ajc
FLOWERY BRANCH — Chris Lindstrom locks onto his target, unleashes his hands, and lands flush. Pop. Pop. Pop. Matty Ryan, a Boston police officer and former professional boxer, absorbs these blows daily. Over three decades in boxing, Ryan has held mitts for world champions, Olympic heavyweights, and countless professionals. Rarely do they feel like this.
When Lindstrom strikes, a shock wave ripples from Ryan's hand up his arm and stops only at his neck. 'His power is electrocuting,' Ryan told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 'If he hits somebody on the helmet in the NFL with a clothed fist, they're going to be wobbled.'
During the offseason, Lindstrom spends his summers in Boston, training at a gym full of professional fighters. He spars, hits the heavy bag, and works the mitts with Ryan, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound former boxer who has trained alongside world champions. 'He's a special kid,' Ryan said. 'I've trained with a lot of professional athletes, and he's one of the best.'
How Boxing Translates to Football
Lindstrom, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has always sought an edge. He found boxing to be the ideal complement to his football training. 'There's so much carryover between boxing and football,' Lindstrom told the AJC. 'Hand-eye coordination, conditioning, balance, and always being in a good football position.'
Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford has witnessed the transformation. 'You can see the quickness in his hands,' Ledford said. 'He's able to move laterally and pass protect with precision.' Lindstrom's boxing routine includes three-minute rounds, heavy bag work, and sparring sessions that push his conditioning to new limits. 'It's a different kind of cardio,' Lindstrom said. 'You're constantly moving, thinking, and reacting. It's exhausting but so beneficial.'
Teammates and coaches have marveled at the payoff. 'He's a technician,' said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. 'His hand placement and footwork are elite. Boxing has helped him become more consistent and powerful.' Several teammates have joined Lindstrom for boxing sessions, including offensive tackle Jake Matthews. 'It's a great workout,' Matthews said. 'You learn to use your hands and hips together, which is exactly what we do on the field.'
Teammates, Coaches Marvel at the Payoff
Lindstrom's dedication has not gone unnoticed. 'He's always looking for ways to improve,' said Falcons guard Matthew Bergeron. 'Boxing is just another example of his commitment.' Even defensive players have taken note. 'Going against him is a challenge,' said defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. 'He's strong, quick, and technically sound. You can tell he's put in the work.'
As the Falcons prepare for the upcoming season, Lindstrom's boxing regimen remains a cornerstone of his training. 'I'll keep doing it as long as it helps me on the field,' he said. 'It's fun, it's challenging, and it makes me a better player.' With his unique approach, Lindstrom continues to set the standard for offensive line play in Atlanta.
Originally reported by ajc.