Punter Sam Martin never realized how much he would miss participating in training camp until he had to be a spectator in the Detroit Lions' camp last year because of a foot injury.
Martin is back this year and healthy from day one, and he wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
There's no reason that after struggling through a 2017 season shortened to 10 games because of the recovery time from the injury that he shouldn't return to his 2016 form as one of the NFL's elite punters.
"Needless to say, I'm more grateful than ever, and more excited than ever," Martin said. "I just love being out here right now.
"I don't take it for granted."
View photos from Day 4 of 2018 Detroit Lions Training Camp presented by Rocket Mortgage
Detroit Lions defensive end Anthony Zettel (69) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (61) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Toby Johnson (95) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Freddie Bishop (49) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga (78) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (97) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Levine Toilolo (87) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles (84) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) tries to strip the football from cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during ball security drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) throws a pass during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock (14) throws a pass during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (1) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) and tight end Luke Willson (82) block during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Levine Toilolo (87) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang (76) blocks defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) blocks defensive end Kerry Hyder (61) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) covers wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) covers wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) covers wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a one-handed catch during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a one-handed catch during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) covers wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Tyrell Crosby (65) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback DeShawn Shead (26) covers wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during one-on-one drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) gets the defense ready for a snap during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) gets the defense ready for a snap during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (61) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) takes the handoff during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions fullback Nick Bellore (43) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Hakeem Valles (84) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) fields a punt during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackles Sylvester Williams (92) and A'Shawn Robinson (91) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard/center Graham Glasgow (60) in pass protection during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) cuts back for a touchdown during goal line drills at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) scores during a goal line drill at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Dwayne Washington (36) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive and defensive lines at the line of scrimmage during a goal line drill at training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions owner and chairman Martha Firestone Ford watches training camp practice with vice chair Elizabeth Ford Kontulis on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang takes a photo with visitors from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater signs autographs for fans with his son, Pax, following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions players sign autographs for visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia greets fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia greets fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end McGrath (85) spends time with a visitor from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater takes a photo with visitors from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia spends time with visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard T.J. Lang signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia vists with a guest from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia spends time with visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock signs autographs for visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia vists with a guest from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate signs autographs for visitors from Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin vists with guests from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia vists with Joseph Penrod from Team Joseph following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater signs autographs for fans following training camp practice on Monday, July 30, 2018 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
At this time last year, Martin was on the non-football injury list because of the injury sustained in the period between the end of the official offseason workout program and the start of training camp.
He was unable to participate in camp, and he missed the first six games. When he returned, he did not perform close to his 2016 level. That year he finished fourth in the league with a gross average of 48.5 yards per punt and second in net with an average of 44.2.
In 10 games in 2017 he dropped to 43.4 yards in gross average and 37.8 in net. Both were career lows by far for his first five seasons as a Lion.
It's understandable that Martin wants to look forward and not dwell on a forgettable season.
"I officially turned that page," he said. "I feel better and more prepared than ever. I want to have a better year than last year – and better than in 2016."
Realistically, it's predictable that a player's performance at any position would suffer from missing camp and a substantial portion of the season. Taylor Decker, the Lions' left tackle, has said how much it hurt him to miss camp and the first six games of last season because of a shoulder injury.
The timing, adjustments and speed of the game require constant practice and preparation. Missing camp made it difficult for Martin to get in his comfort zone.
"It's really something that's hard to explain," Martin said. "More than anything, it proved how important and how pivotal this time of year is.
"I look at my season as a progression. Those are steps to getting me ready for September. I didn't get that last year. It's just tough. It's hard to prepare for an NFL game. It really is."
Punting looks like a simple job. It isn't. Martin seeks perfection in preparing to do his job.
"I'm always looking at ways to get better," he said. "It's not just catching and kicking. There are so many aspects that go into it. Every day, every year, I'm constantly trying to figure out what I have to do to get better. I'm always evaluating and analyzing myself.
"It's not always hang time, and it's not always distance. It's not just kick it high and far. There are a lot more clubs in the bag."
