The reason why training camp and the preseason exist will become evident by tomorrow 6 p.m. EST when NFL teams make their final roster cuts activating 53 players. The previous cut on September 1 mandated teams to limit their rosters to 75.

And, unless you are a Peyton Manning or an Albert Haynesworth this is an uncertain and stressful time for players. These cuts also attest to why the likes of Brandon Marshall have to aggressively pursue new contracts.

The lack of job security within the NFL, which reemerges with each waiver, becomes evident by the Kansas City Chiefs cutting Amani Toomer. It also became obvious today with the cutting of Jeremy Parquet, a member of the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl team.

Parquet, a 2005 seventh round draft pick by the Chiefs, also played with the St. Louis Rams before being picked up by the Steelers in 2008. According to the offensive tackle, despite this being his sixth career cut, it was something he didn’t anticipate.

“Coaches said I was doing [well],” said Parquet, who played in the first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

He also said he understands that the cut wasn’t indicative of his playing abilities, but of draft choices the Steelers pursued. According to Parquet, his belief in God is what gets him through these difficult periods.

Similarly, hopeful NFL rookies Nick Walker and Sean Glennon, who both have worked out with the Minnesota Vikings, rely on faith to withstand the various dramas that accompany playing and trying to play in the NFL.

While the veteran Parquet didn’t take this cut personally, despite crying the first few times, Glennon, the former Virginia Tech quarterback, disagrees.

“It’s got to be taken personally,” said Glennon. “You ask yourself what could you have done differently. It’s a tough business.”

But like Parquet, Walker said you have to understand being cut from the team’s perspective.

However, this remains a frustrating period, especially for those with familial obligations like Parquet, who has two children. Not only is there a financial component, but also a psychological impact felt by being cut or waived (NFL for being fired). For example, the former Denver Broncos running back Tatum Bell had a momentary job selling cell phones before being resigned by the Broncos. The UFL’s Florida Tuskers signed Bell earlier this month.

Also, the traditional way of being cut can seem at times cold as seen on HBO’s Hard Knocks. The player responds to a knock on the door in the early morning with a coach requesting his playbook as he provides the cut player with a one-way plane ticket home. Most players usually have to wait another year before being picked up.
The anticipation of waiting for a team’s interest can be even more intense. According to Glennon, the uncertainty can drive one crazy. That said, you have to stay physically prepared in case the opportunity arises. Walker said he’s returned to the fundamentals that allowed him to succeed while playing at Alabama as a tight end.

As to Parquet who hopes to enter his fifth season on a team, he said he’s ready. “I’ll be there if I can be.”