Football Player Strength and Bench Press
Bench Press Definition and Measurement
When it comes to measuring strength in football players, bench press is one of the most commonly used metrics. Bench press is a weight training exercise that involves lifting a weighted bar in a horizontal motion.
The exercise is performed lying down on a bench, using both hands to grip the bar. The bar is then lowered to touch the chest before being pushed back up.
This process is repeated for multiple repetitions or “reps”.
Bench press is measured by the amount of weight a player can lift for a certain number of reps.
For example, a player might perform a set of 10 reps, lifting a weight of 225 pounds. The amount of weight lifted is a good indicator of a player’s upper body strength, particularly in the chest, triceps, and shoulder muscles.
Importance of Bench Press for Football Players
Bench press is important for football players because it helps to improve overall strength and performance on the field. Football is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, speed, and agility.
A player who is stronger will be better able to block, tackle, and maneuver on the field. In addition to improving strength, tracking bench press progress can help players set goals and measure improvement over time.
An increase in bench press weight or reps can be a sign of increasing strength, which can lead to improved performance on the field.
Average Football Player Bench Press
Factors Affecting Average Bench Press
The average bench press for a football player can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including position, size, and strength. Different positions require different levels of strength, so the average bench press for a lineman, for example, will be higher than the average bench press for a running back.
Size is also a factor, as larger players will generally be able to lift more weight than smaller players. This is because strength is proportional to muscle mass, so a player with more muscle will be able to lift more weight.
Finally, strength training habits can also affect average bench press numbers. Players who focus on strength training in the off-season or who have a history of lifting weights may have higher average bench press numbers than players who do not.
Average Bench Press Numbers by Position
Lineman
Linemen are the biggest players on the field, so it’s no surprise that they have the highest average bench press numbers. According to a study of Division I college football players, offensive linemen have an average bench press of 389 pounds and defensive linemen have an average bench press of 402 pounds.
Tight End
Tight ends are a hybrid position that require both strength and speed. According to the same study, tight ends have an average bench press of 335 pounds.
Linebacker
Linebackers are typically the most athletic players on the defensive side of the ball. They need to be able to move quickly, but also have the strength to take down ball carriers.
The study found that the average bench press for a linebacker is 344 pounds.
Running Back
Running backs are known for their speed and agility, but also need to be strong enough to break through tackles. The average bench press for a running back is 320 pounds, according to the study.
Defensive Back
Defensive backs are responsible for covering receivers and making open-field tackles. They need to be agile, but also strong enough to take down larger players.
The study found that the average bench press for a defensive back is 297 pounds.
Receiver
Receivers are known for their speed and agility, but also need enough upper body strength to fight off defenders. The average bench press for a receiver is 253 pounds, according to the study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bench press is an important metric for measuring strength in football players. It can help players set goals, track progress, and improve performance on the field.
Average bench press numbers can vary widely depending on position, size, and training habits, but overall, linemen tend to have the highest numbers and receivers the lowest. Incorporating bench press into a strength training regimen can be a beneficial tool for football players looking to improve their performance.
NFL Player Bench Press Record
Bench Press Record Overview
The bench press is one of the standard strength testing exercises that potential NFL players are evaluated on at the NFL Combine. This exercise measures the upper body strength of a player through a weightlifting motion performed lying down on a bench with a loaded barbell with weights attached to it.
The exercise requires the player to lift the barbell from chest level and lower it back down to the chest to complete one rep.
The NFL Combine typically measures the maximum number of reps, a player can perform in a minute with a standardized weight of 225 pounds.
Over the years, there have been a few standout players who have achieved great feats of strength in the bench press exercise. In recent years, one of the most astonishing performances has been by
Otito Ogbonnia, a former UCLA player who set the record for the highest number of reps in 2020.
Historical and Current Bench Press Record Holders
The current NFL combine record for bench press reps of 225 pounds is held by three players,
Justin Ernest,
Stephen Paea, and
Otito Ogbonnia. The record-breaking performances of these players remain etched in the annals of NFL Combine history.
Justin Ernest
In 1999,
Justin Ernest, a defensive end from Eastern Kentucky University, set a new NFL Combine bench press record with 51 reps of 225 pounds. He achieved this incredible feat at the time with relative ease, given he had a background in powerlifting.
Ernest’s record held firm for nearly a decade, until
Stephen Paea challenged it in 2011.
Stephen Paea
Stephen Paea, a defensive tackle from Oregon State University, has been described as a ‘freakishly’ strong player by his peers. His strength feats were evident at the 2011 NFL Combine when he achieved an incredible 49 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press, just two short of the existing record.
Paea’s performance garnered national attention and set him apart as one of the most impressive strength athletes of his time. His remarkable physical abilities resulted in him being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2011 draft.
Otito Ogbonnia
Otito Ogbonnia is the current NFL Combine bench press record-holder, achieving an astonishing 39 reps of 225 pounds in 2020. The former UCLA player’s performance wowed NFL scouts and pundits alike who marveled at his strength and work ethic.
Ogbonnia’s showing in the bench press reflects his three seasons with the Bruins that saw him play in 32 games, recording 58 total tackles. However, it is his NFL Combine bench press record that is the most notable achievement of his college career.
Conclusion
Bench press records not only highlight a player’s strength but can also have a significant impact on their draft stock. The history of NFL Combine bench press records is filled with impressive performances from players who have gone on to achieve greatness on the field.
From
Justin Ernest to
Otito Ogbonnia, these players remind us of the importance of strength and physicality in a sport as demanding as American football. The quest for the perfect physique, strength training, and how far a player can push their limits in the bench press will continue to be a critical aspect of NFL Combine testing for years to come.
In conclusion, the bench press is an important exercise that measures a player’s upper body strength and has become a standard strength testing exercise at the NFL Combine. Understanding the factors that affect the average bench press numbers, as well as the historical and current bench press record holders, can give players a better idea of where they stand in terms of strength.
Otito Ogbonnia holds the current NFL Combine record for bench press with an impressive 39 reps, while
Justin Ernest and
Stephen Paea also had remarkable performances in the past. Incorporating bench press into a training regimen can be beneficial for players looking to improve their performance on the field.
FAQs:
1. What is the bench press?
The bench press is a weightlifting exercise that measures upper body strength and is performed lying down on a bench using a loaded barbell. 2.
How is bench press measured?
Bench press is measured by the amount of weight a player can lift for a certain number of reps, typically with a standard weight of 225 pounds.
3. Why is bench press important for football players?
Bench press can help football players improve their overall strength and performance on the field, as well as track progress and set goals. 4.
What are the average bench press numbers by position?
The average bench press numbers can vary widely depending on position, with linemen having the highest numbers and receivers the lowest.
5. Who holds the current NFL Combine bench press record?
Otito Ogbonnia holds the current NFL Combine bench press record with an impressive 39 reps.