NFL: Only strong survive

Sunday-Monday

All my teammates’ families were in town for practice and a cookout afterwards. All of my family is back in Georgia.

As far as practice goes, it was a successful day. We had the opportunity to have “live goal line!” Basically, we were allowed to tackle the ball carrier. And the defense won.

I’m filling in for our all-pro defensive lineman Casey Hampton, who is on the physically unable to perform list. I did my job! The offense did not score once!

Monday was a “no bones Monday.” We had two long practices. Our mental toughness is definitely being tested at this point in training camp. We have had about 15 practices. The body is starting to feel a little fatigued. My legs feel like I have ankle weights on them 24/7. My shoulders, arms and feet are hurting like crazy.

The thing that keeps me going is self motivation. This is not an easy job. I know some of you might be thinking “you get paid well.” But my body takes a beating day in and day out. You have to love the game of football. It’s a very violent sport where only the strong survive.

Monday night, I told myself that I wasn’t going to eat after 8:30, but I listened to the voices in my head saying “go get a turkey sandwich.” I just had a turkey sandwich on wheat with mustard, lettuce, tomato and pickles. Sounds great, doesn’t it? My stomach is very satisfied!

The fans are still coming strong. They’re here for every practice that they can attend. Gotta love those Steelers fans! They show a lot of dedication.

Tuesday-Wednesday

My legs are getting heavier. That’s not the greatest thing considering I have a game on Friday. I will continue to ice down the lower body and try to recover much as I can before game day.

Tuesday we had live goal line again. And once again, the defense prevailed. We shut them down. Goal line is probably the most intense part of practice. It’s the only time during training camp that we can actually tackle the running back to the ground.

I’m sitting in my room. I couldn’t resist once again! I’m eating some pizza. But I’m not putting on any weight because I’m practicing and I’m also doing cardio every day. I must put an end to this late-night eating when training camp is over with. I plan on going to Disney World! I gotta get sexy! LOL!

I have to start preparing for the Eagles. I will watch game film from last year. During the preseason, it’s really hard to predict what your opponent is going to do. I think some of the rookies are feeling the pressures of the NFL. Some of them get it. Some of them don’t. Well in a couple of weeks, reality will set in. We have 85 guys here, and only 53 roster spots. You do the math.

Even though I’m a veteran guy, I never feel safe. I always come to work with a mindset as if they’re going to release me. Regardless of what your contract says, you can be released at any time. They might have to pay you, but they still can release you. NFL stands for “not for long.”

Another hard long day on the gridiron Wednesday.

Once again we had two practices! And it’s two days before a game.

I’m so exhausted.

XNick Eason of the Pittsburgh Steelers is chronicling his experiences during training camp. Here’s a sampling of his entries, which can be read in their entirety on Vindy.com