Why This NFL Running Back Turned to Grip Strength—And Why You Should Too

…and why Monkee Grips are built to go even further.

The New York Post just ran a story on Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and how he’s tackling one of the biggest challenges in his game: ball security. Despite a solid rookie year with over 800 rushing yards, Tracy fumbled five times—a costly stat that’s tough to ignore in the NFL. There’s no easier way to lose your job as a running back than unnecessary turnovers. 

So what’s his plan to fix it?

He turned to Amazon. Specifically, he bought a traditional grip strengthener and started using it every night at home to fortify his hands, wrists, and fingers.

Here’s the article if you want the full read:

👉 What Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Ordered Off Amazon To Help Improve His Biggest Weakness

Why Grip Strength Matters—Especially for Running Backs

Fumbling doesn’t just lose yardage—it loses games.

And when you think about it, it makes total sense that grip strength is one of the most overlooked (yet essential) assets in football:

• Secure the rock: When defenders are clawing at the ball, a stronger grip can be the difference between a highlight run and a game-losing turnover.

• Break (or make) tackles: Stronger hands and wrists let you stiff-arm and shed defenders more effectively—or bring them down.

• Absorb contact: Better grip = better control, even when the hit is coming from an angle you didn’t see.

• Pass protection: It’s not just about running—grip stability helps with holding blocks and absorbing rushes.

This applies to every skill position, but running backs live and die by their ability to hold on to the ball in high-contact, high-pressure situations.

Traditional Grip Tools Are Just the Beginning

Tyrone’s nightly grip tool? It works fine.

Those old-school clamp-style trainers do build some finger and forearm strength.

But here's the thing:

They train a very specific movement pattern. And unless you plan on squeezing spring-loaded plastic in the middle of a tackle, you’re missing a ton of real-world application.

That’s where Monkee Grips come in.

Why Monkee Grips Go Further

Instead of isolating your grip in a vacuum, Monkee Grips force you to train grip strength while your body is under load—just like in real gameplay.

When you loop Monkee Grips over a pull-up bar or dumbbell handle, you’re no longer training the movement. You’re training your entire upper kinetic chain, with your fingers, wrists, and forearms working overtime to keep control.

The result?

• More muscle activation in fewer reps

• A grip that’s conditioned under tension—just like on the field

• Seamless integration into workouts you’re already doing (pull-ups, curls, deadlifts, etc.)

• A tool that actually simulates the chaos and stress of contact sports

Oh—and they fit in your gym bag.

No nightly Amazon squeezing sessions required.

Final Thoughts

Props to Tyrone Tracy for taking ownership of his game.

Ball security is grip security—and that truth is only gaining steam at every level of football.

If you’re an athlete, coach, or just someone who trains for real-world performance, your grip deserves more than 10 minutes with a hand clamp.

Start training with tools that challenge your full body under pressure.

🔗Explore Monkee Grips here

💪 Built for muscle. Built for game-time.