National Football League

Green Bay Packers DL Khyri Thornton redefining himself in Year 2

Published Jun. 8, 2015 10:41 a.m. ET

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How big is the opportunity before Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Khyri Thornton this summer?

"It's as big as it's going to get," Thornton told Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel. "I have to show up and do what I've got to do."

Thornton didn't have a storybook rookie year. The 2014 third-round selection out of Southern Miss failed to stand out and was ultimately stashed away on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Now, Thornton is in a new frame of mind—and body. He is holding himself more accountable this year, as he bulks up to 315 pounds in preparation for training camp, according to the Journal Sentinel. In turn, his hunger to contribute is building.

"I feel like I'm lagging behind," Thornton said, per the Journal Sentinel. "I want to stay here when everybody's home and try to get that extra work in so I can get on the field and make an impact.

"Words can't describe it. I'm beyond hungry. I'm here on the weekends, I'm here early, I'm here late. I'm here on my days late. So that should explain it all."

Thornton knows no one is going to help him get on the field this year. It's sink or swim."It's on me," he told the Journal-Sentinel. "So whatever I put out is what I get back."

(h/t Journal Sentinel)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mike Roemer