Cody Davis Blog

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August 16 (right before the Green Bay game)


Coming off of the high of my first NFL game, we headed back to Rams Park for another long week of training camp. I was confident from my play but was hit with a depth chart change the first practice back. Another safety was back now from injury and I was bumped down to the 3's on defense and special teams for the second time this training camp. This was like a gut check and as much as I tried not to be, I was frustrated and it showed negatively in my practice. I knew I had not gotten bumped down because of my play, so I just had to keep working and focus on myself because in football there will inevitably be some highs and lows... good days and bad days. Rookies especially don't know where they stand in the coaches eyes so we are especially hard on ourselves. I have to stay off this rookie roller coaster and produce consistently to earn a roster spot. I came in the next few days with a renewed mind set and really focused on making the most of my reps, practicing at a high level, and finishing. As FAITH would have it, I began to rotate in with the 2's and improved greatly as the week went on. This is yet another reminder to not worry about stuff you can't control and things will work out like they are supposed to. Overall the week of practice was good and the weather couldn't have been better. We actually had a rainy practice and while it was pouring we practiced on low tackling where we dove at a dummy and landed/slid on a mat... which turned into a football slip n slide! Training camp always comes with some pleasant surprises.

Along with the football meetings, we also have informative meetings covering various aspects of being in the NFL and guides to help you be successful. Wednesday we had the unique opportunity to get tips about handling the media by former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer. He gave us an entertaining yet informative presentation about handling the media and answering the tough questions. Ari was faced with some of the toughest questions by the nastiest reporters on a daily basis in the White House. After his presentation he was open to questions and was asked by one of the coaches about his 9/11 experience when he was serving as press secretary. Everyone in the room including myself was captivated by hearing first hand what happened behind the scenes that day. Ari was by President Bush's side when it happened and from the moment his beeper went off notifying him of the attack to being in the underground bunker in the White House he described in detail of his experiences that day. Nobody forgets where they were that day and I can still remember watching it in Stephenville Elementary on the news. I was happy to hear his story and gain some helpful tips on handling the media, even though I will never have to face something as difficult as Ari had to.

Another week of work is in the books and preseason game 2 is tomorrow. Green Bay is coming to town for the home opener and my first time to play in front of our fans. I will be facing former teammate and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, so hopefully I can go back to my red shirt days on scout team and get another interception from him! Lol... Whoever I am facing and however many reps I get, I will play my hardest and look to improve off my first game. From Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, TX to Edward Jones Dome in St Louis, MO. It's my first game in the new Jones!

 

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#RamsCamp Comes to an End

(Rams Jeopardy Trophy)


My first NFL training camp has come and gone. There has been so much that has happened in one month and it has been an awesome, stressful, fun, and tiresome experience as a rookie. Coming off our second preseason loss, we came back focused and determined to get better this week. The preseason is coming to a close and the intensity is picking up. Mistakes are no longer tolerable and the cuts are just around the corner. We started the week with some hard practices, and we had to face the heat and humidity for the first time this year. As lucky as we have been with the weather so far, the heat hit us hard and we had to push through fatigue and fight through to stay mentally sharp. A great compliment to a hard day is competition and even a little fighting to let out the steam! Things got a little chippy, which always makes the practice a little more fun and exciting. As camp broke, we had a few end of training camp rituals that we got the chance to participate in.

At the end of practice Wednesday, we set up for a shuttle race and the rookies were put in teams. Then we were told it was a dizzy bat relay... lol well once I heard the rules I knew the fans were in for quite a treat. We were to run a football 20 yards, drop it as we ran 20 more yards where there was a bat. Then grab the bat and do 25 turns with it on your head and the end touching the ground. Finally, run back to grab the ball and finish the race! At least that was the goal... I made it about half way through my 20 turns and fell to the ground already dizzy. We were also getting ice water dumped on us at the same time which didn't help our footing. I only fell once on my relay but us rookies were looked like bumbling fools falling all over the place and running sideways trying to get back to the football. The fans and the veterans had fun watching this one. Another ritual is Rams Jeopardy which was run by Coach Fassel. The veterans have held the trophy (shown above) since the existence of the game. We were broken into three teams by experience: veterans, mid range, and rookies. It was put together well with many of the features of the actual show which made the game competitive. Some of the categories were: historical football plays, movies, music, animals, monuments, and name that teammate (baby pictures). The rookies started out strong and continued to dominate the game all the way through. At the end of the board, we were in the lead heading into final jeopardy. Deciding to bet all of our money to guarantee a win, we received the final question: How many pro teams (big 4 sports) play their home games in the state of New York? Comment below if you know the answer! In the end we got the question wrong and the mid range experience players won the trophy. A fun end a great training camp.

