Eagles Linebacker Nakobe Dean Turns to Ballet to Strengthen Comeback Journey
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is known for his ferocious tackling, high football IQ, and relentless drive on the field. But as he navigates the road to recovery from a series of injuries that sidelined him for much of the 2023 NFL season, Dean has surprised fans and teammates alike by embracing an unexpected training method: ballet.
Yes, ballet.
The 23-year-old linebacker has incorporated classical dance into his rehab and training regimen, and early reports suggest it’s already paying off. What began as a physical therapy recommendation has become a passion project for Dean, who now takes classes three times a week at a local Philadelphia studio.
“It’s about balance, control, and strengthening the small muscles most athletes ignore,” Dean told reporters after an offseason workout. “Ballet is no joke. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done—but it’s helping me heal, and it’s making me better.”
Injury Setbacks Spark New Approach
Dean’s second NFL season was marred by multiple injuries, including a nagging foot issue that forced him to the injured reserve list twice in 2023. As a highly touted third-round pick out of Georgia, Dean had been expected to step into a larger leadership role on the Eagles’ defense.
Instead, his season was cut short, and questions began to swirl about his long-term durability.
Determined to bounce back stronger than ever, Dean met with athletic trainers and performance experts during the offseason to revamp his recovery strategy. That’s when ballet first entered the conversation—not as a gimmick, but as a proven tool for improving core strength, flexibility, joint stability, and proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement and position).
Ballet and Football: An Unlikely But Powerful Pair
Dean is not the first NFL player to turn to ballet. Hall of Famers like Lynn Swann and Herschel Walker credited ballet with helping them develop agility and body control. More recently, players like Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown and former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt have also experimented with dance.
Still, for a bruising linebacker like Dean, the image of pliés and pirouettes seems a world away from the violence of the gridiron.
“At first, I didn’t tell anybody,” Dean admitted with a smile. “I thought the guys would clown me. But once they saw the way I moved afterward, they were like, ‘Yo, where you training?’”
Dean says ballet has helped him improve his posture, increase his range of motion, and—most importantly—build resilience in the smaller stabilizing muscles that support his joints and ligaments.
Coach and Team Support
The Eagles’ coaching staff has fully embraced Dean’s unconventional approach.
“We’re all for anything that makes Nakobe a better, healthier player,” said head coach Nick Sirianni. “He’s a guy who wants to do everything right, and if ballet helps him get back to full speed, then we support it 100%.”
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio also praised Dean’s commitment to recovery.
“You’ve got to respect a player who’s willing to step outside the box. That’s leadership, that’s discipline, and that’s maturity.”
A New Kind of Role Model
Dean has started to speak more publicly about his journey in hopes of encouraging other athletes—especially young players—to think differently about injury prevention and recovery.
“Football culture tells us to ‘tough it out’ and stick to the weight room,” Dean said. “But sometimes healing and growth come from the places you least expect.”
He’s also gained a newfound appreciation for dancers.
“I have so much respect for the ballet dancers I train with,” he said. “They’re strong, focused, and absolutely elite. I’m learning from them every day.”
Looking Ahead to 2025 Season
With training camp approaching, Dean is optimistic about his return to the field. Reports from the Eagles’ offseason program indicate he’s moving well and is expected to compete for a starting role at middle linebacker—if not reclaim it outright.
As fans eagerly await his comeback, Dean’s unique path has already inspired a wave of interest. Local youth football coaches in Philadelphia have reportedly inquired about incorporating dance and flexibility training into their programs.
And for Dean, that’s the biggest win of all.
“If I can help kids understand that strength comes in many forms—not just lifting heavy or hitting hard—then I’ve done more than just come back. I’ve grown.”
