At a recent gathering of NFL coaches and general managers during the NFL Scouting Combine, a lighthearted conversation emerged about which coach could handle the most reps on the bench press with 225 pounds. The question came up when reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala asked a group of coaches who they believed could perform the best in this challenge, which is often used to gauge the strength of college prospects.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, a former NFL tight end standing at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, was the natural choice for most coaches, as his imposing physicality makes him a likely contender. However, when Kinkhabwala suggested another name, other coaches entertained the idea of a potential challenger.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, another former player, was brought up as a competitor. Additionally, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was mentioned as a possible contender.
Sean Payton, who has known Campbell for years, opted for Ryans, choosing him over his former colleague. Payton explained that while Campbell might be a strong candidate, he had seen enough of him over the years to know that there might be an injury risk. Payton mentioned his time in New York when they drafted Campbell and that he had spent considerable time around him.
