As soon as his frustrating 2007 season ended, Carolina Panthers wideout Steve Smith decided he needed to blow off some steam. Instead of doing what some other NFL players might do -- like choking pregnant girlfriends or piloting boats while drinking -- Smith settled on a good old-fashioned workout at the gym.Only Steve Smith doesn't go to normal gyms. No. He went to Velocity Sports Training, which specializes in improving athletes' speed, strength and agility. Smith really liked the workout he got there. In fact, he liked it so much, he bought a stake in the company.
Not only did Smith see an opportunity to work with other athletes and get a head start on his post-NFL career, but he saw actual improvement in his game during last weekend's minicamp.
"I could see a big difference (in performance) in a short amount of time," he said. "Physically, I feel stronger, and faster in and out of breaks."
So, to recap, Steve Smith, 28, All-Pro NFL wide receiver, is faster and stronger than he was last year, when he had 87 catches for 1,002 yards and 7 touchdowns under adverse conditions. Plus, his favorite quarterback is getting healthy, and his team has new depth at receiver. Still looking like a train wreck to you, Panthers fans?
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Or he could be slower and weaker, but trying to sell his new business. Lets see what he does on the field. If he can top last season's numbers than I think he might be getting some new customers.
Posted at 10:29PM on May 6th 2008 by hughesfamily
2. Hopefully Steve will perform better than Reggie Bush who despite having an off season workout regimen that rivaled Rocky Balboa didn't exactly give a knockout performance on the field in his second year. At least Steve has his head screwed on right but working out in a gym instead of self destruction activities.
Posted at 11:59PM on May 6th 2008 by George B Vieto
3. Maybe he can get other Panther players to work more on their off season conditioning. This could be a big step in getting the team to the next level.
Posted at 3:30PM on May 7th 2008 by Grim Reaper