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Today’s Top N.F.L. Defenders Don’t Play Positions. They Play the Field.

COSTA MESA, Calif. — As Derwin James recovered from his second significant injury in back-to-back seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers safety found an unexpected way to help him remain one of the most versatile defenders in the N.F.L.

He played video games.

For two hours a day last season, James played “Madden 21,” the N.F.L. video game developed by EA Sports. Playing the game was fun, he said, but it also helped him see what his job is all about — flexibility.

“It really carried with me,” James said in an interview. “Things are kind of moving slow for me.