Four Downs with NY Jets--Lorenzo Washington

As we all sit patiently waiting for this lockout to end, I decided to reach out to some players and see how they are all handling the lockout. While football is a passion for us it’s their profession and I can’t imagine being kept from working. The first player to check in with me was big Lorenzo Washington from the NY Jets. Lorenzo gives us a little of what the players are going through while they wait to get back to work.

1st Down….How different has this off-season been compared to any other off-season you’ve experienced?

L.W: The biggest difference is just not being able to be coached and do OTA's. As an athlete I’m always working out and staying in shape but because of the lockout we all have not done any football since January.

2nd Down….Besides staying in shape, what else have you done of note in this extended off season?
LW: I looked at my weaknesses and tried to focus on making those areas a strength. Also staying mentally focused during the lockout was an important thing for me because you have to look at the offseason like it’s a marathon not a sprint. I made changes in my diet, my activities off the field, conditioning, etc. I wanted to make sure when the lockout ends I will be at my best to impress the coaches. So I tried to make this offseason just like I would during any other, just more time to recover and stay healthy and less time with teammates and coaches

3rd Down…What are you looking forward to most this season?
LW: I just look forward to putting on the pads and getting after it. There is nothing like the camaraderie you have with your teammates when you get ready to play a game knowing all the blood sweat and hard work everyone has put into trying to go win the game

4th Down….What advice would you give someone in the NBA as they prepare for their own lockout?
LW: Make sure you have a plan in place for at least 6 months. Financially and for how you will train and stick to those routines for the duration of the lockout. Treat the off-season like any other off-season even though you can’t use your team facilities

Bonus….Anything you want to say to the football fans that have been waiting patiently for the game they love to return?
LW: This lockout is not about the money to the players. We just want to play and have a fair set of rules for everyone to abide by.

If any player wants to contact me to 4 Downs with me feel free to email and we can set something up.