ALAMEDA, Calif. -- James Cowser had just finished his rookie season as a defensive end/outside linebacker with the Oakland Raiders last winter when Lamonte Winston approached him.
Winston, the Raiders' director of player engagement, wanted to know which off-the-field program Cowser wanted to participate in during the offseason.
"You've got to better yourself out of football," Winston told Cowser, who had a sack and a fumble recovery in six games last season.
Presented a list of activities, Cowser turned his nose up at each, until being asked what "unique" talent he might have.