At its heart, football relies on the concept of competition. Between utilizing a competitive spirit as a motivator for enhanced play and figuring out what a team has in a player, NFL training camp builds a stage where players aim to utilize their competitive spirit to prove their worth to their teams. Players bring energy and fire to training camp, channeled into on-field play.

High-intensity practices result in a “back and forth” mindset between individuals. Even when players are on the same team, teammates should expect the best from their teammates, but importantly themselves. After practicing for an extended period in full pads, tempers flare from exhaustion. A competitive drive pushes players into playing at their highest level.

Saints 2022 first-round pick, Offensive Tackle Trevor Penning, reportedly fought for three straight days in practice. Subsequently, the Saints took Penning out of the competition. When intensity fluctuates, tensions rise, but showing a pattern of repeated delinquent behavior is a disturbing sign.

There is a difference between competitiveness and immaturity. If this action occurred once or twice, it would have been a warning sign. But for three straight practices to result in a fight for one player puts that player in a negative spotlight.

Developing as a player, in addition to as a person, should be the focus of training camp. Hopefully, Penning takes a step back and views his actions as a learning experience. Self-control is a concept that some take longer to understand. The difference between showcasing competitiveness and immaturity set a dangerous precedent for Trevor Penning as he begins his NFL career.

References

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