Myles Garrett’s “Floating” Box Jump: What the Viral Workout Reveals About Explosive Power, Technique and NFL Edge-Rush Performance

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. How a Short Clip Turned into a Viral Case Study
4. The Biomechanics Behind the “Float”
5. What Plyometrics and Powerlifting Deliver — Together
6. Technical Elements of a “Perfect” Box Jump for Edge Rushers
7. Rate of Force Development: The Determinant of Explosive Success
8. Comparing Garrett to Other Elite Rushers: Different Routes to Dominance
9. Why Training with Younger Players Matters: Garrett and Will Anderson Jr.
10. Translating Gym Explosiveness to Game Situations
11. Injury Considerations and Recovery Strategies for High-Impact Plyometrics
12. The Role of Coaching and Program Design
13. How Media Moments Shape a Player’s Brand and Influence Training Trends
14. The Rams, the Season Ahead, and What Garrett’s Offseason Work Signals
15. Practical Takeaways for Coaches and Athletes
16. Debunking Myths: Why “Floating” Is Not Magic
17. Measuring Progress: What Teams Watch When Evaluating Explosiveness
18. Ethical and Practical Limits of Offseason Training
19. Future Directions: How the Sport Adapts to Elite Movement Models
20. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• A viral NFL Films clip showing Myles Garrett seemingly “floating” during a box-jump highlights the elite explosiveness that underpins his pass-rushing dominance. The motion combines maximal force production with efficient technique: triple extension, minimal ground contact and coordinated hip–knee–ankle power transfer.
• Garrett’s training blends heavy strength work with advanced plyometrics; that combination improves rate of force development and transfer to on-field skills such as first-step quickness, chase speed and ability to reset power after contact. The same methods carry both performance benefits and measurable injury-management considerations.
• The workout also illuminates Garrett’s role as both athlete and mentor — his offseason sessions with rising star Will Anderson Jr. underscore how elite physical qualities get taught, refined and weaponized at the highest level of football.

Introduction

A short clip posted by NFL Films captured more than an offseason training session. It froze a moment that looks impossible: Myles Garrett, the Los Angeles Rams’ hulking edge rusher, rising off a bench, exploding into the air and clearing a box with his feet together and body seemingly suspended in motion. The footage prompted the usual online mix of awe and analysis. Fans coined metaphors — “Superman,” “floating” — while coaches and sports scientists looked for the mechanics behind the spectacle.

The image of a 6-foot-4, 272-pound defensive end appearing to glide is striking because it collapses assumptions about size and speed. Garrett’s physique is not an anomaly in the NFL; elite players combine mass and power. What separates Garrett is how he produces and times force: the muscular coordination, neural recruitment and technical efficiency that let him translate gym feats into on-field sacks and disruption. Beyond the visual, the viral clip presents an opportunity to examine the anatomy of explosiveness, the training principles that produce it, and what such athleticism means for performance, longevity and teaching the next generation of pass rushers.

How a Short Clip Turned into a Viral Case Study

A raw training vignette can go viral for several reasons: it condenses an athlete’s skill into an easy-to-consume visual, it invites comparison against expectations, and it creates a narrative — here, of a physically imposing player defying gravity. The NFL Films video shows Garrett seated on a bench before exploding into a box jump. The sequence is brief, but it captures the moment of maximal extension in slow motion: hip thrust, knee extension and ankle plantarflexion synchronized to produce upward momentum.

Social media accelerated the reaction. Clips from training rooms and weight rooms travel quickly; viewers pause, replay, analyze frame-by-frame and amplify the moment through captions. For journalists and analysts, the video offered hooks: Garrett’s career accolades, his offseason partnership with Will Anderson Jr., his recent record-setting season, and the broader conversation about how modern edge rushers train. The storyline writes itself: a veteran elite performer still honing traits that make him unique, sharing that work with younger players.

This cycle — capture, reaction, analysis — also spotlights how training visuals become shorthand for athletic identity. For Garrett, the imagery reinforces established labels: “freakish athlete,” “Superman,” and a technical template younger pass rushers might emulate. The clip’s reach matters because it influences how training practices spread across the sport. When elite players demonstrate specific drills, coaches at all levels take notice.

