Excellent read from Seth Payne, former Texan turned journalist

[Playoffs]

A well written, heartfelt article on being away from the game by the surprising Seth Payne.

Worth a follow on Twitter: Seth Payne (PayneNFL) on Twitter

The Payne Train: Missing football

I've spent the last five days at the Houston Texans' training camp after five years away from the NFL. I'm writing for Shutdown Corner and I'm on the radio in Houston, so I'm out there as a member of the media, taking notes. Some things have jumped out at me, several of which are more personal than I expected.

First, I wasn't prepared for the emotional response I had the first time I watched a 9-on-7 drill. In the past five years I had convinced myself that I didn't really miss football that much, that it didn't define me as a person. I never wanted to become the clichéd ex-jock, living in the past and boring everybody at the bar with stories about my glory days. Standing there, watching those guys hit each other in a very physical drill that was a staple of my life for so many years, and I realized how much I still miss all of it. I miss the challenge, the misery, the victories and the losses.

I miss knowing myself so well. I miss knowing that my legs will keep churning long after fatigue has robbed me of the ability to feel them. That I can still run fast when it feels like I'm in deep sand. That no matter how long a drive or a wind sprint seems, it will all be over soon.

I miss being around defensive backs...

read the complete article here: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

[powda]

Damn good article. You can plainly see why the guy went to Cornell.

[RunninRaven]

That was a damn fine read.

[SCOTTexans]

Great read. I think this goes for any career. You build your life around your career and when your career ends your life goes with it and you have to start from scratch...

[drs23]

Enjoyed the read, thanks Playoffs.

[IDEXAN]

Excellent article enjoyed reading it. And I was a big fan of Seth when he played
in Houston. Him and Gary Walker were 2 really good Dlinemen the Texans had early on in their history.

[HOU-TEX]

One of the best articles I've ever read

[Cjeremy635]

I can definitely see why it would be tough to let that part of your life go. It's the smell of the turf, sweat, blood, and everything else that goes along with playing on that field. It's also the extreme highs and the lowest of lows, all of which make it work while. But most importantly, it's the "forged in blood and sweat" brotherhood that only you and the guys who went through hell with you fully understand.

It was a great read and I hope to read more from him in the future. I know his twitter posts are funny as hell! (Thanks Hou-Tex)

[eriadoc]

Same reason a lot of guys (myself included) have a very tough time leaving the military. The reasons you leave are different, but the reasons you want to stay are the same.

[Cjeremy635]

Originally Posted by eriadoc

Same reason a lot of guys (myself included) have a very tough time leaving the military. The reasons you leave are different, but the reasons you want to stay are the same.

I was going to post the same thing. From the storys I've read from people who have been in active duty, and then go back and write about it, it's VERY tough. You're considered an outsider and yet you know exactly what they're going through and feeling. It's easy to fall back in an act like one of the guys.....except your not and they don't look at you the same anymore.

[infantrycak]

I am not as down on Cody as some people but DAMN if we could have 2002 Seth Payne in this D it would be absolutely sick. He was very under appreciated.

[Double Barrel]

Very cool article, and very honest about his post-NFL experience, as well.

I'm glad he's become a Texans ambassador and from what I heard at lunch, will now also work for 610 radio. He said this afternoon that he really likes the way that the Texans embrace ALL former Houston football players, regardless if they were Oilers or Texans. I think his insight as a defensive lineman will really be great to hear this season.

[HOU-TEX]

Another awesome read by Payne. His view of what the Wonderlic ahould be. Hysterically funny!

I've always felt that a more accurate intelligence test would combine some elements of the Wonderlic with real world scenarios from the life of an NFL player. So I present to you the first five questions from my proposed Football Intelligence Quotient exam.

The 5 questions and answer options are great. lmao

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...5401--nfl.html

[gtexan02]

Sounds like he should be coaching, honestly. Seems like he would be great at it

[disaacks3]

Originally Posted by HOU-TEX

Another awesome read by Payne. His view of what the Wonderlic ahould be. Hysterically funny!



The 5 questions and answer options are great. lmao

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...5401--nfl.html

Awesomeness:

5. You spend five years with the team that drafts you. You are loved by fans and you've laid down roots in the community. Your wife and children love it there. Unfortunately, when you enter free agency the team is barely under the salary cap and is unable to make a remotely competitive offer, so you sign elsewhere. How should you open up the press conference in your new city?


a) "It wasn't about the money." Act surprised and hurt when people don't believe you.
b) "The fans never appreciated me there." Act surprised and hurt when people take offense.
c) "I wanted to go to a team where they're committed to winning, unlike some places." Say it with a smirk and remember to act surprised and hurt when the previous city's writers "take it out of context."
d) "I had an incredible experience with [former team] and I wish them the best. " Be as gracious as possible, but don't act surprised or hurt when people are still angry.

[eriadoc]

4. You are approached by a guy in a white coat who calls himself a doctor. He offers to sell you a revolutionary new vitamin injection that will help you add muscle mass and recover more quickly. What should you do?

a) Check the policy on banned substances, but ignore the part that says you are responsible for everything that goes in your body even if it's labeled improperly. Don't ask the team medical staff for advice. Now go for it!
b) Pay with a check or credit card. You'll need a paper trail if you want a refund later.
c) See if he'll throw some of that undetectable synthetic pot into the deal.
d) Run away!

I love it, LOL.

[Playoffs]

Seth Payne ‏@PayneNFL
Just discovered I have a gray nostril hair. Makes my boogers look distinguished.

[heymak]

Originally Posted by eriadoc

Same reason a lot of guys (myself included) have a very tough time leaving the military. The reasons you leave are different, but the reasons you want to stay are the same.

Thought the same thing while I was reading it.

[Playoffs]

Seth Payne ‏@PayneNFL

Reports are that Kenny Britt worked hard to stay in shape during his suspension, which will make his next mug shot the most handsome yet.

[Playoffs]

Seth Payne ‏@PayneNFL

Guys, women are more receptive to compliments if they don't feel like come-ons. Try, "Wow, for a Pomeranian your dog has HUGE testicles."