Raiders’ Brown serious about lifting weights
Raiders right tackle Trent Brown was temporarily the NFL’s highest-paid lineman, a mountain of a man who could move mountains.
And he reached that status (Brown is now the fourth-highest paid lineman) without being serious about lifting weights.
That was one of the revelations from Brown during a 45- minute interview posted Monday by Bleacher Report’s AdamLefkoe— all while Brown was having his hair cut by his personal barber.
“I wasn’t really big on lifting weights until this offseason,” Brown said. “I’m as strong as I’ve ever been right now. Last year I dealt with a lot of small, nagging injuries. I ended the season on ( injured reserve). I’ve been trying to focus on strengthening the small muscles. Me and my trainer have been going at it since the end of January.”
Other observations from Brown (some edited for language
and clarity): FAMILIARITY — FOR THE FIRST TIME » “This is actually going to be the first time inmy career being in the same system for a second time. I’ve had a different head coach every year, a different system, a different offense. It’s going to be special. The carryover is going to be crazy.” HISLOVEFORTHEGAME— BROWN
CONCEDES HE DIDN’T WATCH A LOTOFFOOTBALL » “I used to be in that category. I’m not going to lie to you. Over the years, the last couple of years I fell in love with the game even more. I’m eating, sleeping and breathing it. I’d rather watch games than film. I think the commentary makes it that much better and easier to watch.” HISFAVORITEOFFSEASON » “I’ve been able stay focused on training and being a dad. I’m so glad we didn’t have OTAs. I was able to be with my kids and I really enjoyed it. This has been the best offseason I’ve ever had.” ESCAPING THE COST OF CALIFORNIA AND HAVING FRIENDS VISIT » “State taxes are whipping our ass. High-ass cost of
living for no reason. We’re all pretty pumped for it. None of us gamble so it’s going to be normal for us. Country boys, we’re going to be in Vegas. It’s more slow-paced than the bay. More our style.”
HIS REAL HEIGHT (BROWN IS LISTED AT 6-FOOT-8) » “I’m like 6-9, 1/8. I don’t know why they won’t give me my inch, man.” THE IMPACT OF 2019 ROOKIES
MAXX CROSBY AND CLELIN FERRELL » “I got a good eye forMaxx and Clelin. I saw themevery day and they’re young, they’re full of energy. I gotta come to practice with it every day. Boys don’t turn it off.”
ADVICETOJETS’ 350-PLUSPOUND
FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKMEKHI
BECTON (THEY SHARE THE SAME PERSONAL LINE COACH) » “Predraft, everybody is trying to (dump) on you because of your weight. I just toldhim, if youcan ball, you can ball. Don’t let anyone put a number on your game. Don’t let folks get in your head. That messed with me early in my career, ‘ You need to be this weight.’ I didn’t have the proper energy. I didn’t eat right because
I wanted to make sure I make weight. I’m probably more athletic than 90 percent of the linemen in the NFL.”
THE SPORT OF HIS YOUTH » “When I was younger the first sport I participated in was gymnastics. It was really just a freefor-all type class Saturdaymorning at the YMCA. Balance beam, the rings, everything in there, really.”