I will miss seeing the fans at the practice, and even more the case my wife will miss coming to watch. She really enjoyed getting to watch each day and get to know the Rams family. As camp breaks we get to stay at home now, but that comfort is countered with the stress of knowing cuts are next week. This is a big game for all the players on the bubble and we must make our limited reps count. Headed to Denver!

 

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Never as Good, Never as Bad

Coming off of game three I was frustrated with my performance. It was just one of those frustrating games where it seems that nothing is going your way and you are fighting yourself trying to get back on track. But there is only one version of the truth in football and that is the eye in the sky... the game film is your resume and you are signing your name to it every time you play. Coach Cecil says that there is no audio on the film for a reason. You can't talk a big game anymore, you have to walk it! Well after going back and looking at the video it was not as bad as I had originally thought. I was in the right spot on most all of the plays and made some good tackles, but needed to finish better and clean up some technique. I know I can play better and will look to get back to playing my game. Playing organized football since the 7th grade and all the way through now, it is always the lesson and result after watching film... "It's never as good as it seems, and it's never as bad as it seems."

I was a little nervous entering the facility that Sunday afternoon after the game. The cuts were looming and even as I entered the locker room they were already under way. These players come to work like any other day and suddenly you are asked to go talk to coach and bring your playbook. They say their goodbyes and just as quickly as it came, it is gone. I had never been in a situation like this before as you are pretty much guaranteed to be around in high school and college if you stay out of trouble. I am confident in my game and proud of what I have shown so far, but you never know where you stand in the coach's eyes and they don't give you any indication of where you stand. A lot of good players were cut in the last three days that I have become friends with and have worked with since arriving here in May. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they try to get on with another team or walk away from their dreams and move on from football. I have made it through the first round of cuts, but that was not my goal. I am heading into this final preseason game looking to earn a spot on the 53 man roster. It might be my last football game or it could be one that starts a long career. I will play hard, have fun, and have faith in God's plan. See you on the other side!

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[nighttrain]

This kid has his head on right, really hoping he has the talent to help the Rams
train
ps, I do like his 40 time and what it brings

 

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Getting Cut and Joining the Practice Squad

Walking down the hall I felt as if I was in a daze... a dream even, and I couldn't believe I was walking down the halls maybe for the last time as I was about to be cut. It was the day after the final preseason game and the cutting process had begun in order to get down to the 53 man roster. We were nervously sitting around and Rock, the strength coach, was again roaming the locker room and grabbing players one by one to take the long walk to get cut. I was confident in the work I had put in since May on both defense and special teams. Along with depth and injuries I thought I might be safe, but just like that I was grabbed and walking down the long hall to the offices. Coach Fisher pulled me into his office and told me I was not going to be a part of the 53 and the reasons for doing so. Next coach Cecil did the same and offered me some advice. I was escorted to turn in my playbook, sign some paperwork, and collect my belongings before heading out the door for what could have been my last time. Before I knew it I was headed home and uncertain of what would happen next or if I would have a job at all.

All I could do now is sit back and wait to hear my fate. I had to wait two days and on Sunday would find out if I had landed on another team through waivers or would join a practice squad. I had received some interest from other teams and was nervously waiting to see if I would be claimed. It would be good to get on a roster, but starting with new coaches and a new system on week 1 would be difficult. The practice squad would be good if you have an opportunity to move up and mature, but there is a chance you get lost in the shuffle and bumped off to be unemployed. I was going through all the possibilities in my head, but ultimately the decision was out of my hands. There were so many emotions lingering about what I just went through and things that could happen that I was just ready to know my future. After what seemed like the longest hours of Sunday at noon, I got the call to come join the St Louis Ram's practice squad. It was a weird feeling walking into the facility of the team that just let me go and hearing congratulations on the practice squad. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed that I ended up on practice squad. This is because I have such high expectations of myself and worked hard to make the team which was my goal. I am simply not satisfied with the result and I will continue to work my hardest in order to prove myself and stick on an active roster. But don't get me wrong, I am happy to still be a part of the Rams organization and look forward to working my way up and staying ready for whenever my number is called. I am extremely blessed and thankful to have this opportunity to still play football!

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[RamFan503]

Sure hope this kid gets a shot. At some time, I just really think he'll be playing on Sundays.

 

[lockdnram21]

Cody davis a bum just like I predicted and wouldnt make the team

 

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Cody davis a bum just like I predicted and wouldnt make the team

Entirely unnecessary comment.

