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D1 Training's camp series partnership with FlexWork Sports gives D1 franchises the opportunity to work with professional athletes in their communities.

For D1 Chattanooga general manager Sam Kraft, getting to help with NFL running back Dylan Sampson's recent youth football camp meant the world to Kraft.

"I'm a big Tennessee fan. I was rooting on Dylan last year," Kraft said. "I got the chance to meet an NFL player, a Tennessee player, and someone who's done a lot for the community. He's a big supporter of athletics in Tennessee as a whole, and just a good guy."

Sampson is a former Tennessee running back, who holds the Volunteers' single-season rushing record. He was drafted in the fourth round by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 draft.

D1 Chattanooga's Coach Mac also attended the event, helping run 141 campers through change-of-direction drills.

For Kraft, it was a great chance to showcase what D1 Chattanooga offers to attendees of Sampson's camp.

"People get to see us not only have a presence there, but see us training there and kind of associate that D1 is doing this stuff every day," he said. "The drills we ran are the same things we run in our rookie and developmental classes. A lot of my coaches have football experience."

Kraft and Coach Mac also attended Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman McClendon Curtis' youth football camp, dedicated to giving back to the Chattanooga community that raised him. Curtis played collegiately at the University of Chattanooga.

Curtis' camp reminded Kraft of why he loves to be out in the community.

"It's really cool for them to see this kid who grew up two streets down from them and look at where he is now, being able to give back to the community," Kraft said. "Being out in the community is one of the most important things we do."

For him, it all ties back to the 12 character words every D1 has on its walls.

"Not every kid who comes to our rookie class is going to play in the NFL. Not every kid who comes to the developmental class is going to play Division 1," he said. "What we can do is still instill those good values, you know, our character words, a sense of discipline, knowing that they can push through hard times, and then succeed and instill those values in them for the rest of their lives, regardless of what they do athletically in the future."

Franchise Focus

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo swung by D1 Marietta to get in some workouts before the NFL season starts. You'll never know who might show up at your location!

Light Lifts

•Why did the WNBA issue a fine warning for a player wearing a sideline hat? (The Athletic)

• How to Stretch Your Lower Back the Right Way (GQ)

• Unleash Your Potential: The MH25 Inspired Strength and Bounce Workouts (Men's Health)

D1 Daily is produced by Dom Bonvissuto & Ty Wellemeyer

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