The Biomechanics Behind the “Float”

What looks like floating is biomechanical efficiency at work. The jump is a compound movement in which the body acts as an integrated system. Three key elements explain the visual:

• Triple extension. Effective vertical propulsion depends on concurrent extension of the hips, knees and ankles. The coordinated, explosive firing of the gluteus maximus, quadriceps and gastrocnemius/soleus complex produces maximal upward force. When triple extension occurs with minimal delay among joints, the athlete achieves a high rate of force development (RFD), which shortens the time to peak power and creates the impression of a sudden, powerful launch.
• Center of mass management. The body’s center of mass must be projected vertically while limbs coordinate for balance. Elite athletes minimize unnecessary limb swing and control torso position so that most of the generated power translates into vertical displacement rather than horizontal drift or rotational torque.
• Ground contact and impulse. The time spent applying force to the ground before takeoff is brief in elite plyometric actions. A short ground-contact interval combined with a high force impulse yields a rapid, explosive pop. This is why the movement looks like a snap of the body upward rather than a protracted lift.

Frame-rate and camera angle amplified the visual impression. Slow-motion playback isolates the instant of peak extension and lands on the most dramatic microsecond. From a physics perspective, Garrett’s jump is not defiance of gravity; it is high peak force and nearly instantaneous force application. That combination produces a vertical velocity at takeoff that carries his body above the box and gives the illusion of suspension in midair.

What Plyometrics and Powerlifting Deliver — Together

Garrett’s reputation rests on more than a single drill. His offseason programming reportedly mixes heavy compound strength work with aggressive plyometrics. That pairing is foundational for athletes who must produce enormous force quickly.

• Strength work builds the capacity to create force. Heavy squats, deadlifts and variations increase maximal muscular force and structural resilience. Strength provides the ceiling: greater maximal force makes higher power outputs possible.
• Plyometrics train the nervous system to deliver force rapidly. Exercises like box jumps, depth jumps and medicine-ball throws improve RFD and tendon stiffness — attributes that reduce ground-contact time and improve rebound efficiency.
• Transfer to sport. The edge rusher’s challenge is converting gym-derived force into on-field actions performed in fractions of a second: exploding off the snap, closing distance, changing direction while controlling momentum and delivering power at point of contact. Combining strength and plyometrics narrows the gap between gym numbers and game motion.

A practical example: a heavy squat improves peak force. Plyometrics train the athlete to apply a greater proportion of that force within the initial 100–200 milliseconds of contraction — crucial for the first step off the ball. The result is not just higher jumps in the gym but faster first-step acceleration and more devastating passer-pressures on the field.

Technical Elements of a “Perfect” Box Jump for Edge Rushers

Coaches use box jumps not just to measure vertical capabilities but to refine motor patterns. For a pass rusher, a technically sound box jump includes the following:

• Controlled descent and loading. The athlete must load with a stable hip hinge and minimal knee valgus to ensure force is developed through the posterior chain rather than lost to inefficient positions.
• Rapid eccentric-to-concentric transition. The stretch-shortening cycle is only useful if the athlete can rapidly switch from eccentric braking to concentric propulsion. Short ground-contact time during drill execution optimizes this.
• Arm swing and hip drive. Arms contribute to vertical momentum; efficient use reduces rotational torque and stabilizes the torso, allowing more force from the legs to translate upward.
• Landing mechanics. A soft, athletic landing with hip-dominant absorption reduces joint stress and trains the body to handle eccentric loads — essential for the decelerations involved in pass-rush counters and tackles.

When an athlete like Garrett performs with precision — explosive triple extension, coordinated arm action, concise ground contact and balanced landing — the drill mirrors the dynamic demands of pass rushing.

Rate of Force Development: The Determinant of Explosive Success

Rate of force development (RFD) is the metric that separates heavy-lift prowess from usable explosiveness. Two athletes might squat similar maximums, but the one who can express a high percentage of that strength almost instantly will outperform in activities requiring quick power production.

RFD depends on neural factors — motor unit recruitment, firing frequency and intermuscular coordination — as much as muscular size. Training that prioritizes high-velocity efforts, ballistic movements, and plyometric stressors increases neural drive and optimizes tendon stiffness. Those changes shorten the time to peak force and improve reactive capacity.