A "bum" doesn't get a tryout for an NFL team and get to keep a job at this level.
Show some class.

 

[bluecoconuts]

He will get a chance sometime I think. He won't be a starter though, at least not on our team. He could be a solid backup though for sure.

 

[Mister Sin]

Cody davis a bum just like I predicted and wouldnt make the team

Wow, that was a real "hey, look at me" comment that really doesn't shine the best light on you. In no way is the kid a bum, he has great athletic potential, but honestly, he didn't show nearly the skill on the field as he seemed to in practice. I remember Amendola being a "bum" not long ago, now if what he is getting paid is the going rate for a "bum", call me a damn "bum" all day everyday and thrice on Sunday!

 

[brokeu91]

I'm glad he made the practice squad. He played so well initially that I thought he'd for sure make the team, especially given our lack of depth at safety.

I am curious how Giordano made the team without any real play, either practice or preseason. I would have bet for sure he would get cut. The only thing I can think of is that he is really the only veteran safety we have.

 

[paceram]

Cody davis a bum just like I predicted and wouldnt make the team

Entirely unnecessary comment.

A "bum" doesn't get a tryout for an NFL team and get to keep a job at this level.
Show some class.

I guess it depends on how you look at it but in my opinion he did make the team! He is still practicing with the Rams and is still getting paid for it. Yes, I would like to see him on the main roster which I think he will (If, another team doesn't sign him first!) before the end of the season.

 

[nighttrain]

Cody davis a bum just like I predicted and wouldnt make the team

Entirely unnecessary comment.

A "bum" doesn't get a tryout for an NFL team and get to keep a job at this level.
Show some class.

I guess it depends on how you look at it but in my opinion he did make the team! He is still practicing with the Rams and is still getting paid for it. Yes, I would like to see him on the main roster which I think he will (If, another team doesn't sign him first!) before the end of the season.

Bum is entirely out of place and not a classy way to show your feelings about a players talent, especially one that lasted tll the final cut, and then immediately placed on the practice squad. My thots is that safety is one of our weakest positions and Davis very well be playing on Sunday soon for the Rams. That's is if he's not scooped up by another team
train

 

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The Process


I'm back! After a couple of weeks of clearing my mind, finally settling into my St Louis apartment, and building some washer boards (still not done) in my spare time... I am returning to my blog. It has been a crazy couple of weeks and we have finished the first quarter of the season. As a member of the practice squad I did everything the team did as normal including lifting, meetings, and practice. The only difference is that you run scout team and don't suit up or travel for games. It was a role that took me back to my red-shirt days at Texas Tech where I ran scout team against Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. Except this time my job is not guaranteed. I took this as an opportunity to get in the weight room more and give the best look I could for the upcoming opponent. Well the first four games haven't gone as planned or expected for both the team and myself individually. I can't speak for the team as I was on the practice squad, but for myself this struggle had brought me to focus on something we had learned in Rookie School.

"The process of getting what you want" is what John Hartwig called it. John and his company Pro/Spur is all about character building and he taught us this lesson at one of our Rookie School sessions that the Rams put on every Monday afternoon. The lesson was simple, but exactly what I needed to focus on. He got us to write out what our goals were, long and short term, in both football and life. Then the steps that you can take and control in order to get you there. One of my short term goals was to make the 53 man roster and the steps I could take to get me there. For the first time after this lesson I was truly not thinking about roster moves and focused on working as hard as I could to improve myself and be intentional about taking steps to reach my goals. I refused to get my hopes up anymore trying to guess what was going to happen, as I had been disappointed a lot so far. Well it might have been a coincidence, but I finally got the opportunity I was looking for and was pulled out of meetings to get bumped up to active roster! I was sent upstairs to sign my new contract and then told to go back to watching film...haha back to work. We have a big game coming up this week because it is the next one. The scrutiny and pressure to perform will always be there from the coaches on down. But we must continue to stay together, focus on the process, and focus on things we can control in our plan to get back on track. I look forward to my first NFL game and doing everything I can to help the team win!

 

[paceram]

The Process


I'm back! After a couple of weeks of clearing my mind, finally settling into my St Louis apartment, and building some washer boards (still not done) in my spare time... I am returning to my blog. It has been a crazy couple of weeks and we have finished the first quarter of the season. As a member of the practice squad I did everything the team did as normal including lifting, meetings, and practice. The only difference is that you run scout team and don't suit up or travel for games. It was a role that took me back to my red-shirt days at Texas Tech where I ran scout team against Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. Except this time my job is not guaranteed. I took this as an opportunity to get in the weight room more and give the best look I could for the upcoming opponent. Well the first four games haven't gone as planned or expected for both the team and myself individually. I can't speak for the team as I was on the practice squad, but for myself this struggle had brought me to focus on something we had learned in Rookie School.

