The Grind

Preseason camp has gone well thus far. We are in the middle of what we players call “The Grind.” It is hot, the days are long and guys are getting banged up, but the practices and hard work continue. Training camp is something that can become a burden if you let it, but our coaches have been doing a great job keeping our eyes on the prize.

Guys are finding interesting ways to pass the time and dinnertime conversations are becoming one of the most enjoyable aspects of camp. Guys have done everything from watching the Olympics to singing and dancing soulfully to the smooth sounds of R&B from the 60’s and 70’s. Naps are also important, though I’ve only taken two since camp has started. I prefer to watch television, or read a book or magazine during our limited free time.

There comes a time when you realize that you are going to have good days and you are going to have bad days. And even the good days can seem downright awful. Maybe you dropped a pass, or fumbled or missed a block. We all try our hardest not to allow those things to happen, but one must know that this is football and these things happen to everyone. Every player is working hard to be successful for this football team and to help us become better than ever.

“The Grind” is a necessary evil. We will get through it and be better football playersbecause of it. We have all been very busy and any free time we get we definitely take advantage of it. If we are not beating each other up and playing fast, we are meeting, eating or sleeping.

I cannot wait for the season to begin. But first we must get better through training camp and pay the dues that training camp requires of all of us to become better players and ultimately a better team.