All Dan Cody has to show for his three years in the NFL are four injuries, 16 total plays and an immeasurable amount of frustration.
Now, starting what could be his last training camp with the Ravens, Cody is working at a new position, but has the same goal in mind - just stay on the field.
Switching from outside linebacker to defensive end, the hard-luck former second-round pick is optimistic this year could finally be his big break, one that won't land him on injured reserve for the first time in his career.
"I want to show that I can come back from it," Cody said. "It hasn't been easy. I don't want to say the word, 'depressed,' but it'll kill your spirit. It's kind of like that lion locked up in the zoo. You wonder why he is so sad. It's just that you're not able to do your thing."
Cody battled depression in college, an ordeal some think caused a first-round talent to drop to the second round in 2005.
But he has never had to deal with such a series of devastating injuries. He damaged ligaments in both knees and broke his left foot.
When the Ravens drafted him three years ago, they had envisioned him as the heir to Adalius Thomas at outside linebacker. After finishing three straight seasons on injured reserve, the hope is for Cody to contribute as a pass-rushing end.
"He's our kind of guy," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "When we saw him on tape [at the University of Oklahoma], we couldn't wait to see him. But it's been unfortunate. Just as soon as you think you're getting him back, something would go wrong. Hopefully, that's in the past. He deserves a chance to play."
In his first training camp practice as a rookie, Cody sprained the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee by planting his foot to change directions.
A year later, in 2006, he had to wait until midseason to make his NFL debut, playing well in 14 snaps. The next week, he collided with defensive end Trevor Pryce as a result of a busted play. On just his second play of the game, Cody had torn the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Trying to come back last year, he tore cartilage in his right knee during a noncontact drill in minicamp. After having surgery and taking a couple of months to recover, Cody resumed practicing during the season only to break his left foot while warming up.
This year, Cody has avoided any major setback. He wears an "arm and hammer" patch on his left shoulder, signifying he participated in at least 85 percent of the team's offseason workouts.
