Training Camp Frankie Luvu Found Ken Norton Jr. to be a Source of Knowledge
Frankie Luvu likes to call Ken Norton Jr. “7-Eleven,” because the linebackers coach is always talking.
“He’s open 24/7,” Luvu said with a laugh after Day 2 of the Washington Commanders’ training camp.
The nickname, which Norton doesn’t know about yet, comes from a place of love from Luvu. And Norton has a lot to talk about, too. He played a combined 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, started in 188 of 191 games, won three Super Bowls and recorded 1,272 tackles in his career.
So, whenever Norton does talk, which apparently happens a lot, Luvu is going to listen, because his experience is an invaluable source of knowledge.
“He brings the energy, especially on days like this in camp,” Luvu said. “The room can get a little quiet with long days, getting out of the meeting room, but Ke
Luvu, who recorded 12.5 sacks in his final two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, has been eager to learn from Washington’s more experienced leaders since first joining the team in March. He called teammate Bobby Wagner, the leader in tackles among active players, a “treasure box” because “you never know what you’re going to get with him.”
As someone who started in 160 consecutive games and was named to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams, Norton can offer just as much knowledge to Luvu and the rest of the linebacker room. It’s part of why head coach Dan Quinn hired Norton when looking to fill out his staff.
“He has such a unique approach and like if you were a linebacker coming up, this is the type of man that you’d want to be around on a regular basis because he connects the football, the person, the soul, everything that it goes into it,” Quinn said in June.
Luvu is set to play a key role in the new iteration of Washington’s defense. His versatility allows him to be placed in multiple spots on the field, both as a pass-rusher and stand-up linebacker. A player like that needs a coach to him to get the most out of his skill set.
He feels like Norton is the right person for the job.
“It’s gonna be a fun season working with Ken,” Luvu said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Here are some more observations from the second day of camp.
