NFL training camps stir fan excitement

Filed in archive on July 29, 2007

Cleveland.com

Take a deep breath. Smell the mingling mud, dirt and grass?

Now, listen carefully. Can you hear the cleats pounding the pavement, as 6-6, 300-pound lineman jog by, headed for the practice field?

Can you taste the ballpark franks and the soft pretzels? Do you feel the heat, as you sit in sun-drenched bleachers and lawn chairs, squinting to see the football spiraling through the sky?

These are the smells, sounds, tastes and sights of NFL training camps, most of which are now in full swing.

Every year, fans pour into NFL training facilities nationwide to watch their favorite teams prepare for a long NFL season. It's a fresh start for everyone, and even the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns have a chance - at least their fans like to think so.

It's just one month until the new season kicks off, and the excitement is palpable.

If you're a football fan, you have to love NFL training camp.