Speak Up

If you feel the rookie haze is coming on too thick from your coaches, I'd suggest speaking to your position coach. Tell him, in a calm, one-on-one setting, that you don't respond to unconstructive criticism and get the most out of constructive coaching and encouragement. NFL coaches are hard men but remember: they're not there to be a badass, they're there to win football games.

A guy like Tom might see his coach's yelling as a sign of endearment and interest, while a guy like Joe might wilt under public criticism. Everyone's different. You might find it tough to approach your coaches but consider: (1) Unless the team has a lot of money or expectations tied up into you, they absolutely won't approach you and (2) Being assertive — not pushy, assertive — will help you in football and in life. As the book says, you have not because you ask not.

If you're a true player, believe me, your skills will be recognized - it might even be by another team, years later, but recognized just the same. That part of it you can't control - all you can affect is the effort you put in. But you'll never give your best if you're walking around with a long face. Long-faced guys don't tend to be the most thorough or enthusiastic in their preparations.

Proven veterans have the luxury of cutting a 75% practice; as a rookie you have to lay out 100%. Not only on the practice field, but in the film room, and, yeah, even while making bagel runs or picking up dry cleaning. It's called paying dues.

Your opportunities will come, believe that. Your attitude will determine what you do with them. When your number is called, will you be struggling to play catch-up or will you make an immediate impact?

In the words of my old DBs coach Dave Campo: "you're always a play away from starting." Whether you're ready when your name is called is the only question.