Welcome to the Takedown, the leading source for gridiron news and technology for over 80,000 coaches nationally — by Kerry Carter CEO of Atavus

The Technique That Changed My Life

by Scott Lawyer

Growing up, football was in my blood. With both my father and older brother excelling on the gridiron, I knew from an early age that I wanted to follow in their footsteps. However, I was a late bloomer athletically – clumsy and lacking coordination. But my love for the game never wavered, even sneaking off to play tackle football under the bleachers during my brother's high school games.

After years of persistence, I finally got into organized football at age 10. While behind many of my friends who had been playing since 6, I attacked every practice with the mindset of getting 1% better each day. That grit paid off, becoming an all-league player and 3-year varsity starter, earning a scholarship to the University of Washington.

My first taste of adversity came my senior year of high school. Although playing well, my dad pointed out I had lost my edge and was "playing soft." Watching film, I noticed my biggest issue was failing to properly finish tackles – often arms alone instead of a physical wrap-up. It turned out I had been playing that entire season with a torn labrum.

In college, I redshirted my freshman year recovering from surgery. At the time, the "head across" tackle was standard, but I always questioned its effectiveness and sustainability. I often lost balance and control upon contact.

Everything changed my junior year when new head coach Chris Petersen introduced us to Atavus' shoulder-led rugby-style tackling approach. Initially skeptical watching tutorial videos, I came around once recovering from another shoulder surgery. Observing my teammates, I noticed their newfound confidence tracking and leveraging ball carriers in space.

When finally cleared for contact, I experienced the Atavus tackle firsthand – and it just clicked. The emphasis on closing space and striking with a loaded shoulder felt far more natural and intuitive. As I added size moving to a traditional in-the-box linebacker role, I had to take a more calculated tackling approach. Atavus allowed me to maximize my strengths while shoring up weaknesses.

After my playing days, I was fortunate to join Atavus in 2016 as a Football Analyst, now serving as Director of Analytics and Programming. I've been able to provide a unique player's perspective developing our Tacklytics system, arming coaches and players with data-driven insights on safer, more effective tackling.

Atavus quite literally changed my tackle and transformed my game. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to now pay that forward – educating the next generation on what I believe is essential for sustaining the sport I love.

Be well,

Scott Lawyer

Atavus Veteran Advisor

Take your program to the next level, safely…

What I’m excited about this week…

As the new football season approaches, player safety remains a top priority for coaches and athletic programs across the nation. Recognizing the importance of proper training and certification, Atavus recently hosted a coaches clinic focused on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules, which require contact safety training to keep high school football players safe.

The interactive clinic provided coaches with hands-on experience and one-on-one guidance on best tackling practices, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools to teach safe and effective techniques to their players.

Jerry Peterson, Director of Equity and Athletics at Federal Way Public Schools, said, "Over the past three years, Atavus has been our choice for football tackling training and certification required by the WIAA. This training gives our coaches the necessary tools for safe and successful coaching."

In addition to the practical training sessions, Atavus also provided coaches with valuable performance and safety data analysis, insights, tackle plans, and coaching resources. These comprehensive materials aim to enhance the overall coaching experience and promote a culture of safety on the field.

Trainer Scott Lawyer, a knowledgeable and skilled instructor, played a pivotal role in the clinic's success. His dedication to answering all coaches' questions and providing personalized guidance ensured that participants left the clinic feeling confident and well-prepared. Peterson added, "Trainer Scott Lawyer is a knowledgeable and skilled instructor. He stayed with coaches after the formal training to answer all questions. As a result, I have confidence that our coaches are fully prepared to teach safe football tackling."

By partnering with Atavus for these essential trainings, coaches and athletic programs demonstrate their commitment to prioritizing player safety while fostering a positive and responsible coaching environment.

As the high school football season approaches, initiatives like the Atavus Coaches Clinic serve as a reminder of the importance of continuous education and the implementation of best practices to protect student-athletes and promote the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport.

Good news! Teams are spending more on defensive stars than ever before…

In the ever-evolving landscape of the National Football League, a significant shift in player compensation has been unfolding, with defensive players commanding unprecedented financial rewards.

The recent contract extension secured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. serves as a prime example of this emerging trend.

Winfield Jr., fresh off a stellar 2023 season, agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal with the Buccaneers on Monday, according to reports from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

The staggering $45 million in guaranteed money makes Winfield Jr. the highest-paid defensive back in the league, marking the first time in NFL history that a safety holds this coveted distinction.

The 25-year-old's impressive résumé, which includes a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and an All-Pro nod in 2023, coupled with his game-changing plays and consistent production, undoubtedly warranted this mammoth contract. Last season, Winfield Jr. recorded career highs across multiple categories, including 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and 12 passes defensed, solidifying his status as a premier defensive force.

Winfield Jr.'s deal exemplifies the growing recognition of the vital role defensive players play in dictating the outcome of games. In an era where offenses have become increasingly potent, the value of lockdown defenders who can disrupt opposing quarterbacks and stifle high-powered offenses has skyrocketed.

This trend extends beyond the Buccaneers' prized safety. Across the league, teams are acknowledging the importance of investing in top-tier defensive talents, as evidenced by the lucrative contracts secured by players like Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald, and Myles Garrett in recent years.

As the NFL continues to evolve, defensive players are no longer mere supporting cast members but rather indispensable stars in their own right. The league's embrace of this paradigm shift is reflected in the substantial financial commitments teams are willing to make to secure the services of elite defenders like Antoine Winfield Jr., who possess the ability to single-handedly tilt the balance of a game.

With offenses constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of scoring, the demand for game-changing defensive playmakers has never been higher. As a result, the once-unthinkable notion of a safety commanding the highest salary among defensive backs has become a reality, signaling a new era in the NFL where defensive excellence is rewarded with commensurate compensation.

A story I love this week…

As a Seattle resident, boy this story hits home.

Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch is a true beast mode when it comes to managing his finances. During his playing career, Lynch made an astonishing $57 million, but here's the kicker – he never spent a single dime of his NFL salary. Instead, he lived solely off the millions he earned from endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Skittles, Subway, BetMGM, Microsoft, and EA Sports, which peaked at around $5 million per year.

But Lynch didn't stop there. He started making smart business and investing moves to compound his wealth even further. His portfolio includes stakes in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Portl, Dodi Blunts, NRG eSports team, and the Oakland Roots USL team. He's even a part-owner of the NHL's Seattle Kraken.

Perhaps his most impressive move was starting his apparel company, "BEAST MODE," before he retired from the NFL. Today, the company is generating an impressive $10 million in revenue annually.

Lynch's financial philosophy is simple yet profound: "Don't Spend for No Reason." As he puts it, "Take care of your body, take care of your chicken (money). Take care of your mental." By living frugally during his playing days and diversifying his income streams, Lynch has set a remarkable standard for future athletes on how to build long-lasting wealth.

In an industry where financial mismanagement is all too common, Marshawn Lynch's disciplined approach to money management is a true inspiration. His "beast mode" mindset has undoubtedly secured his financial future and serves as a blueprint for others to follow.

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW.

Friends, thank you for reading The Takedown, your leading source for gridiron news and technology for over 80,000 coaches nationally. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please consider sharing with a friend. Till next time ✌️