Canadian Press — Bill Romanowski envisions a protein bar stocked with vitamins and supplements in the corner of the locker-room, customized workouts to fit each player's deficiencies and on-staff nutritionists waiting to be of service.
That's what the former Pro Bowl linebacker would implement if he were in charge of a team's health and well-being. And it's one of the game plans he's going to present when he gets the chance to meet with newly hired Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. Romanowski said he's been contacted by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to come in for a meet-and-greet early next week with the 32-year-old coach who replaced Mike Shanahan.
He said no position has been promised. It's just a simple sit-down.
A team spokesman told The Associated Press on Thursday night the Broncos had no knowledge of a meeting scheduled with Romanowski.
Just like in his playing days, Romanowski figures he has a lot to offer the Broncos.
"I'm going to profess my vision on how to better take care of the athletes," Romanowski said Thursday in an interview from the Bay Area.
Romanowski wants to be a coach someday. He even tried to persuade Bowlen to let him interview for the head coaching job after Shanahan was fired, creating an elaborate 30-page PowerPoint presentation. But he's never coached in the NFL and wasn't considered.
If a coaching spot isn't available on McDaniels' staff, Romanowski wouldn't mind being the Broncos' "performance" co-ordinator, overlooking the team's fitness and health. He's currently the president and CEO of a nutrition company called Nutrition53.com.
"There's another level on where to take a team when it comes to the way it trains," said Romanowski, who suited up for San Francisco, Philadelphia, Denver and Oakland during a standout 16-year career in the NFL that was marked by a bad temper and his admitted use of THG, the designer steroid at the centre of the BALCO scandal.
Romanowski said he would also hire a full-time nutritionist and bring in some of the world's elite strength and conditioning coaches.
As for the protein bar, it would be like a mini Jamba Juice, complete with ingredients to boost strength, endurance and the immune system.
He would also design workouts tailored to an athlete's specific needs. That way, an offensive lineman isn't doing the same workout as, say, a defensive back.
"What they do on the football field is totally different. Their strength programs and speed programs will be very different," Romanowski said. "Say you have eight defensive backs. They're all going to be very similar in the way they're trained, but one day a week may be very detailed to what each specific player's needs are. Maybe one needs more leg strength? Maybe one needs more of a burst? Maybe one has trouble changing directions to his right? So you break it down that specifically."
Given his close friendship with Bowlen, Romanowski's preference is to land a role with the Broncos.
However, he's hoping to break into the league with a team in some capacity, whether as a nutrition consultant or coach.
"I have a vision. To not give back is almost doing a disservice," he said. "It's almost like I feel like I owe this to the NFL, for being so good to me for so many years."
Romanowski also has a tight relationship with Al Davis, frequently chatting with the Oakland owner about nutrition and all things Raiders.
Should Davis show an interest in his services, Romanowski would zip off another PowerPoint presentation, one that's specifically designed for the Raiders.
"He's still sharp as a tack," Romanowski said. "You've got to be on your game. He's testing you when he's talking to you."
Right now, Romanowski is focused on the Broncos and meeting McDaniels.
"I'm going to go in and see how it goes," Romanowski said. "I know I can make a big impact with the Broncos."
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