th March at the Ford Center at the Star, the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. The Air Force Reserve will be the official title sponsor. Recognizing that only a handful of players make it to the league, the Big 12 will offer a job fair and non-football career networking opportunities for their athletes. The Pro Day will officially be covered by the NFL Network and other NFL Media platforms, providing athletes nationwide exposure, Big 12 Sports reports.

The @NFLDraft approaches.

The 1st Ever Conference-Wide Pro Day.

The Star in Frisco, Texas
@nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/WVFrXe4R2G

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) February 16, 2024

With both the Combine and Pro Day concluding by the end of March, the stage will be set for the 2024 NFL Draft.

When and Where is the NFL Draft 2024?

Only 66 days remain before we witness new faces entering the league. The 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is set to commence on April 25th and conclude on April 27th. The honor of hosting the 89th NFL Draft goes to the motor city of Detroit, and they have already started preparing for the big day.

The NFL and the City of Detroit have patterned up for the On The Clock Tour, which aims to bring excitement to the city and its neighborhoods, leading up to the highly anticipated draft. This multi-stop tour kicked off on January 13th at Winterfest at the Kemeny Recreation Center. Attendees will enjoy a host of activities, including traditional winter activities, great food through food carts, arcade-style games, arts and crafts, and other football-themed activities such as kicking a field goal or running a 40-yard dash, according to Visit Detroit.

First look at the 2024 #NFLDraft stage in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/6fe5c2xXs4

— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2024

The NFL Draft promises to introduce some great talents to the NFL, including Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix, Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., and more. The Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Cardinals, and Chargers currently comprise the teams with the top five picks.

The post When Is Big 12 Planning Its Conference-Wide Pro Day for NFL Draft 2024? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Hopkins has had his fair share of controversies throughout his career. However, the hotel room incident dates back to 2013, a time when he hadn’t even graced the NFL stage. Although DeAndre refuted the accusations, the incident left a mark on his reputation that continues to linger.

DeAndre Hopkins: The Hotel Room Controversy Unveiled

The hotel room incident involving DeAndre Hopkins and Mark Harrison had spread like fire in the NFL community. Witnesses and reports shed light on the deplorable state of the room they shared at the Crowne Plaza during the NFL Combine. According to ESPN, the room Hopkins and Harrison occupied was in a horrible condition. Urine and feces were found scattered in the bathroom, toothpaste rubbed on the mirror and partially eaten food left on one of the beds. Claims were made that neither player made any attempt to clean up the mess.

“@AdamSchefter: Trashed hotel room at combine belonged to Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins and Rutgers WR Mark Harrison” pic.twitter.com/D80iMkJtnr

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2013

Despite all this, both players denied any involvement in the destruction of the room. Ed Wasielewski, Harrison’s agent stated, “My client completely denies having anything to do with the hotel incident.” On the other hand, Hopkins’ agent, Hadley Engelhard, stated, “He had as much to do with anything in that room as you did.”

Hopkins later said, “My agent got my flight booked early. He told me hurry up.” According to Hopkins, he learned about the trashed room and its disgusting state the following day from Engelhard.

You mean “don’t look up if you go into deandre hopkins’ hotel room” pic.twitter.com/tR3WKaP6KM

— Derk Perscert (@DerkPerscert) December 13, 2022

DeAndre Hopkins covered an Indianapolis hotel room in his own feces, but a scientifically tested vaccine is where he draws the line… Interesting

— Ryan Football Team (@armyhalfday) July 23, 2021

Although this controversy could have hindered Hopkins’ chances of entering the NFL, his undeniable talent compelled the Houston Texans to overlook the hotel incident and they ended roping him into their unit. Needless to say, Hopkins’ addition did turn out to be a move in the right direction for the team, and for the WR himself, who currently is in search of a home in the league.

Top Landing Spots for DeAndre Hopkins After Being Released from Arizona Cardinals

As one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers hits the free-agent market, speculations are running wild about where DeAndre will land next. After the surprising move by the Arizona Cardinals to release him, Hopkins is now available to sign with any team. Let’s explore the top five potential landing spots for the dynamic playmaker.

“Let’s live in the world where he wants to play with an elite level QB, I would say the two would be Baltimore and Philadelphia.”

– Dan Orlovsky on DeAndre Hopkins potential landing spots pic.twitter.com/W6f1trMjtJ

— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) June 13, 2023

1. Buffalo Bills: Hopkins has expressed his interest in catching passes from Josh Allen. If everything goes well, the Bills might eventually offer him a deal.
2. Detroit Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding Hopkins to their receiving corps. With Jameson Williams sidelined for the first six games, Hopkins would alleviate pressure on the team’s wideouts and provide valuable support upon Williams’ return.
3. Dallas Cowboys: Joining a star-studded receiving unit that already includes CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks would make the Cowboys’ offense go off the charts. Moreover, Hopkins’ addition would alleviate the burden on Michael Gallup as the team’s third receiver.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: The defending NFC Champs offer a natural fit for Hopkins. Becoming part of a talented wide receiver group with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith would give the Eagles an explosive offensive arsenal.
5. New York Jets: While quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not be a young signal-caller, his championship pedigree and MVP credentials make him an attractive option for Hopkins.

