DJ Fluker attempting NFL comeback, shines at Alabama pro day
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (BVM) – While a number of NFL draft prospects are looking to impress team decision-makers on their future careers in the league, some former players are looking to get back into the league as well. Though former quarterback and MVP Cam Newton has rightfully earned much of the attention for his comeback attempt during the Auburn pro day, former offensive lineman DJ Fluker also looked to earn his next league opportunity when he participated in the Alabama pro day.
The former first-round pick first wowed social media when it was announced he would be making a comeback attempt thanks to a new, trimmed-down physique. While Fluker weighed as much as 342 pounds during his time in the NFL, he got his weight down to 330 pounds for the pro day and looked to be in the best shape he has ever been in.
Former #NFL OT DJ Fluker was at Bama’s Pro Day and his transformation is wild 😳
Before After pic.twitter.com/3zcAgcSG1a
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 21, 2023
While expectations for his new look were high, Fluker may have somehow exceeded them. Throughout the pro day, Fluker’s physical appearance gained rave reviews on social media.
DJ Fluker would currently rank high on my “do not fight” list. pic.twitter.com/3aS7dttB29
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 23, 2023
The trimmed-down DJ Fluker looking for one more shot. #proday pic.twitter.com/6IcXauyWVL
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) March 23, 2023
Though many were in awe about Fluker’s transformation, he still needed to prove that he could play football and not just look good doing it. However, those concerns also seemed to dissipate as the offensive tackle continued his workout, as he showed off his raw power and quickness.
DJ Fluker may hurt someone out here. He is massive and will likely be getting quite a few phone calls after today from teams 😤 pic.twitter.com/EuT3WSenRX
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 23, 2023
32-year-old DJ Fluker tossing around a trio of 22-23 year olds… pic.twitter.com/JNAEex2rGv
— Brett Greenberg (@74Talk) March 23, 2023
For Fluker, the Alabama pro day was the perfect platform to show off his skill set. With a reported 125 scouts from the NFL, CFL and XFL along with over 10 NFL general managers and head coaches, all Fluker needs is for one team to take a gamble on the 32-year-old lineman.
D.J. Fluker looking JACKED 💪 @DJTheWarrior76 | @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/zgesfFyflR
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 23, 2023
During his time in the NFL, Fluker did adequately though he may never have truly lived up to his first-round billing. In eight seasons, Fluker started 96 times while appearing in 108 games for four teams. Though he showed some flashes, Fluker never made an All-Pro team or a Pro Bowl.
It is clear Fluker has the pedigree of a top athlete who could make an impact on an NFL roster. As a three-time national champion with Alabama and being a former first-team All-American and first-round pick, Fluker was once one of the best prospects coming out of college. Now, he will look to prove that those earlier projections for his career were warranted and that, even a couple of years removed from playing in the league, he can make a return as a solid contributor to an NFL team this upcoming season.
Oh my goodness. Watch DJ Fluker (RG) with the savage pancake of Suh on this touchdown. pic.twitter.com/OleSTLNNrQ
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 7, 2018
