Tavares Gooden Gooden Turns to Yoga to avoid injury

Tavares Gooden can’t seem to shake the injury bug.

The third-year inside linebacker endured a groin injury during his senior year at the University of Miami, a hip injury that forced him to sit out the Senior Bowl, a hernia that cut short his rookie campaign after four games, and a concussion and a groin injury that sent him to the sideline for four contests last season.

In an effort to get sturdier, Gooden said he has added yoga to his offseason regimen and is considering seeking out a doctor to improve his flexibility.

“I’m a real fast guy and a real powerful guy. Sometimes I turn too quick or I wasn’t as flexible,” he said. “Me and Coach Harbaugh talked about that. It’s been tough, but I’ve been stretching up and rehabbing with the trainers not because of an injury, but to prevent an injury. That’s what I’ve been doing, just taking care of my body in the offseason so that it will last. … Every day is like we’re in a car crash. There’s no avoiding it.”

To that end, Gooden said he has slightly adjusted his mindset regarding practices.

“Last year, I was being reckless and treating every practice like it was a game,” he said. “That’s probably why I didn’t make it through the whole season. This year is a different approach. That’s the mentality this year. We have depth, and we’re all going to play. The competition is open, but at the same time, it’s not about killing yourself. It’s about making yourself better and becoming a better athlete. I’m going to go out there and play my game.”

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.



(baltimoresun.com)