Diary of a Rookie : SHAUN CODY, Detroit Lions first-year lineman and star of Spike TV' Super Agent, returns with the next installment of our exclusive three-part series on life in the NFL

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2005

day 42

Hey MF readers, great to get back with you. Since I last checked in, I've really started to feel the pressure placed on rookies like me in preseason camps. We're an unknown quantity, so we have to excel every time we step between the lines. Luckily, I have a great support group. My family really helps me out dealing with the pressure; I lean on them a lot. Too bad they're in California and I'm in Detroit. Seems like I spend most of my free time shuttling back and forth between the two locations. And I don't have to tell you, flying a lot--even if you have a good seat--sucks!

day 67

Really felt like a bug under a microscope with the cameras on me today. Makes me think back to the first night of shooting Super Agent. The producers called and I had to go meet all nine agents who wanted to represent me. Suddenly they were like, "OK, now you have to make an elimination." And I was like, "Man, we have to start right now?" That was tough, but I know it's the best thing I can do for my career. Speaking of, by the next time we hang, I'll have played my first pre-season NFL game, so wish me luck. Thanks, and take care.