The List: Worst things about camp

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Food: The food is actually very good at camp, but the monotony of it kills you. After a while, it seems like you're eating the exact same thing every single day.

Meetings: Training camp feels like one long meeting because of the emphasis on getting together several times per day to discuss game plans. Sandwiching boring meetings in between getting knocked around the field is not the best idea in the world.

Heat: Camp is held during the hottest time of the year and usually in an extremely hot place. There is no escaping the heat and players learn very quickly that keeping hydrated is the key to survival.

Physicality: Players do their best to stay in shape year-round, but that doesn't mean we are completely ready for the physical aspect of the game when camp opens. There is a huge difference between working out and maintaining conditioning, and taking big hits from your teammates.

Fatigue: I remember this the most about camp. I was always tired. We went until 10:30 p.m. and got up at 6:30 a.m. every single day. That might sound like enough sleep, but when you realize how many hits we took and the insufferable meetings we attended, it was hard to get enough sleep after such a long day.

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Mark Schlereth

NFL analyst

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Former All-Pro guard Mark Schlereth joined ESPN in 2002 as an analyst for NFL 2Night, now NFL Live. He brings 12 years of NFL playing experience to the role. Schlereth has also filled in on numerous ESPN radio shows.