Jamey Richard is not your average athlete.
Richard, a lineman for the Indianapolis Colts, has lived the dream that many young males across the country only wish to experience. The rookie seventh-round draft pick started his first NFL game lined up at center, snapping the ball to All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning.
Coming from a Division-I football team in Buffalo that is just beginning to leave their mark in the NCAA, Richard feels that he was very prepared for entering the professional gridiron.
"There really weren't a ton of adjustments," Richard said. "It was really the speed of the game that would be number one."
Other than speed, a major difference was the amount of media attention that the Colts received compared to the Bulls. While the Bulls' main fan base is mainly local, interest in the Colts has spread around the world.
"It's definitely different," Richard said. "It's something that I had to adjust to when I got here, especially over the past couple of weeks, but it's been fun."
Richard was lucky enough to earn his first NFL start in the season-opening rematch of Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears. When Colts head coach Tony Dungy gave him the news, Richard says he knew he was in the National Football League.
"I knew when they told me that I was starting for the first game," Richard said.
Dungy feels that Richard's actions on the practice field got him the opportunity to start for the Colts after center Jeff Saturday was injured in the preseason. Richard earned the nod over two higher draft picks in Mike Pollak and Steve Justice.
"It was just a function of how we practiced and how guys went in the rotation," Dungy said. "We had to make some adjustments early. Steve played a lot more guard early. Jamey did fine. He has the right temperament for it. All three of those guys - Jamey, Steve and Mike - are going to be good players for us. I think they'll all play a lot before the season's over."
Even though Richard feels lucky to start, he feels that Saturday has been an even greater help to his development as a player.
"While I was playing, Jeff's been watching me and helping me make adjustments on the sidelines when I come off the field," Richard said. "He's been telling me what he liked, what I had to change and go from there."
Saturday feels that he is lucky to have someone like Richard fill in for him as he healed his leg injury from the preseason and that he will do well as he assists the team.
"I know just watching Jamey through practice and telling him just little technique things that he can pick up on," Saturday said. "Everybody who goes in, we play well as a unit. He'll talk and do the job that he's supposed to do."
Manning feels that Richard did a fantastic job in his first career start in the NFL.
"I thought Jamey did a good job, I really did," Manning said. "Considering the circumstances, not a lot of repetitions with me, with the center-quarterback exchange and a very versatile offense that is constantly changing. He played against some good players. I was proud of the way he played and he really did a good job for us."
Richard feels that his relationship with Manning is strong when it comes to learning the Colts' playbook.
"Working with Peyton is great," Richard said. "With Peyton, it's more about the schemes and things. He'll give me a heads up on things we're going to do at practice and stuff like that."
With Saturday returning for last week's game against the Jaguars, Richard lost his role as center for the squad. Richard was not put on the bench but instead filled in at right guard for injured starter Dan Federkei.
Even though Richard's schedule is very demanding as a professional player, he has not forgotten about his football roots back in Western New York. He still keeps a watchful eye on the Bulls' quest to become Mid-American Conference Champions as well as keeping in contact with old friends, teammates and coaches.
"I talk to a couple of guys every week," Richard said.
Richard even plans on going to enjoy a Bulls football game in his busy schedule, but this time as a spectator.
"I actually plan on going to the Central Michigan game on the bye week," he said.
According to the NFLPA, only .02 percent of high school players get the chance to play in the NFL. While Richard is one of these lucky few, he does have one piece of advice for hopefuls.
"Keep working," he said. "They'll find you."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
