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After weeks of writing this journal and three preseason games, I finally got into our game against the Bengals on Friday. It was great to finally get into a game, especially since it was the team I grew up rooting for and I was playing against my former teammate and good friend John Busing.

I thought I was going to be real nervous, but once I got into

the game I felt pretty comfortable.

Overall I was happy with my performance. I was able to complete some passes, make plays and drove the team down the field. The guys on the O-line blocked well, my receivers ran good routes and I thought that my first game went pretty well. It would have been nice to end the drive with the TD, but

my receiver wasn't quite able to bring it in which lead to an interception on the next play.

Besides the interception, playing at the "next level" was everything I could imagine. Yes, the game is faster and the D-linemen are bigger, but I was prepared to make my debut and thought I played fine.

On Saturday it was a different story, though. I got the call to report to the complex for a meeting. Driving over I knew why I was summoned. Coach (Tony) Dungy gave me the news I was being released.

It hurt. I really wanted to make the 53-man roster, but the news wasn't all bad.

Coach Dungy told me if I cleared waivers the team wanted to sign me to the practice squad. So even though I didn't make the roster, the organization thought enough of me to sign me to the eight-man practice squad.

Being on the practice squad means I get to work with our other

quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi, every day and learn the offense. I just don't get to play in the games.There were other quarterbacks drafted who didn't make the roster of the team that drafted them, so I realize I'm still in a very good situation.

Good luck to all the former RedHawks trying to continue their dream with NFL teams across the country and good luck to Miami this weekend against Purdue.