An athlete’s mind is wired to figure out what could be done to gain a competitive edge in the sports world. For years, top-tier competitors have pushed boundaries, using both traditional and unconventional strategies to get ahead.
It happens with young guys; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy regularly practices meditation to enhance focus and performance.
It happens with old guys; NBA legend LeBron James has long used cryotherapy to keep his body game-ready deep into his career.
And it’s now happening late into the night for Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Brock Hoffman, for whom the “competitive edge” formula includes a dose of grit and midnight sweat.
Hoffman, as you can see in the video below, has not only been working hard this off season, but he’s added a bit of a blue-collar style to his training regime to gain advantage.
While some people in their 20’s are asleep or out partying at 11 p.m., Hoffman – who turns 26 on July 2 – is lacing up his gloves and grinding through late-night boxing workouts.
It’s a raw, old-school approach that reflects a tough and nasty mindset.
That mindset shows up on Sundays. Hoffman – a coaches’ favorite for his barroom-brawl style – plays with a signature swagger. His energy, intensity, and leadership is noticed immediately within the offense. … and not just because he favors smearing eye black all over his face.
His ferociousness, physicality, and trash talk are key components to his game.
What truly separates him, though, is his versatility.
Hoffman has seamlessly shifted between center and guard, a skill learned early during his college years at Coastal Carolina and Virginia Tech. In the NFL, he’s stepped up big in his young career, filling in for Tyler Biadasz at center in 2023, and taking over for All-Pro Zack Martin at right guard for the final seven games of the 2024 season after Martin’s injury.
“America’s Team” has penciled in center Cooper Beebe and first-round guard Tyler Booker as the projected starters for 2025. Yet, Brock Hoffman continues to loom as a trusted option, battle-tested and ready.
He could be the next man up when called. … and is clearly ready to fight – literally – for the job.
