When Keanu Neal returned to Boca Raton, Fla. to begin his offseason training, he was introduced to a new workout regimen that is transforming his body.
After a grueling rookie season in which he played 17 games, Neal has a better understanding of the type of training he needs to be at peak shape when he returns for training camp at the end of July.
"I'm doing more Pilates, yoga, getting in the training room a lot more," Neal said of what he's doing differently this offseason. "Those things [that] help with longevity."
Longevity is especially important for Neal considering the physical style he plays the game with.
Neal's elite physicality was put on full display in his first professional campaign. His five forced fumbles led all rookies in 2016 and his 105 tackles were the second-most amongst all first-year players.
As for what Neal has been specifically focused on strengthening, he says it's the smaller, more intricate muscles in his body.
And he's already seeing positive results in just a short period of time.
"I feel the difference with it," Neal said. "It's helped me; I feel more upright. My back feels a little bit looser."
Neal said he felt like his first year was a "great learning experience" but he's ready to take his game to another level in Year 2, and for him, that starts now.
