Russell Okung brings lessons learned from 2011 lockout to 2020 Panthers

[Sir Purr]

Okung also has concerns about COVID-19, much like anyone who understands the situation's seriousness. But he believes there will be a good plan to keep players, coaches, and staff as safe as possible.


Plus, Okung has added supplements like vitamin A, vitamin B, and zinc to his diet to give himself a boost. He's drinking a lot of water. He's also spending a lot of time in the sun, calling it "one of our most incredible healers." And he's eating as clean as possible, trying to avoid any GMO products.


"Stuff like that is really important for us to pay attention to," Okung said. "I've just got to be honest with you, man, I feel great."


Okung's meticulousness about what he puts into his body falls right in line with how offensive line coach Pat Meyer described the left tackle as a player. Meyer was Okung's position coach for the last three seasons with the Chargers, helping Okung earn the second Pro Bowl berth of his career in 2017.


"He's got a book of 50 different guys that have pass rushed him before. He keeps a book on each of these guys (that says), here's his No. 1 move, here's what he likes, here's his go-to move. He's got a catalog of all that stuff," Meyer said. "Just the approach to the game in terms of trying to take care of your body, and then your approach to every game and every week preparing like he does, I think that's a huge, huge thing."


As for those lessons from the 2011 lockout, one significant difference in 2020 is players learned the playbook during this spring's virtual meetings. That didn't happen nine years ago, and it should have a positive effect on implementing Carolina's new systems during training camp.


"Most teams I've been on, we've probably installed the playbook at least two to three times prior to us starting the season. And we've done it twice already," Okung said. "I imagine we'll do it another two times when we get to camp — or at least one time. So we're right on pace for that."


Okung also credited head coach Matt Rhule for starting to establish a distinct culture, despite having to communicate over a computer or tablet. Okung called culture "one of the most fundamental components" to any successful team, and noted Rhule spent a lot of time talking about it.


"I think that's something that's a high priority of his," Okung said.


Culture and connectedness are of particular importance along the offensive line. If that unit is not together, the offense as a whole can't function properly. Okung has played with center Matt Paradis and guard Michael Schofield before and knows them well. Now, Okung has to establish relationships with his younger teammates.