2020 was the year that COVID-19 stole the world’s headlines and those of the sports world also.
NFL players were put in a precarious position of deciding what was best for themselves and their families.
Some opted out and did not set foot on the field for the entire season.
One of those players was Cleveland Browns guard Drew Forbes who is thrilled to be back with the team.
He recently answered the question of whether he had regrets for opting out.
What Forbes Said
Despite it being a very difficult decision, Forbes looks back on it now with no regrets.
He called it a “blessing in disguise” saying:
“It’s been a bit of a blessing in disguise. I would much rather have the opportunity right now to go back and play some ball, but just given the situation, we made the most of it, and I’m happy where we are.”
How Forbes Stayed In Football Shape
Even though he was not competing, the 6’5″ Forbes stayed in football shape.
He did it with grueling farm work.
Forbes did not plan to become a farmer; it happened by accident.
He and his wife visited his in-laws farm in Missouri for what was supposed to be a seven day trip.
They each packed only one suitcase of clothes for their short visit.
While they were visiting, COVID-19 hit.
The seven day trip spanned five months before Forbes made the decision to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season.
After making that decision, Forbes bought his own farm in Missouri and continued working hard.
His main physical fitness was hauling hay bales, each weighing between 30 and 80 pounds, onto tractors.
Forbes and his wife moved hundreds of these hay bales.
“I’ll tell you right now, that definitely gets you into football shape. It’s probably the most labor-intensive part of farming.”
Forbes Added An Outdoor Weight-Lifting Area
In the event loading hay bales was not enough, Forbes built an outdoor weight-lifting area on his property.
From the time off, he learned that his peak mental and physical fitness come from spending a lot of time outdoors.
“We have plenty of opportunities to work out in the area we’re in. We’re just immersed in nature. My wife and I, we’ve loved just getting to sit and look out the backdoor and be immersed in nature. It’s been a really healthy thing for both of us.”
The Browns’ 2019 6th round pick is happy to be back on the football field.
Injuries curtailed his rookie season, and he had high hopes for 2020 so he is now focused on accomplishing those goals in 2021.
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