Sir Purr
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- Mar 16, 2019
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But without the benefit of in-person instruction and interaction in Charlotte, Okung said players will have to be self-starters to make sure they're ready whenever teams are allowed to meet and train in their facilities again. In some ways, it's similar to what Okung went through back in the 2011 lockout. Back then, Okung was entering his second NFL season with the Seahawks.
"I think it's important that players understand that we're going to have to take initiative," Okung said. "I remember in my time in Seattle when we were going through the lockout, that's exactly what happened. We knew we wouldn't necessarily know what was going on, who would be on the team — there were a lot of moving parts."
"I've already had some players reach out to me, and I've reached out to them and we've talked in passing," Okung continued, noting trust and chemistry is, "something you build over time, it doesn't necessarily come immediately. But to be in control of what we can do, it's going to be our preparation and readiness necessary — whether that's plays in the playbook or when doing drills on their own to go out there and put the best product on the field."
To that end, Okung lucked out at his friend's place, which has a weight room. But he's also being a little creative with his training.
"I just make it work," Okung said. "And then try to do some calisthenics with the baby just to make it fun."
As Okung continues to socially distance at his now-home away from home, he's doing his best to make the most of the situation — even if he does get on Samar's nerves at times.
"Pretty much my wife and I, we've been stuck in two rooms, really. And we have a nine-month-old. So it's actually brought us closer, I think," Okung said with a chuckle. "Now my wife may beg to differ, she's probably exhausted of living with me. But nonetheless, it's been pretty fun. It's been really fun, actually."