Editor's note: Defensive back Drayton Florence, taken in the second round of this year's NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, will chronicle his rookie experiences in a weekly diary for ESPN.com.

	Florence

I took the field in a game as a professional for the first time this past weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. For me it was like Christmas Eve, only magnified by about 10.

Overall I was fairly pleased with the way I played, but the evening was a disappointment because the team lost. It doesn't matter to me if I get five interceptions, return two kickoffs for touchdowns. If the team doesn't win, I'm not happy.

I was not intimidated when I took the field. I was excited. Even when I was in the locker room putting on my uniform, I was eagerly anticipating playing. I'd worked my entire life to get the chance to play in the NFL and I was going to savor every minute of the atmosphere.

Once I got on the field the players were bigger and faster than I faced in college, but I felt just as comfortable as I did in college. I just worked on what I've learned so far in camp.

I've been studying four positions -- cornerback, nickel back, safety and kick returner -- and I couldn't wait to put everything I've learned to use in a game. Even though it was a preseason game, the atmosphere was awesome. The fans were screaming, the adrenaline was pumping but to me it was just another game. Plus, I was the first person to touch the ball when Seattle kicked off to us so that got me into the game -- mentally and physically -- immediately.

	Drayton's Diary
	Drayton Florence will chronicle his rookie experiences in a weekly diary for ESPN.com. Diary No. 1: Life-long dream

For me, being from a small school I'm sure I have a lot of critics and offenses want to try me. I expect that every time I take the field. I'm proud to say I used my athletic ability and what I've learned in our scheme to make a couple of tackles and not give up any big plays.

I also returned kickoffs. I tried to make a little something happen out there. I did have one fumble. No excuses, the guy laid a perfect hit on me. I force turnovers, I don't want to commit them. I learned from it, shook it off and moved forward. I didn't dwell on it and get down. Other than that, I thought I performed well since it was my first time returning kickoffs in a professional game.

I know I've got to keep studying and working in practice. I'm getting better every day, but there's still more for me to learn. My goal is to play a perfect game. It's a lofty goal but the only way I can achieve it is by working hard every day.

That's why I just work on my game and study film and just try to make plays. They're throwing a lot of stuff at me and expect me to learn a lot, but I expect to learn it as quick as they throw it out there. It's nothing that's really hard. It's all football; it's just another level.

Now I can say I'm officially a player in the NFL since I've played in a game. The next step is for me to make more plays in a preseason game. Once I do that, combined with learning something new every day in practice and meetings, I'll be ready to make plays in a regular season game.