After his Olympic gold medal, Antoine Dupont (Rugby) had the opportunity to spend a small part of his vacation with the Los Angeles Chargers. Although the experience was short, it was no less captivating.
The franchise took advantage of his arrival to offer a video summary of his day in the walls of the Chargers. The best rugby player in the world in 2021 was able to chat with Jim Harbaugh (HC), in particular to talk about ball handling technique.
In terms of meetings, the one with Khalil Mack (DE) is also warm. Apart from their musculature, many things oppose the two men, the size, the weight and above all the thirst for tackling of Khalil Mack who does not hesitate to take Antoine Dupont on the shoulder. The scrum-half is more cautious, but laughs at this improvised workshop.
“I don't want to be dumped by you [Khalil Mack]. No, I try to avoid guys like you on the field.”
Antoine Dupont ready to play?
For the rest, Antoine Dupont had the pleasure of discovering the facilities of an NFL franchise. Infrastructures on a different scale compared to French rugby. Then the French captain tried his hand at different workshops with more or less success.
The kicking game did not pose any problems for him. But catching balls is a little more confusing. In fact, passes have neither the same velocity nor the same trajectory between rugby and American football. The size and shape of the ball, much smaller and tapered, must have worked for the French international, incredulous at the speed of the yoke.
“It’s really, really, fast. I can't imagine the quarterback can throw at that speed. […] If you're full speed, full acceleration and you have to catch the ball at the same time…”
Antoine Dupont finished his day with Ben Herbert, the executive director of performance. On the program, a physical preparation session which did not fail to make the French athlete sweat (a little), still in his Olympic form. There's still work to do for Antoine Dupont to hit the NFL fields!
“I haven’t found my ideal position I think. But it was cool to have a quick session on each kind of skill”
Link to full video