As the 2023 season gears up, every team will have an eye on the developments regarding DeAndre Hopkins’ contract and where the WR eventually lands.

The post 10 Years Before Leaving the Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins Was Accused of Vandalizing His Hotel Room appeared first on The SportsRush.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2017, the WWE Icon discussed one of his gym videos. The 2015 clip, that John Cena posted on Twitter, saw him doing a bench press of 463lb. Interestingly, the top calculated bench press for that year’s NFL combine was 473lb.

At this years @NFL combine top calculated bench press was 473lb. 38 yrs old, this is 463 #NGU @TapouT @sportscenter pic.twitter.com/Lvtt2nnFZE

— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 28, 2015

John Cena felt the “bench press for reps test” at the NFL combine was worthless

During the conversation, the host asked John Cena about his chances in the NFL solely based on his combine skills. The WWE icon stated he would even make it to the draft. He then talked about what he liked and disliked about the combine tests.

John Cena admitted he likes a lot of tests that the NFL conducts at the combine. Be it agility, sprint, or vertical jump, all of that was fun. However, the one thing he hated was bench presses for the reps test.

According to John Cena, that was the most worthless test the NFL had at the combine. The Cenation Leader claimed he has enough knowledge when it comes to strength and fitness. He even went on to call upper body reps for a segregated weight a horrible thing.

John Cena then called the NFL and asked them to improve the strength assessment at the combine because the one they have is not good. He stated:

“I love a lot of the tests in the [NFL] Combine. I hate the bench press for reps test, I think it’s the most worthless test of skill that they have at the Combine… Step your game up with the strength assessment, NFL. It’s not a good one.”

The wrestler-turned-Hollywood star hasn’t appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania 39

Nowadays, John Cena is a part-time WWE star and a full-time Hollywood actor, which means, his in-ring appearances will be rarer. Last year, WWE featured him in just one match, and that too, a tag team one.

However, Big Match John did appear at WrestleMania 39 where he kicked off Night 1 by fighting Austin Theory. John Cena challenged the rising star from RAW for the US Title but failed to win.

Since then, fans haven’t seen the 16-time WWE champion in the ring or, for that matter, on WWE TV. There are rumors that the company intends to bring him back for Night of Champions next month. Though as of yet, there has been no such indication from WWE’s side.

For More Wrestling News, Click Here.

The post John Cena, Who Bench Pressed 463lbs, Once Blasted NFL Combine for Having a “Worthless” Reps Test appeared first on The SportsRush.

And certainly, every year some handpicked athletes often mesmerize, setting and breaking existing records. One such star who has made a new mark in the Scouting Combine this season is the Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

.@jaxon_smith1 had himself a DAY at the Combine.

: #NFLCombine continues today at 1pm ET on @nflnetwork
: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/lMR3VaYVEk

— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023

The 21-year-old had been phenomenal during the Combine day drills. Despite opting out of the 40-yard dash, he stunned everyone with his explosive performance. Readers must note that the youngster was unavailable for most of the 2022 season owing to an injury; however, he made sure that he compensated for those missed chances by showing up for the drills.

Also Read: NFL Combine 2023: Top 5 Offensive-Linemen Who Failed to Meet Expectations at This Year’s Combine

Jaxon Smith-Njigba blitzes at the NFL Combine 2023

Fair to say, the wideout has improved his draft stock and is sure to go off the boards in the first round itself. He reinforced this notion by acing the 3-Cone Drill with an impressive time of 6.57 seconds, enlisting himself among the top 15 prospects since 2007.

Moreover, his 20-yard-shuttle time was 3.92 seconds, fourth best by a receiver in this period. While his decision to stay out of the 40-yard dash raised many eyebrows, the youngster will showcase his speed on Pro day.

Apart from agility, Smith poses great physical attributes to secure his first-round chances. He weighed 196 pounds and checked in with a standard height of 6-0 ½. Similarly, his nine-inch hands recorded an arm’s length of 30 1/2″ with a wing span of 75 1/2″, via SI.

Hence looking at all those statistics, it is quite possible teams having early picks will definitely give thought to considering this WR over anybody else.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba college stats

The Texas native happens to be an asset for the Buckeyes. Despite appearing for only three games last season, the wideout showcased a sensational performance. He scripted the Ohio State single-game record for most receiving yards (347) in the 2022 Rose Bowl. His single game record of 15 catches still remains an undisputed milestone.

Over the past three years, he played in 23 games. With a massive record of 1,698 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 110 interceptions, the star outlasts his competition in every aspect. Readers can stay tuned for more updates on Smith and his NFL draft news.

Also Read: NFL Combine Bench Press Record: Who Has Benched the Most in NFL Combine’s History?

The post Jaxon Smith-Njigba Combine Stats 2023: Jaxon Smith 40-Yard-Time appeared first on The SportsRush.

