THE IMPORTANCE OF NFL TRAINING CAMP

NICK MATTOS
12 hours ago
3 min read

The National Football League training camps began this week with each team having a maximum of 90 players in camp looking to be on their team’s 53 man active roster in week 1 of this 2026 season.

The 90 player’s on each team begin camp competing against each other in hope of impressing their coaches and earning a spot on the opening day roster. After 2 weeks of practice, teams begin playing exhibition games against an opponent whose players have similar aspirations, competing to fulfill their dream of playing in the NFL.

To make an NFL roster is a life long dream for many of these young men and life changing if they do. Training camp is literally a golden opportunity to make money to play a game you love. The minimum salary for a first year NFL player on a 53 man active roster is $660,000 and increases incrementally each year.

Players go into camp knowing they have just 6 weeks before a life changing decision is made. NFL training camp is also essential for the coaching staff. They have the opportunity to evaluate and determine the BEST 53 players to place on their roster. The coaching staff always have their eye on the prize..winning their Division and playing in the Super Bowl for a chance to be crowned Champions.

Not only does the coaching staff have an opportunity to evaluate their players in practice but they also have 3 exhibition games before the season opener in early September to discern the best players for the final roster. These exhibition games are extremely important for both the coaching staff and players, who must perform well as if it was the biggest game of their lives in order to make the roster and change their lives.

Not only are the Rookies and Free agents trying to make the opening day roster but many veteran players are as well. A veteran player commands a bigger contract and with each team required to adhere to a league mandated salary cap. Each team must consider and balance a veteran’s value and contract compared to a younger player who earns less money.

Training camp is also critical for the development of a team. Most teams hold their training camps in hot weather locations to challenge players fitness and ready them for the tough season ahead.

The Washington Commanders hold their training camp at Ashburn, Virginia where the weather is in the high 80’s with humidity levels muggy and oppressive.

Their first preseason exhibition game is Friday August 14 vs the Miami Dolphins.

These young men that the Commanders drafted in April of 2026—are all vying to make the 53 man active roster and fulfill their dream of playing in the National Football League --

Sonny Styles 1st Round (7th) • Ohio State	LB
Antonio Williams 3rd Round (71st) • Clemson	WR
Joshua Josephs 5th Round (147th) • Tennessee	DL
Kaytron Allen 6th Round (187th) • Penn State	RB
Matt Gulbin 6th Round (209th) • Michigan State	OL
Athan Kaliakmanis 7th Round (223rd) • Rutgers	QB

Nick’s Nugget-

The Washington Commanders made significant coaching changes just before training camp opened-

Firing Ben Steele--tight ends coach (DWI) and thereafter replaced with Wes Welker.

Kliff Kingsbury -- offensive coordinator Replaced with David Blough

Joe Whitt Jr. -- defensive coordinator Replaced with Daronte Jones

Replacing both the Offensive and Defensive coordinators reflects a major shift in the teams coaching strategy.

The Commanders will retire Hall of Fame (HOF) Running Back John Riggins Jersey #44 on November 8 vs the Los Angeles Rams. Riggins , nicknamed ‘The Diesel’, led the Commanders to a Super Bowl XVII Victory over the Miami Dolphins in 1982 (strike shortened season) rushing for 166 yards and was selected Most Valuable player in SB XVII. He played from 1976 – 1985 and is the leading rusher in Commander’s history, rushing for 7,742 yards and scoring 85 Touchdowns ( #2).