Yes, LA Rams punter Ethan Evans just did that eye-popper in front of trainers

With the new NFL rules on kickoffs, the LA Rams have to hit the pause button and ponder whether it now makes sense to rethink their kickoff practices. You see, the wild and whacky rules have complicated a very mundane almost automatic aspect of the game. And that could prove to be a true difference-maker this year. So there are good reasons to give a full systems check and strategy overhaul to the team's kickoff team.

But the same challenge also creates opportunity. What do I mean? Well, here where it gets fun.

Because the new kickoff rules place significant pressure on the team's kicker to be the last chance tackler, some teams are considering replacing their kickers on kickoffs for a more traditional defensive player. The Rams, however, are ahead of the curve. You see, the team tasked rookie punter Ethan Evans with kickoff responsibilities since drafting him in 2023.

But can he hold up to the added pressure of the new 2024 rules?

Ethan Evans shocks Rams trainers with this feat

Let's start with some basics. Punter Ethan Evans does not look like a punter. After all, this guy stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 250 pounds. That is bigger than many NFL linebackers, which is the type of role that some NFL teams are considering putting in as their new kicker.

But big bodies need more than size to get the job done. For the new wave NFL kicker (and punter), that player will need to boast incredible leg strength, solid durability, and a willingness to put in the gym work to check all of the boxes come game day.

Something like Ethan Evans does in this video to shock his trainers:

Wow, that was impressive. But how much weight was that? If you are like me and want to know just how much weight that was, he squatted 585 pounds. That's insane.

Ethan Evans is taking 2024 seriously. And thanks to his workout video, I suspect that plenty of players on this LA Rams roster are taking a similar and serious track of preparing for the new season. If they are anywhere close to Evans's approach, we are in for a very pleasant surprise.

Thanks for reading.