Last year, to see Amani Toomer play football, fans flocked to Michigan Stadium. This fall, they have to turn on the television.
Though the notion of playing in the NFL may sound like a fairy tale to most, rookie Toomer knows that life in the pros is far from it.
"There is definitely more pressure (in the NFL)," he said. "Because you are getting paid, you don't know how long you are going to be around, since (your job) depends on your performance.
"It's not like when you're on scholarship," Toomer added. "You know you're going to be there - you might not play, but you're going to be there."
Toomer realizes the expectations New York has placed on its second-round draft pick, and has responded strongly. As the Giants' top punt returner, Toomer has scored two touchdowns in seven games. He leads the NFL in punt returns for touchdowns.
And being the lone bright spot for the lowly Giants definitely shades Toomer from the harsh media spotlight of New York.
"(The media coverage) has been positive in my case from the beginning of the season," Toomer said. "But for some people, you can definitely sense when the media comes down on them."
With his spectacular start, it seems that Toomer's career at Michigan has helped the rising star adjust quickly to the transition from collegiate to professional play. First-game jitters and big-game anxiety have been subdued due to his stay in Ann Arbor, Toomer says.
"I wasn't really nervous because of the fact that at Michigan I played in so many big games," he said. "I think that helped me prepare for big games in the NFL."
With Toomer's introduction to football in the fast lane this year, it may be difficult for him to think of the game as anything but business. Nevertheless, Toomer remains unfazed in the NFL whirlwind that surrounds him.
"Any time you take a new step in life, it is going to be kind of a rush," he said. "It's definitely still fun."
