Life in the NFL
Scoring first TD is a
bitter-sweet experienceI scored my first touchdown in our loss to the New York Jets, but I had no idea the ball would be coming to me.
When I turned around, the ball was in the air. It was a fade route against a zone defense and Brian Griese threw it to me in the hole in the zone.
I felt good at the time, but we didn't get the win, so it doesn't really feel that good now.
We've lost three close games in a row, but I guess that's what the NFL is all about. It comes right down to the wire a lot. Once again, we couldn't finish it and put them away.
I made two other catches in which we converted on second-and-long. Both were post routes.
I'm feeling really confident in my ability, and the more I get in there, the more confident I get.
At first, early in the season, I was out there trying to impress and make sure they thought I was a good first-round pick. Now it's more about having fun, because it's only going to last so long and this game is supposed to be fun.
For the first time this year, I was able to put my helmet into somebody on a block, not just a hand block. It was during a Clinton Portis middle run, and my responsibility was the safety, and he didn't move so I tried to run him over. It was kind of a stalemate, but Clinton got a few extra yards.
Basically, we've got to win our last three games to go to the playoffs. Coach Mike Shanahan knows our losing streak isn't because a lack of effort, though.
His message is simple enough: Lose one more game and it's over.
So, there is a sense of desperation now. It's a really close race and this game coming up at home against Kansas City is one we really need. And when people are desperate, like us, watch out.
I thought some things in the NFL were going to be tougher. My agent sent me to this training thing before the season so players can be better prepared for some of the negative things. They told me other receivers wouldn't be cool to a rookie and that there would be a lot of malicious stuff. I haven't seen one ounce of that since I got to camp.
Ron Moore, who the Broncos let go and I got his No. 85, was one of the most supportive people even though I was basically there to take his job.
Everybody on this team hangs out together and cares for each other. They make sure nobody drives home drunk, and they will call to make sure others get home all right.
The wear and tear so far isn't as bad as in college. After 10 weeks in college, I had lots of nicks and pains.
But back then, I didn't come out of the game and played about 60 plays. Here, I might get 20, maybe 30 plays a game so I don't get hit too much. That's why I don't feel too sore and that's why I'm pretty fresh.
Even though I signed a pretty big contract, I don't feel like I have a lot of money.
I was never really deprived, anyway. All my life, anything I really, really wanted, I got, even if I had to save my money until I had enough. It's still the same thing now. I basically buy what I want, but I don't really buy that much. I've got some nice TVs and I only have one car.
The smartest investment I've made is buying the land and having a house built for my parents in Hilton Head, S.C.
Some of the guys mess around with me because I bought the car, a silver Mercedes, before I had my license. I got my Hawaii's driver's license right before I left to come to mini camp.
I'm renting now, but in the offseason, I may buy a house in the Denver area, and I've got someone looking for me so I can buy a condo or townhouse in Hawaii.
But I don't have too many extravagant things -- no jewelry or diamond earrings except for a diamond pendant in the shape of No. 8.