The NFL Combine is serious business, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who’s more involved than Arizona Cardinals Strength & Conditioning Coach John Lott.
A key member of Ken Whisenhunt’s staff behind the scenes, Lott brings his fiery energy and passion to the game which has helped transform some of the organization’s top players through demanding, detailed preparation both on and off the field. He also assisted in overseeing the re-design of the Cards weight room at their Tempe facilities.
His reputation doesn’t simply reside here in Arizona.
Lott has been a familiar face and voice at the NFL Combine for quite some time.
“This will be sixteen,” Lott told Brad Cesmat Monday on “Big Guy on Sports.”
While in Indianapolis for the week-long event, he strives to treat each draft prospect like an adult, while teaching them to live in the moment.
“It’s reality,” Lott explained to Cesmat. “You’re not holding momma’s hand anymore. Your agent has nothing to do with this. This is you against the weights. Let’s see what you can do. You’ve got a lot of coaches out there trying to put their neck out for you and if you’re not going to do it, they’re not going to do it.”
The NFL Combine can serve as a humbling experience for players who struggle or an opportunity to turn heads and raise your draft status with a consistent, impressive showing.
Lott certainly doesn’t play favorites.
Cardinals Strength and Conditioning Coach John Lott on ‘Big Guy on Sports’
“I don’t [care] who you are,” he said. “What you’ve done at ‘XYZ State’ means nothing to me. It’s what you do [going] forward. You’re freshmen again. It’s time for you to re-prove yourself. This is the first thing you’re going to do as a pro…and I want to see how you’re doing this. The [workout] will follow you like a felony charge.”
A two-time All-Conference offensive lineman at the University of North Texas, Lott joined Whisenhunt’s staff in 2007 after serving the same role with the Cleveland Browns. He worked for the New York Jets for eight seasons prior to his stint in Cleveland.
