Malaki Starks Handed Himself a 'C-Minus' Report Card, So He's Calling Up Jon Gruden and The League Needs to Watch

Alright, 12s, listen up! This ain't about our guys in green and blue directly, but the sheer dedication on display here? That's Seattle sports through and through. We're talking Malaki Starks, the Ravens safety, who just pulled a move that screams self-improvement, and honestly, the rest of the league should be paying attention. This dude didn't just reflect on his rookie year, he flat-out gave himself a grade, and then immediately dialed up a Super Bowl-winning coach to make sure Year Two is a whole different story. This isn't your average offseason chatter, folks, this is a player putting in the *real* work.

A Rookie Season That Didn't Cut It, So He's Cutting No Corners

Starks, a 2025 first-round pick, spent a good chunk of May thinking about his first NFL season, and let's just say, he wasn't exactly thrilled with the results. He told Jeff Zrebiec over at TheAthletic.com that if he had to give himself a report card, he'd land somewhere around a "C-plus, B-minus." Talk about brutal honesty! He's clearly got a high standard, and he's not about to pretend he met it. To rocket that grade skyward for his second season, he's already diving deep into serious self-improvement. He's bringing pilates into his offseason workouts, which is a smart move for any athlete looking for that edge in flexibility and core strength. Plus, he's beefing up, adding crucial weight after playing last year at a lean 202 pounds. This isn't just about getting bigger, it's about building a physical foundation for elite performance, and that shows serious commitment.

Calling In The Sup

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

er Bowl Big Guns But here's where it gets wild: Starks isn't just hitting the gym and the mat. He's going straight to the top for some serious coaching intel. He plans to consult with none other than Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden. Yeah, you heard that right, *the* Jon Gruden. This isn't some random connection, either. Starks actually trained with Gruden *before* the draft, and the two have stayed "really cool ever since." He's heading back to "pick his brain a little bit," and honestly, what an incredible resource to have in your corner as a young NFL player. Starks himself knows how big this is, saying, "Just to learn from a guy like him and have him as a resource, I think it will be huge.” With the Ravens bringing in a new head coach in Jesse Minter, Starks sees a golden opportunity. He's declared that "everybody gets a new start" in this kind of situation, and getting that one-on-one time with Gruden is a huge part of his strategy to make the absolute most of that fresh slate. You can practically hear the gears turning in his head to dominate. So, what's the takeaway here for us, even from afar? This isn't just about a player adding weight or trying a new workout. This is about a young talent taking full, unapologetic ownership of his game, seeking out unparalleled wisdom, and putting in the grind when nobody's watching. That kind of hunger, that relentless pursuit of excellence, that's what defines true pros. We here in the Emerald City appreciate that drive, and you better believe we'll be watching to see how Malaki Starks' "fresh start" with Gruden's guidance transforms him on the field. This kid is setting himself up for something big, and it's going to be exciting to watch.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.