Quinn Ewers' journey has been marked by significant physical and mental transformations, impacting his performance and leadership both on and off the field. From shedding weight through dietary changes to intense workouts, Ewers has dedicated himself to becoming the best athlete he can be.
Early Career and Initial Challenges
Ewers' first season at Texas didn't meet expectations. The Longhorns aimed for the Big 12 title but finished 8-5, losing the Alamo Bowl. Ewers completed 58.1% of his passes for 2,177 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Despite flashes of potential, his performance was hampered by an AC joint injury sustained early in the season.
Business-First Offseason: A Shift in Mindset
Ahead of his redshirt sophomore season, Ewers underwent a notable transformation. Conversations with coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized "looking the part," leading Ewers to cut his mullet. According to Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods.com, Ewers dedicated himself to the weight room and his diet. He has been the first one in, and the last one out. This dedication signals his commitment to improvement, with one source describing him as "shredded."
Weight Training and Muscle Gain
Ewers focused on packing on muscle through dedicated weight room sessions. The goal was to develop functional strength. Chad Marr, who trained Ewers, designed an optimization program to add weight to Ewers' frame without making him bulky. Different days called for specific areas of work. One day targeted his back muscles. The next was an upper-body workout. Another day would be Marr's proprietary BoxMatrix workout that deals with hip and spine mobility.
Dietary Changes
Ewers also revamped his diet, laying off fast food and focusing on healthier options provided by the university. The focus was on higher doses of protein, less carbs, more vegetables, just the healthy stuff. He admitted to cutting back on Chick-fil-A, a significant change for the self-proclaimed "Big Chick-fil-A fan." By August 2023, Ewers, who ended last season at 218 pounds, dropped his weight significantly over the last few months, weighed around 200 pounds, which he felt was too heavy for him in 2022.
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Draft Process and Preparation
Leading up to the NFL Draft, Ewers aimed to impress teams at the Scouting Combine. Despite a drop in his draft stock due to injuries in 2024, he declared for the draft. Ewers is said to have put on '10-15 pounds of good weight' ahead of the NFL Draft 's Scouting Combine next week while hoping to impress teams. Marr noted that in four weeks, Ewers put on 14-15 pounds, with 11 pounds being muscle.
Combine Performance
At the combine, Ewers weighed in at 214 pounds. He participated in throwing sessions, displaying accuracy, touch, and power. Scouts noted his quick stroke and effortless throwing style. One NFC personnel director mentioned that Ewers doesn't have the biggest arm, but it's more than good enough for sure.
Pro Day and Continued Efforts
Before Texas' pro day, Ewers met with several teams, including the Steelers and Saints. He participated in the pro day, completing 30 of his first 33 passes. Scouts in attendance praised his throwing session, noting his power on intermediate throws.
Impact of Transformation
Ewers' physical transformation has had a positive impact on his performance and mindset. He feels leaner, quicker, and sharper, both physically and mentally. By cutting out fast food, he noticed he didn’t have that pressure on his joints. His back feels amazing. Since I have been eating better, I’ve noticed it also helps me mentally.
Leadership and Team Impact
Teammates have noticed Ewers' increased leadership and maturity. UT defensive star Jaylan Ford noted that from the moment he cut his hair, he started focusing on him as a person and that what happened last year was not how he wanted it and he’s taken it upon himself to change it.
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Overcoming Draft Disappointment
Despite high expectations, Ewers was drafted late in the NFL draft, being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round. The week before the draft, Ewers, the former Texas quarterback, had four wisdom teeth extracted. One left an exposed nerve that had him hurting. He expressed surprise at the unexpected occurrences during the draft process but remained grateful for the opportunity.
Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
Ewers' journey has taught him valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, and the importance of taking care of his body. He has embraced his role as a leader and is focused on achieving success in the NFL. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Ewers aims to prove himself and make a significant impact on his new team.
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