Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers aims to lead by example. This week, he teamed up with USAA, the Official Salute to Service Partner of the Raiders, to highlight the importance of protecting the community through safe driving. With National Teen Driver Safety Week approaching, beginning on Oct. 19, he highlighted safe driving tips to the youth.
"It was good to get out here and spread awareness on safe driving," Bowers said to CBS Sports. "Being part of the community in Vegas, there are some crazy drivers out here."
The biggest reminder Bowers gave to all drivers is to remember that "you're always affecting more people than just yourself."
"I want to get more involved in the community and just help people out," Bower said. "It's hard to really realize how much of an impact you can have on someone's day just by taking a little bit of time, so I think that's a big thing I've wanted to get more into. I love doing stuff like this."
Bowers knows the attention that comes with rookie stardom. As the former No. 13 overall pick, his advice to this year's rookie class is not to overcomplicate the game.
"At the end of the day it's just football," he said. "And you're going to go out there and play the same game you've been playing your whole life. [I] just let them know that sometimes it's not as crazy as it seems out there."
Bowers is in Year 2 of the NFL and already is building a resume, including first team All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl selection and NFL records for receptions in a rookie season (112) and receiving yards in a rookie season by a tight end (1,194).
Growing up, Bowers looked up to future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski.
"I loved watching him play and I love the way he plays," Bowers said. "That was definitely No. 1 growing up," he said, adding that George Kittle and Travis Kelce served as role models.
The Raiders sit at 2-4, and Bowers hasn't been at his full health this year. He missed the last two games and did not practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.
"I just want to get back to as close to 100 percent as I can and get back out there and play and finish the year strong," Bowers said. "That's all I really care about."