For pass rushers, the window to exert maximal force is tiny. The snap-to-contact interval may be less than 0.2 seconds for elite first-step bursts. RFD training, rather than raw hypertrophy alone, moves the needle on that timeline. Garrett’s integration of targeted plyometrics into his program suggests deliberate emphasis on RFD, which explains how his gym work translates into game-changing plays.

Comparing Garrett to Other Elite Rushers: Different Routes to Dominance

Not all great edge rushers follow the same physical blueprint. Players such as Von Miller, Nick Bosa and Aaron Donald have achieved elite status through varying combinations of length, leverage, hand technique, and unique athletic profiles. Garrett’s model emphasizes power and burst with size; other models emphasize bend, hand speed, or technique mastery.

• Hand usage and technique: Some rushers offset less raw speed with superior hand work and leverage. Their training focuses more on grip strength, hand-fighting drills and footwork patterns.
• Bend and hip flexibility: Players who create extreme pad-level bend and torque rely on core strength, hip mobility and technique to translate speed into edge penetration.
• Pure speed vs. power: Lighter rushers may prioritize sprint mechanics and agility to create separation, while heavier rushers lean more on strength and unilateral power demands.

Garrett sits in a hybrid category: he combines mass with explosive qualities typically seen in lighter athletes. That hybrid profile makes him harder to plan for; linemen must prepare for both power and suddenness.

Why Training with Younger Players Matters: Garrett and Will Anderson Jr.

The training footage included Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans’ emerging star. Anderson’s presence highlights how elite veterans shape younger talent through direct mentorship and example. The benefits of such pairings are tangible:

• Modeling intensity and technical nuance. Watching a player like Garrett is instructional. Younger athletes see not only the endpoint — a jump or flash of speed — but the setup: hip hinge, breathing, timing and micro-adjustments.
• Transferring training culture. The habits and standards elite pros maintain in the offseason trickle down to those around them. That culture — prioritizing recovery, load management and technical consistency — often defines long-term success.
• Tactical and psychological edge. Training with an established elite can sharpen competitive instincts. Younger players gain confidence, insight into preparation, and firsthand exposure to the physical expectations of top-level play.

Anderson’s comment that Garrett has been “like a big brother” is both literal and programmatic. Mentorship accelerates development. When a rookie or young pro trains alongside a perennial All-Pro and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, the immediate gains can include improved movement quality, smarter workload decisions and a clearer vision of how to translate gym measures into game performance.

Translating Gym Explosiveness to Game Situations

Gym numbers and viral clips matter only if they convert to on-field advantages. How exactly does a powerful box jump affect a pass rush?

• First-step velocity. Rapid vertical force production directly benefits the initial forward/backward push at the snap. The quicker an edge rusher can create separation, the more lanes to the quarterback open.
• Explosive counters. Power helps when a rusher stalls or needs to reset after being engaged. High RFD supports responsive re-acceleration and combination moves.
• Tackling and finishing. Force production contributes to the ability to drive through contact, dislodge the ball or complete tackles in open space.
• Structural durability under load. Proper strength training builds musculature and connective tissue resilience, enabling players to handle repeated collisions and eccentric demands.

Garrett’s 2025 campaign — the season where he broke the NFL single-season sack record — exemplifies how these traits manifest in statistics. His capacity to bite on misdirection, then re-accelerate and finish, combined with his size to absorb blocks, allowed him to create disruption consistently. Training that develops both absolute strength and explosive application helps produce such outcomes.

Injury Considerations and Recovery Strategies for High-Impact Plyometrics

High-intensity plyometric training delivers performance gains but carries risks if misapplied. For heavier athletes, landing forces can be substantial. Managing risk requires a layered approach:

• Progressive overload and preparation. Tendons and muscle fibers adapt slowly. Introduce plyometrics in phases, beginning with low-height, low-impact drills and escalating in intensity as tissue tolerance increases.
• Emphasis on landing quality. Teaching soft, hip-dominant landings with controlled deceleration reduces joint stress and develops eccentric capacity.
• Monitoring volume and fatigue. Plyometric effects are acute and cumulative. Excessive volume on fatigued tissues increases injury risk. Programs should prioritize quality over repetition, interspersed with rest and active recovery.
• Integration with corrective and mobility work. Hip and ankle mobility, glute activation and thoracic control minimize compensatory patterns that can predispose athletes to injury.
• Recovery modalities. Sleep, nutrition, soft-tissue therapy, and strategic icing or contrast therapy are ancillary but important elements of a high-intensity plan. Some teams add blood-flow restriction, controlled eccentrics or autoregulatory load management to fine-tune recovery.

