Bears Offensive Linemen Demonstrate Dedication to Growth at OL Masterminds Conference
"Trust the process" is a phrase commonly heard in football locker rooms, as every player and team has their own unique path to success. For Teven Jenkins, Braxton Jones, and Ja'Tyre Carter of the Chicago Bears offensive line, their individual processes converged in a suburb of North Texas, well before the start of the new NFL season.
Entering a sterile, mostly white building, a blast of cold air provides relief from the scorching Texas summer heat. A rehab facility may seem ordinary, with a woman sitting on a bench with a cane and a walking boot, and an elderly couple exiting an imaging wing. However, unbeknownst to them, just beyond the double doors at the corner of the L-shaped lobby, nearly 300 men, weighing over 300 pounds each, gather. These men are among the world's most elite athletes.
It's July, the slowest time of the NFL calendar. Most players are enjoying their vacations or relishing in one of the rare football-free weekends of the summer. But not these individuals.
They have all gathered for the sixth annual OL Masterminds summit, taking place at The Sports Performance Center on the grounds of The Star in Frisco, known as the home of "America's Team," the Dallas Cowboys. This state-of-the-art facility trains various athletes year-round, but for one particular weekend, just after the 4th of July, college and professional players from across the country assemble to enhance their skills.
Walking around the rectangular turf field, one cannot ignore the sheer size of the event. Dozens of large circular tables are arranged in front of a massive screen. Sponsors display their lifted pickup trucks on the field, with price tags well into six figures. And then there are the hundreds of offensive linemen, each seemingly bigger than the next, eagerly focused on a panel of esteemed individuals with illustrious careers. Personalities like Steve Hutchinson, Will Shields, Andrew Whitworth, and Damien Woody share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation of linemen, seated before them.
At the center of it all is Duke Manyweather, perhaps the most renowned trainer for one of football's least-known positions. He, alongside future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson, founded the summit back in 2018, addressing a room of only 27 participants at the time. Now, the number has surpassed 275 attendees.
"The message every single year is clear," Manyweather emphasized. "We aim to elevate the game and raise the status of offensive linemen through a comprehensive approach. We focus on the mind, body, and craft."
Playing as a lineman is a learned skill, devoid of natural instincts. Manyweather observes a notable shift in the approach to preparation and skill development, thanks to the efforts of OL Masterminds and the Big Boys Club. These initiatives have brought positive attention to the position and fostered a deliberate intent for improvement.
The Bears linemen, along with their counterparts from around the league, gather at the OL Masterminds summit to refine their craft and embrace the opportunity for growth. The dedication exhibited by these athletes demonstrates their commitment to becoming the best versions of themselves on the field.
