The second annual DB Retreat is taking place in Texas this week.
Individual position groups working together during the offseason has become all the rage in the NFL over the last few years. The annual TE University might be the most prominent example, but it is far from the only such event on the calendar.
Another one is taking place in Arlington, TX, this week: the second annual Pro Defensive Back Retreat, co-hosted by longtime NFL veteran and current member of the Pittsburgh Steelers Darius Slay. Among the participants are five members of the New England Patriots, headlined by Christian Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is one of the headline names at the event. A first-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2023, he quickly developed into one of the league’s best cornerbacks. In 2024, he was voted second-team All-Pro.
Besides Gonzalez, the Patriots will also be represented by fellow cornerback Alex Austin as well as safeties Craig Woodson and D.J. James. Also taking part is Marte Mapu, who joined the league alongside Gonzalez in 2023 but after starting out as a safety was moved to linebacker this offseason.
The Patriots’ connections to the event do not stop with those five players, though. Former New England DB Sterling Moore, who currently works as a defensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints, will be serving as a guest coach.
The Pro DB Retreat will be accompanied by a similar event for high school and college players. Among the topics that will be covered are tackling, turnovers, movement and block deconstruction.