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Former NFL players strive to break into coaching on ground floor

After finishing their careers, several former players are trying to prove themselves again, this time as entry-level assistant coaches.

Detroit Lions

How it started: First jobs in football for all 32 NFL head coaches

They got coffee, cut tape, lined the field, played the "Grim Reaper," even washed cars. An NFL head coach has to start somewhere. Here are their stories.

How cutting hair, stacking plates and teaching fit in Dan Quinn's career start

Quinn's coaching career launched as an unpaid assistant at William & Mary, where between odd jobs he learned lessons he carries with him to this day.

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Browns

NFL

Baker Mayfield won't back down

The uncompromising, unapologetic quarterback is a big reason the Browns are the NFL's hottest team (yeah, you read that right).

Peter Yang for ESPN

Kellerman has zero concerns for Mayfield

1:25

Madden

Boycotts, bruised egos: How players reacted to 'Madden NFL 20' ratings

DeMarcus Lawrence called for a boycott. Others were just as upset, and some reactions were tongue-in-cheek. It happens every July when 'Madden' player ratings are revealed.

Madden 20

Von Miller on Madden rating: 'Classic case of perception vs. reality'

1:49

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Catch up on Draft Academy on ESPN+

  • AP Photo/Jay LaPrete

  • Draft Academy

    An 8-part documentary following six players on their journey to the 2019 NFL Draft, including Nick Bosa, Drew Lock, Marquise Brown and Josh Jacobs on ESPN+

No-apology tour

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Fantasy

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