Late June into early July marks an off time for NFL players. There’s a break between mandatory minicamps and when players report back to team facilities for training camp.
We’re weeks away from the start of what will be a six-month grind for most and a seven-month marathon for the playoff contenders. That makes now a good time for players to relax and/or spend their time on passion projects.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews leaned into the latter today.
Andrews has long been outspoken about living with Type I diabetes after being diagnosed as a child. He’s become a spokesperson for Dexcom, a company that manufactures continuous glucose monitoring systems to help those with diabetes monitor their insulin levels.
Dexcom and Andrews’ partnership includes ‘Dexcom U’ – a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program specifically for college athletes with diabetes. They hosted a camp today in Baltimore as part of Dexcom U Signing Day.
This is the fourth year of the event but was the first time the NIL program hosted a nationwide open call for athletes to join its roster.
This year’s class of athletes has yet to be announced.
Last year’s class included collegiate athletes competing in soccer, steeplechase, water polo, football, lacrosse, basketball and beach volleyball.
Andrews’ appearance at the Baltimore camp also included a game of head, shoulders, knees and ball against some of the athletes there.
Andrews isn’t the only current NFL player with Type I diabetes. Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray and Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Chad Muma are some of the other notable players.
Baltimore’s training camp kicks off on July 15 for the rookies while Andrews and the rest of the veterans will report on July 22. The Ravens open their preseason action against the Colts on Aug. 7.