NFL Strength Standards

[The_GOAT]

Rip, you've talked a lot with John Welbourn. You've interviewed him, he's interviewed you, and I think I can safely assume that you've done a great deal of talking off-mic as well. I also assume that, like most of us, you wondered, "Just how strong are NFL players?" Wondering that, and having an association with an NFL player, did you ever ask John what the roundabout strength numbers of his teammates were? If so, how did he answer? I've cobbled together some potential numbers from his interviews and some other sources, but he never answers the question directly. It seems that a 700 squat, 500+ bench, 400+ power clean, and 585 for reps on RDLs would be pretty good strength levels/goals for professional linemen.

I know John has his own site, but he sadly charges for the privilege to ask him things directly, and I'm broke. If this subject never came up, feel free to veto this thread.

[Mark Rippetoe]

He'd agree these are good goals. I'm not sure they are attainable by everyone in the job due to injuries, which is a very significant factor. You can play around injuries, but it's hard to squat 700 around a bad knee.

[The_GOAT]

Thank you very much.

[Drewcar]

Welbourn talks a lot about his NFL training on his Power Athlete podcasts. He usually talks about the combination of genetics, hard work, and game smarts. Strength or strength training plays directly into at least two of those, and indirectly into the latter third.

[DirtyRed]

Welbourn talks a lot about his NFL training on his Power Athlete podcasts. He usually talks about the combination of genetics, hard work, and game smarts. Strength or strength training plays directly into at least two of those, and indirectly into the latter third.

Stupid question: How do strength or strength training play into genetics? Genetics is kind of established before either of those things occur.

Also, there needs to be less emphasis on "hard work" and more emphasis on knowing what the hell one is doing when they exert effort. I see a lot of people going HAM on the preacher curl machine to the point of exhaustion, and they end up almost as weak and scrawny as they were a year ago. I exert the same relative effort, but did it in a manner than got me squatting heavy ass weights. AND bigger arms than the dork doing 15 variations of curls, not that my arms are remotely big.

It's kind of like the difference between running into a brick wall and practicing rugby. They're very similar and exhausting, but one actually accomplishes something.

[Drewcar]

Stupid question: How do strength or strength training play into genetics? Genetics is kind of established before either of those things occur.

Genetics would be a big control on baseline strength, and training helps you get closer to your genetic potential for strength.

[afatgoat]

Genetics would be a big control on baseline strength, and training helps you get closer to your genetic potential for strength.

Joint and limb leverages, ability to recover, ability to achieve hypertrophy, ability to demonstrate force.

[George Christiansen]

I know John has his own site, but he sadly charges for the privilege to ask him things directly, and I'm broke. If this subject never came up, feel free to veto this thread.

What makes you think he's sad about charging people for his time?

[Mark Rippetoe]

This reads better:

I know John has his own site, but he charges for the privilege to ask him things directly, and, sadly, I'm broke. If this subject never came up, feel free to veto this thread.

[The_GOAT]

I meant to say that his charging is quite unfortunate (for broke people), although I imagine he is quite happy and I wish him the best of luck in this endeavor.

What makes you think he's sad about charging people for his time?

This conjures up images of John crying profusely and drying his tears with hundred dollar bills.