Packers' David Bakhtiari doesn't hold back about his participation in OTAs
This time of year always stirs up the debate of how much participation actually matters in voluntary OTAs. As with most things in life, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Yes, participating in OTAs helps speed up the learning curve and it helps build chemistry. And at the same time, missing OTAs isn't going […]
This time of year always stirs up the debate of how much participation actually matters in voluntary OTAs.
As with most things in life, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Yes, participating in OTAs helps speed up the learning curve and it helps build chemistry. And at the same time, missing OTAs isn't going to sink anyone's season.
Ultimately, it is nice to see as close to full participation as possible and NFL coaches are always very outspoken about how much they encourage players to attend. But still, no one is sweating if the entire roster doesn't show.
The Green Bay Packers have had a great showing, so far, and that includes All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari.
It's always big when a team leader and accomplished vet such as Bakhtiari shows up to OTAs. Not only does it show the younger guys the importance of using the offseason to get better, but it also allows Bakhtiari to show them the ropes and set them up for a successful summer.
But, in a hilarious moment of honesty, Bakhtiari revealed the real reason why he's at OTAs this year.
"I have a bonus," Bakhtiari said amid some laughs. "And like all of you, why did you show up for it? You guys have work to do. This is how we structured my deal. And even though it's voluntary, we essentially made it mandatory. So I'm allowed to miss five days and I intend on missing all five because that is my 100% attendance is the everyday minus-five days. So, that is exactly where I'm at. And that's the beauty of of this, but honestly, I'm having a great time when I am back. [I'm] having good conversations when I'm out on the field – with anyone. We understand the expectation [and] understand where it's at…
"… Basically, I'm a glorified coach, that just sweats a lot. That's essentially what I do on the football field."
Bakhtiari is referring to the incentives included in his contract that state he gets a bonus for participating in OTAs. Per Spotrac, the five-time All-Pro can earn $700k extra in workout bonuses this year.
Hey, there's another thing Bakhtiari can offer his teammates: a goal to have such an accomplished career that you get incentivized to show up for voluntary OTAs.
Either way, regardless of why Bakhtiari is around – it's great to have him there and it should help the Packers in the long run.
Featured image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