When elite players like Garrett perform high-demand plyometrics, they do so within a controlled framework. The visible feat is only one component of a much broader, meticulously managed regimen designed to produce performance while minimizing long-term damage.

The Role of Coaching and Program Design

Elite results require intentional program design. Strength and conditioning staff collaborate with positional coaches and medical staff to align physical targets with positional demands. Key design principles include:

• Specificity. Training should mimic force directions and velocities relevant to position. For pass rushers, that means laterality, rotational strength, hip drive and short-burst power.
• Individualization. Players bring different injury histories, movement patterns and movement potentials. A one-size-fits-all program undercuts optimal development.
• Periodization. Seasons demand different emphases. Offseason work targets strength and hypertrophy windows; pre-season shifts to power and position-specific conditioning; in-season stabilizes gains while managing fatigue.
• Data-driven metrics. Teams use force plates, jump mats, timing gates and wearable accelerometers to quantify RFD, ground-contact time, and workload. Those measurements guide intensity, progression and readiness decisions.

Garrett’s training likely benefits from this integrated approach. The visible proficiency in plyometrics indicates not merely talent but structured preparation calibrated to his biomechanics and competitive calendar.

How Media Moments Shape a Player’s Brand and Influence Training Trends

A 15-second training clip can have ripple effects beyond the gym. Viral visuals help shape a player’s public identity and influence how fans, younger athletes and even coaches perceive training priorities. Consequences include:

• Imitation. High school and college coaches may add more box-jump emphasis when elite pros highlight the exercise, sometimes without appreciating the preparatory work necessary for safety and effectiveness.
• Brand reinforcement. Viral athletic feats strengthen a player’s marketability, which can translate into endorsements, speaking opportunities and social media reach.
• Scientific curiosity. High-profile clips invite scrutiny by sports scientists and may prompt teams to publish or share best practices as counterpoints to naive emulation.

There’s a responsibility that accompanies visibility. When elite athletes demonstrate complex, high-risk maneuvers, sensible messaging — about progressions, coaching, and recovery — reduces the chance of injury from ill-informed imitation.

The Rams, the Season Ahead, and What Garrett’s Offseason Work Signals

The Los Angeles Rams enter a season that will test both established systems and roster depth. Garrett’s continued focus on explosiveness signals a readiness to sustain pressure throughout the year. Practical implications for the Rams:

• Edge stability. An explosive Garrett forces opponents to allocate blockers and schematic attention, freeing lanes for teammates and altering opponent game plans.
• Mentorship and culture. By training alongside younger peers, Garrett accelerates cultural standards across the locker room.
• Durability management. His emphasis on power and technique suggests attempts at longevity, blending strength to withstand contact with plyometrics to maintain first-step quickness.

The Rams’ opening regular-season game in Melbourne against the San Francisco 49ers will provide an early test of how offseason work translates under game conditions — especially in a high-visibility, travel-heavy setting. Garrett’s performance will not be judged solely by a single defensive box score, but by how consistently he can demand attention, create pressures and finish plays over the entire season.

Practical Takeaways for Coaches and Athletes

Coaches seeking to replicate the benefits seen in the Garrett video should focus on process rather than product. Key takeaways:

• Prioritize technique before intensity. Master hip hinge, knee tracking and landing mechanics before adding box height or dynamic loads.
• Pair strength phases with targeted plyometric windows. Build a base of maximal strength, then convert that capacity into explosive power through short, high-quality plyometric blocks.
• Use objective measures. Force plates, timing gates and video analysis help quantify progress and protect against overreach.
• Individualize progression. Consider an athlete’s age, injury history and training age; heavier athletes may require longer preparation phases than lighter counterparts.
• Emphasize recovery and landing training. Teach athletes to absorb force and dissipate load safely; prioritize eccentric conditioning and mobility.

When those principles align, the flashy moment becomes a reliable outcome rather than a fleeting spectacle.

