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NFL minicamp dates announced


(April 26, 2005) -- Optimism blended with freshly-mowed practice fields, shiny new helmets and the sound of a young quarterback's cadence means one thing: NFL minicamps are here.

"The rookies walk in the door and they're reminded of the realization of their dream come true," says Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher. "They are getting an opportunity they dreamed about, and that is to compete for a spot on an NFL club."

Twenty-six of the NFL's 32 teams conduct minicamps this weekend.

The first day of minicamp "is one of the more exciting days of the offseason," says Fisher. "It no longer matters whether or not you were drafted. Draft status has nothing to do with anything from this point on. They all have an opportunity to compete."

NEW ORLEANS: May 6-8 (rookies); June 10-12