Browns players will wrap up Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week in Berea and start mini-camp next week. While many football fans know the difference between the two, some might be wondering about the distinctions as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
OTAs are voluntary, while mini-camp is mandatory, with players facing fines for not showing up to mini-camp. The fines start at $12,000 if the first day is missed, with the amount doubling for each additional day missed. Both OTAs and mini-camp are practices, but mini-camp is considered more robust.
OTAs are crucial for new players and coaches who are learning new plays and schemes, providing an opportunity for in-person meetings and classroom instruction. Mini-camp days are longer, allowing teams up to 10 hours a day for practices and classroom work. According to the NFL, OTAs are 10-day programs with less on-field practice, while mini-camps are three-day workouts.
Players wear helmets but not pads at both types of practices, with no physical contact like tackling allowed. However, offense and defense run through plays with each other. Media is allowed at certain days of OTAs and has more access during mini-camp to showcase what’s happening on the field.
Training camp, where hitting and tackling are allowed with pads, starts in mid- to late-July. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.