Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers spoke openly on how John Harbaugh's coaching led to being overworked.
Every coach is different, and some find value in ensuring that players are constantly working. The issue with that style of leadership can lead to overworked players, which is something that Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers admitted to.
Flowers joined the "4th and South" podcast with Leonard Fournette and Jarvis Landry, where the receiver spoke about the transition from Harbaugh to Jesse Minter and how he revealed being overworked while practicing before.
Flowers spoke openly about how Harbaugh would have him running something along the lines of 10,000 yards while leading up to game days. He would also have to use the cold plunge throughout the week, and before game days to ensure his body was ready to perform well.
"The first game I ran 10,000 yards, 10,000 yards. The second game, I ran 20,000 yards in two games and still ran 4,000, 5,000, 4,000 in practice that week," Flowers admitted when discussing the work he put in just in practice.
The issue with putting that much mileage is that it can wear on players, even those who are young in their careers. Flowers admitted to having to use the cold plunge multiple times just to make sure his body would not fall apart on him.
"I'm cold tubbing on game day. I drive back to the facility, bro. They bring ice to my room every Sunday before the game. I cold tub at 7:00 in the morning," Flowers said.
Considering the "old school" approach of heavily working players that Harbaugh possesses, Flowers stated that he immediately asked new head coach Jesse Minter how he would approach practice.
Flower spoke to Minter, who told him, "You are still going to get your work, but it'll be easier on your body, so you'll be fresher for the game."
Flowers admitted that the conversation about practice with Minter was one of the first that he had.
It is interesting to think about how Harbaugh worked his players, and if that level of work may have contributed to the injuries that occurred in 2025. Granted, there are many factors that lead to injury, but putting in that much work can play a major role.
The Ravens went and signed Dr. Nic Gill, who came over from rugby and will serve as the team's new vice president of health and performance, and Minter is sure to have his own system of working out his players.
Injuries piling up is never a good sign, and the Ravens saw firsthand how that can lead to a disappointing season.
Flowers may be young, but running 10,000 yards leading up to a game seems like overkill. Minter and the staff are set to establish their own preparations, and time will tell if it leads to more wins for the Ravens in 2026.