Nakobe Dean, a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, is recovering from a torn patellar tendon sustained during last year’s wild card game against the Green Bay Packers. To aid in his rehabilitation, Dean has started practicing ballet with BalletX in Philadelphia.

“There’s way more flexibility, of course. Way more mobility,” Dean told NBC Philadelphia. “It’s definitely something that’s helping with my rehab. … You just feel a change immediately. After you stretch, you’re not as tight or as sore.”

Last season, Dean appeared in 15 games, recording 128 tackles, three sacks, and his first career interception, earning him a spot as the 17th candidate for Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a previous foot injury. Many former NFL legends, including Walter Payton and Herschel Walker, have also incorporated ballet into their training.

“My whole thing is trying to be the absolute best version of myself,” Dean stated. “For me, that’s greatness. If I’m striving to be that every day, and doing whatever it takes to be that.”

Dean clarified that while he appreciates the benefits of ballet, he remains focused on his football career. “I’m not interested in ballet, I’m in it for the mobility work and the stretching,” he said. “I’m more interested in the performance, looking at it … but I’m a football player through and through.”