NFL Training Camp Dates 2021: The NFL is entering the final stages of its offseason. Training camp is the next big thing on the calendar for NFL teams.
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Training camps are perhaps the most important parts of the NFL offseason. Player development, position battles, and the integration of new pieces all take place during training camps. Training camps are set to begin very shortly, and they should provide for some entertaining storylines.
So, when does training camp start for every team, and how long will they go? The dates and lengths vary per team, but they’re usually all around the same time.
NFL training camps are opening back up for fans this summer: https://t.co/1LXn7TUQsr
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) May 31, 2021
Also Read: Will Aaron Rodgers Attend Minicamp? Packers QB Could Risk Being Fined By Skipping Minicamp
NFL Training Camp Dates 2021: When does training camp start for each NFL team in 2021?
1. Pittsburgh Steelers & Dallas Cowboys: July 21st
The Steelers and Cowboys are given the option of starting their training camp earlier than most teams. This is because they’ll play a pre season game much earlier than the rest of the league. That is, they’ll be competing in the Hall of Fame game on August 5th.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: July 24th
The Buccaneers also have the option of starting a little bit earlier than the rest of the league. This is because they’ll be playing in the first regular season game as they’re set to host the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
3. Rest Of The NFL: July 27th
The rest of the NFL is scheduled to start on July 27th with COVID-19 protocols still in place. Apparently, this is the first time in NFL history that majority of the league has a unified start date.
For the first time, the NFL will have a unified start to training camp, with 29 teams set to report Tuesday, July 27 — 47 days before the Sunday of Week 1, as allowed by the CBA — and plans for league-wide practices and fan events Saturday, July 31.
Midsummer Madness, anyone?
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2021
How Long Is NFL Training Camp 2021?
Typically NFL training camps will run until a little bit before the start of the NFL preseason. The NFL has authorized veterans to start training camp 15 days before their first pre season game while rookies can start training from 22 days before.
This period of time is known as a “ramp-up” period for NFL players to get them back in their groove for the start of the next regular season.
Each training camp session usually consists of two practices. These are known as “two-a-days” and can consist of drills, scrimmages, weight training and more. Players and coaches also hold meetings during this time to discuss plays, strategy, and film.
The first three days are meant to be taken easy as players will train without any contact. Following that, day 4 and 5 consists of players practicing “spiders and shells” (helmets and light practice gear), day 6 is a required break, and from day 7, players can start practicing fully-padded and at full speed.