Dion Dawkins on Learning from NFL Veterans Richie Incognito, LeSean McCoy, and Eric Wood

Buffalo Bills' Franchise Transformation

• 🏈 Dion Dawkins joined the Buffalo Bills in 2017 as part of a draft class that included Matt Milano and Tre Davius White, forming the core of the team's rebuild.
• 📈 The franchise transformed from an afterthought to a contender, significantly boosted by the drafting of Josh Allen.
• 🌟 The team's growth was a steady ascent, with players developing into stars and establishing the Bills as a dominant force.

Mentorship from Veteran Players

• 🤝 Dawkins identifies Eric Wood, Richie Incognito, and LeSean McCoy as his three primary mentors, referring to them as his "big homies."
• 💡 He also credits Kelvin Benjamin with teaching him fundamental lessons on how to simply "be a guy" and a professional.
• 🏆 These veterans provided crucial guidance on various aspects of being an NFL pro beyond just playing the game.

Offseason Training and Professionalism

• ☀️ Richie Incognito was instrumental in teaching Dawkins about offseason training, establishing a rigorous schedule, and demonstrating proper nutrition and workout locations.
• 🗓️ Incognito showed Dawkins the importance of a structured offseason that balances intense training with rest and recovery.
• 🏋️ Dawkins learned the value of consistent effort and dedication, even when away from the team facilities.

In-Season Professionalism and Recovery

• 🏊‍♂️ Both Incognito and McCoy taught Dawkins the importance of low-maintenance recovery techniques, such as using hot and cold tubs and proper stretching.
• 🤝 He emphasizes building trust with members of the training staff, like Will Greenberg, who help players manage their physical condition throughout the season.
• ✅ These daily habits are crucial for maintaining peak performance and longevity in the NFL.

Learning to Study Film and Take Notes

• 🧠 Dawkins initially struggled with extensive note-taking, preferring a simplified approach to film study.
• 🗣️ Mentors like Incognito helped him develop a note-taking strategy that was effective for his learning style while also demonstrating effort to coaches.
• 📝 This guidance helped him balance his personal learning preferences with the need to show coaches his dedication and understanding of the game.