Debunking Myths: Why “Floating” Is Not Magic

The clip invites myth-making: if Garrett can “float” in a box jump, perhaps they are witnessing supernatural ability. Reality is less mystical and more methodical. The illusion relies on controlled sequencing and high peak power output. High jumpers, gymnasts and elite sprinters exhibit similar mechanics in their events. The differentiator is Garrett’s combination of size and neuromuscular efficiency.

Another misconception is that such drills alone produce sack totals. Physical attributes are necessary but not sufficient. Technique, play recognition, scheme, stamina, and opponent adjustments all interact with athletic traits to create game outcomes. Training that improves RFD is one part of a larger, multi-dimensional performance puzzle.

Measuring Progress: What Teams Watch When Evaluating Explosiveness

Teams and trainers rely on specific metrics to assess explosive capacity. Common measures include:

• Vertical jump height (countermovement and squat jumps).
• Reactive strength index (RSI), which examines rebound efficiency from drop jumps.
• Ground-contact time in plyometric drills.
• First-step velocity over measured distances (10–20 yards).
• Force-time curves from force plates, indicating peak force and RFD windows.

These measures are useful because they correlate with on-field tasks. For a pass rusher, a faster first step and high RFD are more predictive of immediate play impact than a solitary max-squat number. Teams interpret these data alongside film of movement quality and in-game production.

Ethical and Practical Limits of Offseason Training

Offseason training can boost performance, but ethical and practical limits exist, particularly around load management and long-term health. Important considerations:

• Biological age vs. chronological age. As players age, their recovery windows narrow; training must adapt to preserve long-term function.
• Load accumulation across careers. Cumulative stress from years of high-velocity impacts influences tissue health; training should aim to preserve kinetic chain integrity.
• Transparency and safety. Teams must ensure that offseason regimens are sustainable and that players receive access to medical oversight, quality coaching and objective testing.

The spectacle of a viral gym moment mustn't obscure these broader athlete-care responsibilities. Elite performance and player welfare are not mutually exclusive; sustainable high performance demands harmonizing both.

Future Directions: How the Sport Adapts to Elite Movement Models

When elite players publicly display training success, practices diffuse across levels. Expect continued integration of sports science into position-specific programs:

• More teams will invest in high-fidelity measurement tools — force plates, motion capture, wearable accelerometers — to refine training and reduce injury risk.
• Coaching curricula will place greater emphasis on converting gym-based RFD gains into positional tasks through targeted skill work.
• Youth development programs will adopt staged progressions, teaching movement quality before loading intensity.
• Media-driven interest may encourage teams and trainers to publish best-practice guidelines to temper reckless imitation.

The next decade will likely see a narrowing of the gap between raw athletic traits and technical application, as data and coaching systems coalesce to produce more consistent conversions from gym to game.

FAQ

Q: Did Myles Garrett really “float” during the jump? A: The impression of floating comes from a rapid, efficiently timed triple extension and a short ground-contact phase captured in slow motion. The physics are straightforward: high peak force applied in a short time produces a high takeoff velocity that carries the athlete above the box. It is exceptional but biomechanically explainable.

Q: What training does Garrett likely use to achieve this explosiveness? A: Garrett’s program reportedly combines heavy compound strength lifts (squats, deadlifts and derivatives) with targeted plyometrics (box jumps, depth jumps, loaded jumps) and ballistic work. That blend builds maximal force and teaches the nervous system to express that force quickly.

Q: Is it safe for athletes to try Garrett-style box jumps? A: Not without proper progression and coaching. Athletes should develop foundational strength, mobility and landing mechanics before attempting high or high-intensity plyometric work. Coaches should monitor volume, fatigue and technique, especially for heavier athletes.

Q: How does this type of explosion help on the field? A: Increased rate of force development improves first-step quickness, the ability to re-accelerate after engagement, and finishing power at the point of contact. These attributes directly enhance pass-rush effectiveness and the capacity to turn pressure into sacks and disruptions.

Q: Can social media training clips reliably indicate an athlete’s performance level? A: They provide useful snapshots but are incomplete. Clips highlight specific traits but don’t capture durability, game intelligence, or situational consistency. Teams combine such media with objective testing and film analysis to evaluate true performance potential.

Q: Will younger players benefit from training with veterans like Garrett? A: Yes. Training alongside experienced elite players accelerates learning about technique, work ethic and recovery strategies. Mentorship transmits subtle aspects of preparation that are hard to replicate from afar.

