NFL Combine Training Unpacked: The Keys to Peak Performance with Aaron Borgmann and Mitch Cholewinski

The road to the NFL Combine is a journey unlike any other in sports. It’s an event that can determine an athlete’s professional future, demanding peak physical performance, precision and mental resilience. But preparing for it isn’t just about raw talent, it’s about strategy, recovery and science-driven training. In the latest Hytro Performance Podcast episode Dr. Warren Bradley, founder of Hytro, hosted a discussion with two industry leaders: Aaron Borgmann, founder of Borgmann Solutions and former NFL practitioner with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, and Mitch Cholewinski, Coordinator of Football Sports Science at Nebraska Huskers, to explore what’s changed in preparation, recovery and performance for the Combine and beyond. 

 

Meeting athletes where they are 

A major shift in performance science over recent years has been a move away from rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches to recovery and training. Mitch Cholewinski emphasises the importance of educating players and allowing them to make informed decisions about their recovery strategies. 

“We have all this data and research, but every athlete responds differently,” Mitch explains. “Instead of forcing a protocol on them, it’s about guiding them, providing options and helping them learn what works best for their body.” 

This is particularly relevant when working with freshmen or new transfers who may have their own beliefs about recovery, some swear by hot water, others prefer cold, while some respond best to Blood Flow Restriction, compression or contrast therapy. By allowing athletes to engage in the process, coaches can create better buy-in and long-term adherence to effective recovery strategies. 

The challenges of Combine preparation 

For many athletes, the transition from college football to the NFL Combine presents a completely new challenge. Aaron Borgmann, who works with players post-college as they prepare for the draft, sees first hand how different the demands of Combine training are compared to football training. 

“The Combine isn’t football,” Aaron states. “You’re training for a series of specific drills that don’t translate directly to the game. But for an athlete’s draft stock, mastering these drills is crucial.” 

Mitch agrees, noting that the Combine’s testing, from the 40-yard dash to the shuttle drills, is more like a choreographed dance than game-day performance. 

“These guys are great at reading and reacting on the field,” says Mitch. “But suddenly, they have to perform pre-planned movements with absolute precision. The steps, the mechanics, it’s all programmed and refined down to the smallest detail. It’s a completely different skill set.” 

This shift often leads to burnout or physical imbalances when athletes transition back to playing football. One of the biggest challenges practitioners face is helping athletes maintain their football conditioning while fine-tuning their Combine skills. 

 

Travel, recovery and performance on the road 

One of the biggest external factors affecting an athlete’s readiness for the Combine is travel. Whether it’s cross-country flights for pro days or transatlantic games in professional leagues, travel disrupts routines and introduces fatigue. 

For Mitch, the solution lies in education and preparation. “We teach our guys the basics: how to nap on flights, what movement routines to do after landing, and how to use portable recovery tools,” he explains. 

Hytro’s BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) Performance Shorts have become a staple in their travel kit. “The ease of use and portability make them a no-brainer,” he says. “Players can put them on in the evening, do a session and return them at breakfast the next day. It’s an easy win for recovery.” 

Aaron echoes this sentiment, highlighting how recovery has evolved. “We’ve shifted from passive recovery, just resting, to active recovery,” he says. “It’s about getting athletes moving again, whether through BFR, mobility work or guided stretching. If they sit around post-game or post-travel, they’re going to feel worse, not better.” 

The mental side of the Combine 

Beyond the physical demands, the mental toll of Combine prep is significant. Every drill, every second shaved off a sprint, every extra bench press rep could mean the difference between getting drafted or being overlooked. 

For many athletes, Combine prep takes them out of their familiar environment, away from their college team and into a high-pressure training bubble. Aaron acknowledges that this transition can be jarring. “These guys have spent years in a structured college environment,” he says. “Then suddenly, they’re training with new coaches, new teammates, all while dealing with the biggest job interview of their lives.” 

Mitch stresses the importance of keeping athletes engaged with football itself, even while training for Combine-specific drills. “We let them get on the JUGS machine, run routes, do skill-based work,” he says. “If you take away what they love entirely, it can feel like a job instead of their passion.” 

 

Cutting through the noise in recovery science 

With the rise in sports technology, there’s an ever-growing influx of recovery tools on the market. But how do coaches and practitioners’ separate evidence-backed innovations from gimmicks? 

Mitch approaches it with a simple mindset: “Does it fit into our system? Does it make sense physiologically? And most importantly, do the athletes actually feel the benefit?” 

Aaron agrees. “I don’t have time to entertain every new product that lands on my desk,” he says. “But when something proves itself, when we see measurable results, it earns a spot in the rotation.” 

Athletic performance trends 

Both Aaron and Mitch shared that for them, one of the biggest trends in athletic performance today is fostering player autonomy. Rather than relying solely on prescribed plans, athletes are being educated to take ownership of their training and recovery. The goal is to ensure they can walk into a facility, understand what they need to do, and execute it effectively without constant oversight. 

This shift aligns with another key trend: preparing athletes for life beyond college. At the collegiate level, players have access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge recovery tools, and expert support systems. However, once they transition to the professional level, they are responsible for investing in their own recovery and training. Understanding what works, what is worth investing in and how best to support their long-term performance is critical. Educating athletes early ensures they can make informed decisions when they are managing their own performance. 

This shift towards autonomy aligns with another key trend: preparing athletes for life beyond college. At the collegiate level, players have access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge recovery tools and expert support systems. However, once they transition to the professional level, they are responsible for investing in their own recovery and training. 

By educating athletes and reinforcing structured recovery, coaches are helping players sustain peak performance not just for the Combine, but for their long-term careers. 

The Combine is as much about preparation and strategy as it is about raw athleticism. The best-performing athletes aren’t just the fastest or strongest - they’re the ones who have mastered the art of recovery, mental resilience and strategic training. 

From meeting athletes where they are to integrating cutting-edge recovery methods, experts like Mitch Cholewinski and Aaron Borgmann are helping to redefine how players prepare for one of the most crucial moments of their careers. As the science of performance continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: a well-prepared athlete isn’t just physically ready, they’re mentally and strategically primed for success. 

Listen to the full episode on Spotify or watch it now on YouTube.