Shaun Cody looks different this year.
The Detroit Lions defensive tackle, for the first time since joining the team as a second-round draft pick in 2005, showed up at training camp looking, well, normal.
In years past, Cody would be sporting some kind of eccentric hairstyle, either shaving his head bald, dyeing his hair blonde or growing a Mohawk.
I still like to joke around but, personally, its time to buckle down, Cody said Monday after the teams morning workout. Those things are fun.
"Sometimes it came off like I wasnt serious and that Im fooling around -- maybe to coaches or (the front office) or the media, but I just try to keep it light and have fun. Its a grind out here and guys get tired -- I thought it lightened the mood a little bit."
While Cody has straightened up his appearance, hes done the same thing with his approach to football. Entering the final year of his contract, Cody has admittedly underperformed in his first three years in the league.
A toe injury slowed him down in 2006, but he was healthy last year -- even if his numbers werent. Cody didnt have a single sack last season and knocked down just one pass.
It was frustrating, first with the injury and then you dont get the playing time that you want, he said. This year, I want to prove to these coaches I can step up and be a good player in the NFL and be that guy.
Cody is an excellent athlete with an explosive first step and very quick hands, but his focus and determination werent strong. In the past, Cody was relegated to a backup role behind Cory Redding and Shaun Rogers but now that Rogers has been traded to Cleveland, the Lions are counting on Cody to step up and deliver.
I was never in that kind of a role where Id come in (as a backup) and I wasnt really accepting my role, Cody said. I think that came off as I didnt care or not taking it seriously. I was working hard, but it was frustrating for me and I think thats how I showed it. This year, I want to prove myself in the NFL and show that I can play at a high level. I know I can, I just want to prove everybody else wrong.
While the Lions signed free agent defensive tackle Chuck Darby in the offseason and its likely Darby will be the starter, but coach Rod Marinelli is relying heavily on Cody.
Darby is going to be 33 years old this season and his endurance isnt what it once was. If Darby only plays 15 to 20 snaps a game, Cody is going to have pick up some of the slack.
Marinelli has liked what hes seen from Cody so far in camp, but admits he hasnt seen enough yet.
I want a higher level of consistency for 16 games-plus, Marinelli said. Thats what has to happen.
Cody has been impressive at times in camp, using his quickness to knife past blockers.
I thought I was making some progress, but I think it got lost on some playing time and lost on a lack of focus. But this year its coming together," Cody said. I had a great offseason, great OTAs and minicamp and I think Im making those steps.
Im not a backup anymore. I need to establish and produce and make plays in the backfield and get sacks and make those plays that help you win.
In finally getting his game together, Cody said hes getting his entire act together.
Ive changed a lot of routines in my life and I think Ive matured as an adult and as a player, Cody said. Sometimes it happens earlier in a guys career and I think it just happened a few years later in mine. Ive changed things, I know what it is to be a pro now. I know what it is to work and to perform at your highest level.
Odds & ends
Defensive tackle Cory Redding was excused from practice Monday morning for personal reasons. He returned to practice in the afternoon. ... Receiver Devale Ellis had a strong day catching the ball in team drills while defensive tackle Langston Moore was very quick off the ball and created havoc in the offensive backfield.
