For some NFL players, the span between June minicamp and the start of training camp in late July represents one of the last focused stretches to read beyond their playbooks. The practice ranges from long novels to motivational guides and religious texts, depending on the player.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams read Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace last offseason and this summer is working through Chop Wood Carry Water, a motivational fable gifted by defensive coordinator Aden Durde. The book stresses mastering a process rather than fixating on outcomes, a theme Seattle coach Mike Macdonald often emphasizes. Williams said the book was meant to speak to him and some of the older members of the defensive line, including teammates Leonard Williams (32), Jarran Reed (33), DeMarcus Lawrence (34) and Uchenna Nwosu (29), who are coming off the team’s Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots.
Reading lists also have connections to personnel moves. Washington Commanders offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. said he is next reading Atomic Habits by James Clear after receiving the book from general manager Adam Peters following his selection at No. 29 in the 2025 draft. New Orleans Saints guard David Edwards said he feels he has more capacity to read during the offseason, while New York Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux said he focuses his offseason time on business and philanthropy and does most of his reading during the season.
Injury recovery has prompted renewed reading for some. Saints cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. returned to books while on bed rest after a torn Achilles cost him the 2025 season; he said he almost exclusively reads nonfiction and that nearly six months off gave him “a lot of time to read and to learn.” Several players described trying to read a little each day.
Religious reading figures prominently for others. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz said he has been reading and journaling through the Bible, working slowly through Psalms, while Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox is moving through the New Testament and called that time “the most important 30, 45 minutes” of his day. Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss said he reads the Bible daily and is also reading Miracles by C.S. Lewis.
