BY STEVE KORTE
News-Democrat
ST. LOUIS --
Running back
Steven Jackson reported for the St. Louis Rams' training camp wearing an "I Believe" T-shirt from the team's advertising campaign.
"I thought it was appropriate to wear it today because it's a new season, a new start," Jackson said.
Jackson and the rest of the Rams were in good spirits as they started the necessary evil known as training camp.
"I hate camp, but I know it's needed for the variety of guys to get to know each other, get the team all on the same page," Jackson said. "I've had a couple of veterans say that it helps you harden your body for the abuse that you are going to take during the season. But me myself, I hate it."
Jackson said the worst part of training camp was two-a-days.
Under the practice schedule initiated by Rams coach Scott Linehan last year, the team will alternate two practices (morning and night) on one day with one practice (afternoon) the next day.
"Two practices a day, that's the hard part," Jackson said. "Once you get one practice out of the way, you're fine. Then after you take a nap between practice, you don't feel like getting up and doing the same thing over again."
Linehan said he was going to budget the practice time of his over-30 players this year.
"Whenever a veteran player can hear news like that, it brings a little bit of a smile to his face," said defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, 32. "Whenever you give a veteran a bone, we really appreciate it."
Rams center Andy McCollum, who is the oldest player on the team at 37, reacted with disbelief upon hearing that Linehan was planning to ease up on the veterans.
"You have that documented," McCollum said. "I haven't got that memo, and I doubt I will. That's OK."
Glover said he remembers veterans getting a break during training camp his rookie season with the Oakland Raiders in 1996.
"When I was a rookie, if you were 30-plus, you only practiced one time a day," Glover said. "What happened to those days, huh?"
Glover said the oldest guy on offense and the oldest guy on defense were allowed to sit out one practice during two-a-days when he was with the New Orleans Saints.
Reminded that wide receiver Isaac Bruce, the longest tenured Rams player as he enters his 14th season with the club, had his load lightened a little in training camp last year, Glover said, "Isaac is the franchise, I'm not going to question that one."
Glover said his training camp survival kit includes his laptop computer.
"I'm always on the Internet checking stuff out, e-mailing, trying to stay in touch with family and friends," Glover said.
Glover also drinks a lot of drinks loaded with electrolytes to keep him hydrated. "I have a tendency to overheat and cramp up," he said.
Jackson said he relaxes during training camp by reading religious books and watching CNN.
"I just try to stay informed on what's going on in the world," Jackson said.
McCollum said the shortness of training camp, which breaks after the team's second preseason game on Aug. 18 against the San Diego Chargers, makes it bearable.
"When you think about it, it stinks and the kids were upset when I left this morning, but it's only a couple of weeks," McCollum said. "They can come up and watch me when they want. It's not like a solider leaving for a year or something like that."
McCollum said he spent a lot of time with his wife and five kids during the offseason. He made several trips to the Six Flags amusement park.
"My oldest boy loves the Mr. Freeze," McCollum said of his favorite ride. "I barely fit in that seat, but it's pretty good. I love that acceleration."
Rams wide receiver
Torry Holt, who is entering his ninth season, has tried a lot of different gimmicks to relieve the monotony of training camp. He's brought remote-control cars and video games to camp in the past. This year, he's come into camp with a resolution to eat healthier.
"I've tried it all," Holt said. "I've brought toys to camp, I've tried different regiments. I'm trying something new with trying to eat healthy. I challenge myself every year to keep it new, keep it fresh, keep it exciting."
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