DJ Reader: Alim McNeill Has Lots of Money, Working Hard to Return

Value of voluntary workouts

For some veterans, participating in organized team activities is not as much of a priority. Across the league, some choose to remain close to home to workout.

Reader shared a couple of reasons why he is participating in OTAs this year. In addition to a financial incentive within his contract, he values the opportunity to begin early work with the team's new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers.

“One, I got a workout bonus. I’m not in the interest of, like, giving money back. Two, we got a new D-coordinator," said Reader. "Even though (Kelvin Sheppard) Shep was here last year, new D-line coach. I will say, when you’re like me, a little bit older, your routine is a little bit slower. I just think it’s important when you got new things and new people around just for them to see your face."

The veteran expressed satisfaction with how Rodgers teaches defensive linemen similarly to Marion Hobby, a Bengals assistant coach he was fond of.

"He's a teacher, wants to make sure every detail of what he wants you to do before he's asking you to do it," Reader noted. "I think for a player like me, that helps a lot. You know what you can do within the system and what you can't do. It doesn't create much of a gray area for you. It doesn't teach you to be a robot, but it also lets you know where you got to be and how you get there."

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