The bench press drill involves participants lift 225 pounds in successive reps, to showcase their upper body strength. It also is a test of their resolve under pressure, and their conditioning and endurance. Many participants end up shocking viewers with a staggeringly high number of repetitions. Although this does not directly correlate to a player’s on field performance, it is still a sight to see.

The record for the highest number of reps on the bench press drill goes to Justin Ernest. A defensive tackle out of East Kentucky, he completed 51 reps at the 1999 NFL Combine. Unfortunately for him, his strength in the bench press drill did not attract teams to sign him, and he went undrafted that year. The New Orleans Saints signed him to the practice squad as an undrafted rookie, but he only lasted a year with them, and had no appearances in the NFL.

Also Read: “Got To Be Kidding Me”: Brett Maher Breaks NFL Record By Not Doing His Job & Peyton Manning Is Absolutely Livid

Stephen Paea: beast on the bench press, beast on the gridiron

Stephen Paea is one of the more recognizable names in the NFL, especially for fans of the Chicago Bears. The defensive tackle from Oregon State benched 49 reps at the 2011 NFL Combine. Bagging himself a spot with the Bears in round 2 of the Draft. He went on to play in the NFL for another 6 years, before ultimately retiring owing to an injured knee. He played a total of 83 games and recorded 129 tackles and 53 sacks. He is also the first Bears’ player since 1970 to score a safety in a debut game.

This year’s NFL Combine is just around the corner. With so many prospective players lining up to show their talents to teams and viewers, everyone is sure to by hyped up about the weeklong event. Will we see more records broken this year? Who will stand out from the crowd, and be the one teams scramble to bag this year?

Also Read: End of Tom Brady-Tampa Bay Love?”: Disappointed Bucs Fans are Leaving the Stadium Midway During Wildcard Clash Against Cowboys

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Earlier this year, the NFL announced that the scouting combine, or “National Invitational Camp” as it is officially called (by no one), would be cancelled due to COVID-19.

Just like that, Indianapolis’s 2nd biggest, and arguably most interesting, sporting event was taken away. Interestingly, the combine actually took place in 2020, the year most associated with the pandemic.

Worldwide lockdowns were imposed soon after the event at the Lucas Oil stadium last year. You would think that after conducting a full season in the pandemic, the combine would be able to take place but this clearly isn’t the situation.

It definitely wasn’t a decision popular with the fans, but ultimately was one taken with safety in mind. All pre-draft workouts are now taking place at on-campus Pro Days.

Some of the bigger colleges like Clemson and FSU have already finished their pro days. The same goes for a handful of smaller universities with top prospects like QB Trey Lance at NDSU. However, there is still plenty of action to come.

Also read:  “Deshaun Watson Is A Serial Predator”: 14th Lawsuit Filed Against Houston Texans QB

List of Every Upcoming NFL Pro Day in 2021

The post NFL Pro Day 2021 Schedule: List of Every Upcoming NFL Pro Day Ahead of 2021 NFL Draft appeared first on The SportsRush.

The NFL Scouting Combine is a week long event that takes place every year in February at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Only the top college players in the nation receive a combine invite.

The players who are selected have the chance to workout in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and GMs. The athletes perform various physical and mental drills in the hopes of impressing scouts and increasing their draft stock.

Although, there is the age old debate of whether or not these combine drills actually correlate with a player’s on-field success. Many argue that combine drills solely measure athleticism and don’t give a clear idea of a player’s capabilities.

Either way, there have been a number of occasions when a player’s draft stock increased based on their measurable qualities at the combine.

Also read: Which NFL Stadiums will be allowing fans in attendance for the 2020 season?

NFL Combine Bench Press Record

One of the drills at the combine is the bench press. Normally, this is the drill where players, especially linemen, get to showcase their strength and stamina.

Each athlete benches a weight of 225 pounds as many times as they can. Only 17 prospects managed to complete 40 repetitions since 1999. One of the players who did it was Justin Earnest back in 1999.

He was a DT out of Eastern Kentucky and he set the record for the bench press drill at 51 repetitions. No player has since managed to beat this mark, but Earnest actually isn’t the official record holder based on a technicality.

The NFL established a recency cut-off as 2006 to ensure data is accurate in official records. Therefore, Earnest’s effort in 1999 does not go down as the NFL record.

Instead, Stephen Paea’s 49 reps was deemed an NFL record in 2011. Paea, also a DT, was born in New Zealand and later moved to the States and played at Oregon State. He was drafted by the Bears and spent 7 years in the league.

Also read: Where to Watch NFL in the UK: ViacomCBS to broadcast NFL Monday Games on Channel 5 and MTV

Record Holders for Other Drills

40 Yard Dash: John Ross (4.22s)

Vertical Jump: Chris Conley/Donald Washington (45.0″)

Broad Jump: Byron Jones (12’3″)

Three-cone Drill: J.T. Thomas (6.28s)

The post NFL Combine Bench Press Record: Records for every drill at the NFL Scouting Combine appeared first on The SportsRush.