Pace is finally a happy camper

The chronic holdout is enjoying an early taste of football.

ST. LOUIS -- For the first time in three seasons, Orlando Pace was on the field for the start of training camp.

The St. Louis Rams' standout offensive tackle, who signed a multiyear deal earlier this year after two years as the franchise player, appeared pleased to be getting a fast start for a change as the team began two-a-day workouts.

"Training camp is always a grind, I know that," Pace said. "But I haven't done this in a couple of years and I'm happy to be out here playing.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I really am."

Pace, a six-time Pro Bowl player, signed a seven-year, $52.9 million contract in March after firing his agents, Carl and Kevin Poston. That deal was done in time for him to participate in a minicamp, also.

Now, instead of acrimony, he has a chance to finish his career in St. Louis, where it began after he was the first overall pick in the 1997 draft.

Though training camp holdouts haven't kept him from piling up Pro Bowls and he started all 16 games last season, Pace believes he could have done even better given a full slate of preseason practices instead of working out on his own. Last year he had only four practices to get ready for the regular season.

"I think it's going to help me a lot just working on the techniques and getting in shape," Pace said. "When the season rolls around, you don't have to rush and try to catch up or rush and try to get in shape and learn the plays and things like that.

"So, it's a big deal."

Pace also believes holding training camp at the team's headquarters for the first time in a decade will be beneficial. The Rams trained the previous nine seasons at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., about a three-hour drive north of St. Louis.

The team is being housed in a hotel two blocks away from Rams Park, plus selected veterans have gotten clearance to stay on their own. At previous training camps, the 6-7, 325-pound Pace had to make improvements to his dormitory bed to give him a good night's rest.

"You had to order mattresses from the rent-a-center because the bed had a peak in the middle," Pace said. "I'm definitely glad we're here.

"I even get to go home and sleep in my own bed sometimes."

The first practice was held with temperatures in the high 70s, a big break from a heat wave that hit triple digits the previous week. Coach Mike Martz had planned on holding many of the second of two-a-day workouts indoors, but not on Thursday.

"Today was a perfect day to play because it wasn't too hot," Pace said. "It allowed you to get in the groove of things."

Martz was generally pleased with his first look at a team that was 8-8 but won a first-round playoff game last year.

"I don't care how good shape you're in, you feel like you're running under water," Martz said. "The effort is great and the focus is great, and that's all you can ask for."

Workouts began without three of the team's top four draft picks, offensive tackle Alex Barron, defensive back Ronald Bartell and offensive lineman Richie Incognito, all still unsigned.

More than 1,100 fans attended the morning practice. Afternoon workouts will be closed to the public. Last year a total of 797 fans attended the first two workouts in Macomb.