With such a wide variety of cultural and demographic backgrounds among the players, there are bound to be both good and bad reviews about the menu. Most of the players from the South like rice, beans and salsa. I guess they are pleased that we're in the Deep South.

As for me, I am not to picky, as long as the food is healthy and well cooked, I have no problem with it. Anyhow, it would be hard to request some African food here in South Carolina! Most of the guys will also eat in the local restaurants around the camp's site, especially when friends and relatives come to visit.

At the beginning of camp a wide variety of foods are served. Breakfast offers the most choices, with everything from cold cereals and made-to-order omelets to fresh fruit, fruit juices, etc. At lunch and dinner, players have a choice of entrees, salads, vegetables, soups and fruits. There is enough water available to irrigate five football fields.

After the first week, the rotation of food remains the same. In other words, what was served Monday will be served again next Monday. However, at the end of camp a strange food phenomenon occurs: rib eye steak will be served for dinner one day, hamburgers the next, then tacos. You can see the pattern.

An NFL training camp is not something many people get the chance to take part in. You sweat a lot, study a lot, work a lot, and if you're good enough, you will be around to enjoy the regular season. That's a whole other ball game.

Tshimanga