In the world of professional football, the demands placed on athletes are immense, requiring a combination of raw talent, strategic understanding, and an unparalleled level of physical conditioning. Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ formidable defensive end, is a prime example of an athlete who embodies all these qualities. For anyone curious about what it truly takes to train like an NFL superstar, the video above offers a compelling glimpse as Mark Phillips steps into Myles Garrett’s world for an intense NFL workout at the Sports Academy.
Mark Phillips, known for his humor and relatable persona, accepted the challenge to undergo a training session designed for an elite defensive player. His experience highlights the sheer intensity and dedication required to maintain a professional football career. This wasn’t just a friendly gym session; it was a deep dive into the rigorous regimen that sculpts a five-time Pro Bowler and Defensive Player of the Year.
The Early Bird Gets the Edge: Myles Garrett’s 6 AM Routine
Myles Garrett’s day often begins before most people hit snooze, with workouts kicking off as early as 6 AM. This early start isn’t merely a preference; it’s a strategic choice, allowing him to dominate the day both mentally and physically. Such a demanding schedule requires incredible discipline and a commitment to peak performance, setting the tone for the entire day’s training.
As Mark soon discovers, the intensity is palpable from the moment you step foot in the gym. For athletes like Garrett, consistency is key, and every session is an opportunity to refine their craft. The early morning grind is a non-negotiable part of developing and maintaining the physical prowess needed to excel in the NFL.
More Than Just Stretching: The NFL Warm-up Protocol
Before any heavy lifting or explosive drills, a proper warm-up is crucial for professional athletes. It’s not just about loosely stretching; it’s a dynamic process designed to activate specific muscle groups, improve mobility, and prepare the nervous system for the intense work ahead. The video showcases Myles and Mark starting with “basic skips,” which are far more technical than they sound.
These skips, focusing on a “piston action” in the lower half with knees and toes up, help develop rhythm and relaxation in movement—essential for fluid on-field performance. They then progress to “backpedaling to midfield,” a fundamental movement for defensive players. This drill enhances agility and the ability to rapidly change direction, mimicking game-day scenarios where a defensive end must constantly adjust to offensive plays.
Measuring Explosive Power: Jump Assessments
A significant part of elite athletic training involves precise measurement and assessment. The warm-up phase seamlessly transitions into a quick assessment designed to gauge explosive power and nervous system readiness. Coaches utilize tools to measure how high an athlete can jump and how much force they can produce quickly, providing immediate feedback on their physical state.
Myles Garrett consistently hits “high numbers,” indicating his nervous system is primed and ready to go. Mark’s attempt, while commendable for a non-pro athlete, registered at 17.9 inches. These numbers are more than just statistics; they dictate how hard an athlete can be pushed that day, ensuring optimal training benefits while mitigating injury risk. It truly highlights the competitive drive even within assessments, as both Myles and Mark playfully challenge each other.
Entering the Gauntlet: Core Strength and Power Drills
Once warmed up and assessed, the true challenge of the NFL workout begins, focusing on building raw power, agility, and functional strength. These drills are carefully selected to translate directly into on-field performance, whether it’s shedding a block, chasing down a ball carrier, or exploding off the line of scrimmage.
Explosive Med Ball Throws for Rotational Power
A core component of any power training regimen, medicine ball throws are prominently featured. Myles and Mark engage in “three throws over our head, straight up, as high as we can.” This exercise is not just about arm strength; it’s a full-body movement that generates power from the ground up through the hips, core, and shoulders.
For a defensive end, this replicates the explosive force needed for tackling, pushing off opponents, and generating rotational power in their movements. Myles’s throws are incredibly powerful, almost hitting the roof, a testament to his explosive core strength. Mark, on the other hand, quickly realizes the immense difference in power output, struggling to generate the same height and force.
Agility and Dynamic Movement Drills
The workout then shifts to a series of dynamic agility drills, which involve rapid changes in direction like “back, forward, right, left.” These exercises are fundamental for developing the quick reflexes and coordination required to react instantaneously to an opponent’s movements.
A defensive end must be able to quickly pivot, accelerate, and decelerate to pursue quarterbacks or close gaps in the running game. The precise, controlled chaos of these drills directly simulates the reactive demands of a football play, where split-second decisions and movements can make all the difference.
The Ultimate Test: Sled Pushes and Landmine Variations
The ultimate test of lower body strength and endurance in this regimen comes with sled pushes. Mark’s immediate, visceral reaction of “No, no, no” when Myles mentions sleds speaks volumes. Pushing a sled loaded with “two 35s” (70 lbs) may not sound like much, but the constant, grinding resistance taxes the quads, hamstrings, and glutes in a way few other exercises can.
Sled pushes build the drive and leg strength crucial for an NFL player to push through offensive linemen and maintain leverage. The workout then introduces a “landmine variation,” an advanced exercise that involves pushing and rotating a weighted barbell. This multifaceted movement requires full extension through the lower half and explosive power, coupled with bracing and core stability in multiple directions.
This exercise specifically targets the functional strength needed by a defensive end to withstand impacts, generate force from different angles, and explode through contact, much like engaging in a block or a tackle. The video also briefly introduces Myles’s “physio,” Jon, highlighting the crucial role of physical therapists in ensuring athletes can maintain this level of intensity and recover effectively.
The Mental Battle of Elite Training
Beyond the physical exertion, the NFL workout reveals the intense mental fortitude required to train at an elite level. Mark Phillips, visibly fatigued and questioning his life choices, embodies the struggle many would face. His lament, “Ain’t no peace to be found here,” perfectly encapsulates the relentless, no-quit mentality prevalent in professional sports.
Myles Garrett, in stark contrast, maintains a calm, focused demeanor, pushing through each exercise with unwavering intensity. This mental resilience is as important as physical strength, enabling athletes to push past perceived limits, endure pain, and remain focused throughout a grueling season. It’s about being able to perform at your best, even when your body screams for a break. Mark’s journey through this intense session truly demonstrates that this isn’t just a workout; it’s a testament to the daily grind that shapes an NFL player.
The Post-Workout Huddle: Your Q&A on Garrett’s Gridiron Test
What is this article about?
This article describes an intense NFL workout where popular content creator Mark Phillips attempts to train like Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett. It shows how difficult professional football training really is.
Who is Myles Garrett?
Myles Garrett is a top defensive end for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He is known for his incredible physical fitness and for being recognized as a Defensive Player of the Year.
What kind of exercises are included in an NFL player’s workout?
NFL workouts involve dynamic warm-ups like skips and backpedaling, explosive drills such as medicine ball throws and jump assessments, and strength exercises like sled pushes and landmine variations to build power and agility.
Why do NFL players like Myles Garrett wake up so early to train?
NFL players often start training as early as 6 AM. This early routine is a strategic choice to set a disciplined tone for the day and ensure they are consistently performing at their physical and mental peak.
What was Mark Phillips’ experience like during the NFL workout?
Mark Phillips, a non-professional athlete, found the workout extremely challenging and physically demanding. His struggle highlighted the intense dedication and mental toughness required to train like an NFL superstar.