Ryan Kalil Jordan Gross Geoff Hangartner - The Rookie Handbook

65 Bleecker Street

New York, NY 10012

Copyright 2016 by The Rookie Handbook Team, LLC

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Regan Arts Subsidiary Rights Department, 65 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012.

First Regan Arts edition, September 2016

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016939702

ISBN 978-1-68245-034-5

ISBN 978-1-68245-035-2 (ebook)

Interior and cover design and illustrations by Matt Stevens

As you get set to take your journey into this important workand journey is an accurate assessment of your impending experience (so is the word experience)please do know this: Ryan Kalil and Jordan Gross do not hate rookies. Well, Geoff Hangartner might. I dont know Geoff all that well, but if Kalil and Gross back his play as an F.O.R. (Friend of Rookies), well, then Im on board. Plus, in Carolina, these three guys protected Cam Newton in what turned out to be one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL quarterbacking history. Now look at Cam. Hes an MVP dabbing all over the place. And on dem folks.

So, if this distinguished trio of offensive linemen were so offended by rookies, why would they then write a smarm-filled primer called The Rookie Handbook?

Lets be real. Just because the pages that follow make it seem as if rookies are a target of their derision, disgust, and disrespect (the dreaded Three Ds), its truly not the case. This book is an actual guidea road map, if you willon how one can smartly identify and avoid rookie problems, which, historically and generally, has been a pretty large problem for rookies. And not just in the NFL. Neophytes everywhere would be well-advised to read this tome and take note of what lies in between the lines of the surprisingly cogent and superbly sarcastic prose penned by Kalil and Gross. Oh, yes, and by Hangartner, who Kalil and Gross tell me knows how to write. And read. Although, hes probably the reason there are so many illustrations in the book.

At any rate, take my word for it. Weve all been rookies at one point or another, in whatever our endeavors. So The Rookie Handbook will help you. This handbook will help NFL rookies. And, ultimately, by helping you and those crucial newcomers to the NFL, your authors Ryan Kalil, Jordan Gross, and Geoff Hangartner are helping America. Or fantasy football drafters silly enough to risk a high pick on some clueless rookie.

Feel good that youve picked up this book. And enjoy. I personally guarantee its freshness.

RICH EISEN

TO THE ROOKIES IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE & EVERYONE GIVING IT THEIR BEST SHOT

Welcome to The Rookie Handbook , the most comprehensive look inside the life of an NFL rookie ever produced. Its purpose is to help you avoid the common pitfalls most first-time professionals find themselves in. Reading this book will not guarantee that you get drafted, become a starter, or even make the team. This book consists of the bare essentials of what should be a guide to better prepare you and make you feel comfortable in this new environment. And, while weve provided a great deal of valuable information, much was left out for you to discover for yourself.

In constructing The Rookie Handbook we realized early on that many of you were not the most scholarly of students and reading may not be your forte. So we took it upon ourselves to present the simplest version we could possibly conceive. The result is an easy-to-read, heavily illustrated reference book that should help you not only increase your chances of surviving your first season, but also of achieving a long and successful NFL career.

Enjoy... rookie.

Sincerely,

The Rookie Handbook Team

AT A GLANCE

A. Although you may think you know everything, you dont. Pay attention, listen, and get in your damn playbook.

B. There's a chance you or some of your fellow rookies will be bankrupt or nearly there about two years after your careers end. Be smart with your money and dont become another statistic.

C. Youre in the NFL. Congrats! But now everybody wants a piece of you. You need to learn to give your time to those who really care about you and avoid those interested in your fame or fortune.

D. Nerves are normal. If youre not nervous, somethings wrong. If youre too nervous, somethings wrong. Relax, its not quantum physics... its still just football.

E. Few sports demand the same strength, speed, and agility needed to succeed in the pros. Take your body seriously, put away the cheese puffs, get off the video games, and start training for professional football. After all, its only the greatest opportunity youll probably ever have.

Once your final college game is over, your preparation for the draft begins immediately. One of your biggest decisions in preparing for the combine and pro day will be where you should train.

If youve already selected an agent, theyll likely suggest some fancy training facility that specializes in preparing athletes for the NFL draft process. These programs can be beneficial, providing great perks such as massage therapists or customized nutrition plans, but they typically do little to no football training. Their goal is to prepare you for the running and jumping tests at the combine and pro day. Work with your agent to find someone to teach you the football techniques necessary for success at the pro level.

Your other option is to stay and work with the meathead strength coaches at your (former) university. They will know you and your strengths and weaknesses best, but will likely not give you their full attention since their top priority is getting next years freshmen ready for college football. There are no clear-cut answers as to where you should train, but your goal should be to minimize the distractions and find a place with coaches who will push you to be your best, not tell you how great you are.

Lets be very frank about sports agents: They cannot get you drafted. A good agent is someone who can prepare you for the upcoming meat grinder of evaluations and, most importantly, negotiate a solid contract for you, or rather... SHOW YOU THE MONEY! Here are a few kinds of agents who are going to be courting you once you declare for the draft. Choose wisely.

FAMILY AGENT

Great, your uncle Joe watched every one of your games in college. Why does this give him the right to a percentage of your total contract?

WANNABE COOL AGENT

Hes cool, and hell let you know it with his clothes and his lingo. Make sure his negotiating skills are as fresh as his wardrobe.