Bradenton Will Be NFL Central This Week

The NFL may be stuck in a lockout, but there will be no lack of pro football activity this week in Bradenton.

The Friendly City will become NFL central for three days when hosts dozens of players for two coinciding events: The NFL Players Association's and a Tampa Bay Buccaneeers organized team workout.

The rookie workshop, originally scheduled to be put on by the league in Canton, Ohio, was canceled because of the labor strife that has put the start of the 2011-12 season in jeopardy. Instead, the NFLPA stepped in and moved the workshop to IMG, where this year's draft picks will get a crash course in life in the NFL this Tuesday and Wednesday.

The symposium will cover financial education and planning, proper behavior on and off the field, and other information to prepare the rookies, according to NFL.com.

Also Tuesday, the Bucs will begin a three-day minicamp organized by quarterback Josh Freeman. The third-year pro and much of the team will be hitting the practice fields and gym at IMG between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Tuesday-Thursday. The sessions are closed to the public.

Stay tuned to Bradenton Patch this week for complete coverage.