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Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James approached his 2024 offseason in a unique way.
James spent a day training with the United States Coast Guard as part of Whistles I could do that Series.
The three-time Pro Bowl safety discussed the parallels between football and training with the U.S. Coast Guard.
“You may have a plan when you come into the game, but the plan can change – anything can change in a game,” James said. “Keep control of your mind, trust your training and trust the techniques you’ve been taught.”
He took part in pursuit training and flew in a helicopter as part of a search and rescue exercise.
“In the military, everyone has a role, just like in football,” James said. “And that’s what it takes to accomplish the mission. I felt like a hero today, I really did!”
The 28-year-old is one of the best safeties in the league and has shored up several defenses throughout his career. Although the Chargers had the third-worst pass defense in the NFL last season, James still finished an impressive individual season.
He recorded 125 tackles, five tackles for loss, seven passes defensed and one interception in 16 starts. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines, James will look to make his third career postseason appearance in 2024.
