NFL Players with the worst bench press records

Minnesota Vikings 2005 Headshots
Fred Smoot of the Minnesota Vikings poses for his 2005 NFL headshot at photo day in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Athletics require a variety of skills and natural abilities from athletes; they are not only about overwhelming force. A widespread misconception among individuals, especially those who are not acquainted with athletics, is that all sportspeople are powerful, brash enforcers.

The bench press is a test of endurance and muscular power at the NFL Combine. Participants are challenged to lift 225 pounds (102 kg) as often as possible. Their rating for the exercise is determined by how many rounds they complete.

In an effort to improve their chances of being selected in the NFL Draft, collegiate footballers endeavor to do well in NFL Combine drills. When players go above 20, it serves as a test of both physical endurance and muscularity and is also a different kind of challenge from the usual training methods.

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Anyone hoping to be called at the NFL Draft could experience an increase or decline in popularity depending on how they perform at the combine.

While some have seen their stock skyrocket, others have seen it fall. Players have lost out on the potential to be chosen highly due to inadequate NFL Combine efforts.

Former Washington Redskins cornerback Fred Smoot holds the record for the worst bench press in NFL Scout Combine history. Smoot reportedly failed the bench press test at the combine after only being able to lift 225 pounds for one rep, making him the poorest competitor.

Despite his performance at the Combine, Smoot was still selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. In addition, he successfully carved out a nine-year NFL career.

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Who holds the record for the best bench press at the NFL Combine?

Justin Ernest, a defensive tackle from Eastern Kentucky, is the record holder for the most bench press reps performed by a participant at the 1999 NFL Scouting Combine.

Before his NFL stint, he was among just a handful of athletes to bench press more than 500 pounds, setting a new record for strength. He played 11 years of pro football with four NFL franchises before announcing his retirement in 2017.

He still promotes health and wellness today and serves as an advocate for The Bench Press Academy, which instructs adults on the best ways to build strength with barbells.

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Edited by Kanav Seth
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