This precision management is key to professional football’s locker room organization. Functional does not even begin to describe it. It’s literally a tactic that purposely cultivates team chemistry, camaraderie and a fighting spirit to enhance performance. During the 2023 NFL season, rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua’s placement next to veteran offensive lineman Rob Havenstein on the Los Angeles Rams illustrates this approach. Havenstein, one of the Rams’ oldest and most experienced players, passed on his valuable insights to Nacua. That guidance proved invaluable to Nacua during his record-breaking rookie campaign.
Locker room assignments have long been important behind the scenes for building relationships, camaraderie and accountability between players. When wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson and Wayne Chrebet of the New York Jets both had lockers next door to each other in 1997. Despite their close quarters, they … well, you know the rest. These kinds of dynamics can have a profound effect on a team’s culture—highlighting the need for intentional locker room designs.
Nacua’s connection with Havenstein is a great stuff locker room vibe should be made of. All season, Nacua dutifully continued to bring towels for Havenstein, the bond growing from the locker room to the turf. This uncommonly open practice makes clear through its intentional placements that poetic mentorship and plurality can be cultivated among the players.
Veteran players usually step up to mentor newcomers. As an example, both Cooper Kupp and Braden Fiske spent one season together on the Rams, overlapping in 2022. When he got here, Morgan Moses was a big reason why he stepped up as a mentor for Will Campbell. Cam J Campbell is an offensive tackle that’s fresh to the NFL. With his 11 years of experience, Moses was able to offer advice and guidance that Campbell can take with her for the rest of her career.
Purposeful locker room placements are a longstanding tactic used in the NFL, something explained by Atlanta Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris. He said they make those kinds of moves on purpose to improve a team’s chemistry. His other target of humor was his clear distaste for the intricacies of assignment approaches.
“I hate to do that, because I’m not qualified,” – Raheem Morris
No one major philosophy has defined San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s groundbreaking system. He tries to never have two guys from the same position group directly adjacent to one another, at least until the roster expands to 90 players during training camp. His approach is to move beyond that, to ensure more diversity to conversations and interactions even within the locker room.
“I put a lot of thought into it,” – Kyle Shanahan
Shanahan’s philosophy is an excellent illustration of a trend that’s taking root among coaches at all levels. They understand that the best teams are built through meaningful relationships in the locker room. For instance, Brian Schottenheimer’s decision to place pass rusher Micah Parsons next to quarterback Dak Prescott was made with intention. Their proximity allows them to learn from one another and share insights that could influence game strategy.
“Two of our best players, put them together,” – Brian Schottenheimer
And in one of our favorite examples, Michael Penix Jr. stood next to veteran safety Jessie Bates III. They roomed together in the Minnesota Vikings locker room. Bates III, an All-Pro player known for his meticulous study habits, taking notes on two different iPads during film sessions, demonstrates how experienced players can shape younger teammates’ preparation and approach to the game.
Penix emphasised the value of learning from Bates III, adding that “I can go so much more into detail. These interactions are more than just technical skills. Because of these limitations, they foster an environment where those who play them can have sincere, productive conversations about their craft.
“It’s always fun post-practice to come and be like, ‘Alright, what were you thinking right here when I lined up against you and I doubled up at the line of scrimmage and then you jab this way?’” – Puka Nacua
Aside from being a tremendous tool of self-improvement, this form of dialogue serves to root team-building and collaboration deep in your culture. The intentional arrangement of players helps make these discussions possible, giving them space to hold each other accountable in productive ways.
The Atlanta Falcons have gone all-in on this trend. MVP James Pearce Jr. As the cornerback duo with seasoned leader A.J. Terrell Jr. proved, this pairing can yield valuable experiences for both sides. No doubt, Pearce’s growth will be expedited by listening to someone who has faced such challenges at a greater professional level.
Still, coaches understand that relationship building is more than just the logistics. It requires a concerted hand to grow a cutthroat but nurturing environment. Morris emphasized that all this activity was just an entry point to what is really going on. He focused on the fact that dudes race daily in a lot of the challenges we’ve come up with. This approach develops a safe space where players can learn from each other’s strengths while creating deep player-coach relationships.
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