"The process of getting what you want" is what John Hartwig called it. John and his company Pro/Spur is all about character building and he taught us this lesson at one of our Rookie School sessions that the Rams put on every Monday afternoon. The lesson was simple, but exactly what I needed to focus on. He got us to write out what our goals were, long and short term, in both football and life. Then the steps that you can take and control in order to get you there. One of my short term goals was to make the 53 man roster and the steps I could take to get me there. For the first time after this lesson I was truly not thinking about roster moves and focused on working as hard as I could to improve myself and be intentional about taking steps to reach my goals. I refused to get my hopes up anymore trying to guess what was going to happen, as I had been disappointed a lot so far. Well it might have been a coincidence, but I finally got the opportunity I was looking for and was pulled out of meetings to get bumped up to active roster! I was sent upstairs to sign my new contract and then told to go back to watching film...haha back to work. We have a big game coming up this week because it is the next one. The scrutiny and pressure to perform will always be there from the coaches on down. But we must continue to stay together, focus on the process, and focus on things we can control in our plan to get back on track. I look forward to my first NFL game and doing everything I can to help the team win!

I honestly believe that Cody Davis will be one of the Rams starting Safeties in the near future!

 

[BatteringRambo]

Ditto. I'm not one to make comparisons but he has shown flashes and reminds me of an Eric Weddle mold if given the patience, time and valid opportunity.

 

[nighttrain]

i thot the kid showed promise at Texas Tech, sad TJ got injured, but happy for Cody Davis to get a shot as i think as fastest DB there is a place for him
train

 

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Texas Homecoming

We headed down to Houston, Texas this week to face the Texans and this was my first "homecoming" of my NFL career. My family is closer to Dallas, but driving around the big state of Texas is nothing new to my supportive family. I had quite a cheering section as I had to buy 18 tickets to the game! Now I have seen "Broke" and had enough financial rookie meetings to know that this is one of the many reasons that players end up losing money, so thankfully my family understood that they had to pay me back for the seats. I can provide for my immediate family sometimes, but there is a big jump from college to NFL on the price of tickets and the number of games we play. Just a small detail that if you don't keep track of as a player can get out of hand... on average players spend $10K on tickets every year! Nevertheless, I loved being back in Texas and getting to play in front of family and friends.

Reliant stadium is an awesome stadium and fun place to play. I didn't have bug eyes though because I played my last bowl game in the stadium. Both teams were coming into the game 2-3 and looking to get back on track. It was one of those games where we started out hot and the momentum and fun just continued to build during the entire game. I secured some spots on special teams for the time being and performed well but still have yet to get my first tackle. The best part was scoring on all three sides of the ball! The picture above shows us celebrating in the end zone after we scored on kickoff. A great team win to get us back on track and 2-0 in the second quarter of the season so far. We have to continue to improve and build off of this win next week.

Today I had the opportunity to present the trophy for the Rams High School Blood Drive Challenge to Belleville East. I want to say congrats to them for donating over 150 pints of blood which will save up to 500 lives! The Red Cross blood donations are a great way to give back and these kids did a great job! I had fun at the assembly and wish them luck on their homecoming game this weekend.


href="http://thestudentofthegame.blogspot.com/2013/10/texas-homecoming.html

 

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Finding our Rhythm


Credit: St Louis Rams


After two weeks of coming close but just not getting the win, we came into Indianapolis trying to get back to playing our game and find a way to win. Well to say the least we came out firing on all cylinders and quickly gained the momentum and confidence that we have been searching for. That rhythm we have been trying to put together seemed to click and even spilled over into quite a lot of dancing celebrations. It seemed to be contagious and after the touchdown by Chris Long, the big plays just seemed to roll in. Everyone seemed to get in on the action and I also got the play I had been looking for... my first NFL tackle! I was not being blocked by a front line guy so I was free to the off returner, the player who runs in front of the ball carrier. I saw my opportunity to cross the blockers face, I took my shot, and it paid off! I didn't even realize I had flipped him until my teammates had told me. In this business it is all about what you put on the field, and as you start to make plays you gain more respect with both coaches and teammates. I'm glad to start building that respect and finally have an official stat on my resume. But the most important stat of the day was the victory and the fun we were having out on the field showed. We are going into an off week and will get a chance to rest, get back to fundamentals, and prepare to build off of this win. Until next time!

 

[Memento]

Good for Cody!