Q: Are there long-term risks to performing high-intensity plyometrics for older players? A: Risks increase if training is poorly managed. Tendon stress, joint loading and cumulative eccentric demands require careful volume control, recovery strategies and progressive adaptation to preserve career length.

Q: Which metrics should coaches use to measure improvements in explosiveness? A: Useful metrics include vertical jump height, reactive strength index, ground-contact time, force-time curves from force plates, and first-step velocity in short sprints. These measurements, paired with film-based assessments of movement quality, offer actionable insights.

Q: Does a strong jump necessarily mean a player will get more sacks? A: No. Explosiveness is one factor among many. Technique, scheme, opponent quality, play recognition and durability also determine sack production. However, improved RFD and first-step quickness do correlate with greater pass-rush effectiveness.

Q: How should high school and college coaches adapt when an elite pro demonstrates advanced drills? A: Prioritize fundamentals. Teach movement quality, landing mechanics and progressive load before introducing extreme plyometrics. Use evidence-based progressions and ensure athletes have the strength base to handle advanced drills.

Q: What should a fan take away from Garrett’s viral clip? A: The clip is a vivid display of elite athleticism. It’s both a testament to Garrett’s physical capacity and a reminder that behind a sensational moment sits a comprehensive training design: careful progression, strength, neuromuscular conditioning and recovery.

Q: Will other players try to copy Garrett’s approach exactly? A: Some will try, but successful adaptation requires personalization. Athletes differ in biomechanics, history and capacity. Copying the drills without individual adjustments risks injury and may fail to produce similar gains.

Q: Could Garrett’s style of training influence how teams recruit or value edge rushers? A: Teams already value a blend of size, speed and technical skill. Seeing a high-profile athlete emphasize a particular mix of training can accelerate interest in recruiting athletes who demonstrate similar neuromuscular qualities, but scouting remains multifaceted.

Q: Does Garrett’s training explain his recent record-setting season? A: Training that improves explosiveness and durability is a key factor among several — including technique, game intelligence and situational factors — that contributed to his record-setting output. The gym work complements and supports on-field application.

Q: How will the Rams balance Garrett’s workload during the season? A: Teams typically manage recovery by adjusting practice reps, individualizing strength work, and coordinating with medical staff to monitor biomarkers and subjective readiness. The aim is to preserve performance across the season while minimizing injury risk.

Q: Are there science-backed alternatives to high-impact plyometrics? A: Yes. Low-impact plyometrics, water-based explosive work, eccentric overload training, and resisted sprints can develop similar neuromuscular attributes with reduced joint impact. The choice depends on athlete needs and career stage.

Q: What is the most common mistake athletes make trying to emulate elite drills? A: Progressing intensity before mastering technique. Athletes often increase box height, load or frequency without ensuring safe landing patterns and sufficient eccentric strength, increasing injury risk.

Q: What should parents and youth coaches remember when they see viral training footage? A: Emphasize age-appropriate progressions. Young athletes benefit from developing movement literacy, basic strength and play skills before adding advanced plyometrics. Professional guidance and gradual load increases protect long-term development.

Q: Where can coaches find reliable guidance to implement these drills safely? A: Seek qualified strength and conditioning professionals who use evidence-based progressions, measure workload, and integrate mobility and recovery protocols. Continuing education from accredited organizations and collaboration with sports medicine staff also helps.

Q: How often should an elite edge rusher perform plyometrics in an offseason cycle? A: Frequency varies by program phase. Typical models include short, intense blocks (2–3 plyometric sessions per week) during conversion phases, reduced frequency during maintenance, and scaled volume during in-season play. Individualization and monitoring are essential.

Q: What is the single best indicator that a player has successfully converted gym explosiveness to on-field impact? A: Consistent game metrics across seasons — first-step win rate, pressure rate, sacks, and the ability to maintain these under diverse schematic conditions — combined with film showing explosive, decisive movement in key moments.

The image that sparked chatter showed a moment — pure and stark — of muscular efficiency. It offered a window into how elite athletes blend strength, speed and intent. Behind the spectacle stands method: layered preparation, science-aligned training and coaching that turns gym power into game impact. Myles Garrett’s “floating” box jump is both an athletic marvel and a case study in how explosiveness is built, expressed and taught at the highest level of football.