I remember when training camp was different from how it is conducted today.

With the Denver Broncos Thursday morning concluding their first training camp practice of 2011, all my seasons and all my camps put me in mind of the many changes in this aspect of professional football.

The late 1970’s are not exactly the Stone Age of modern society, but in terms of what has changed—and progressed–in the National Football League since then, there is a light year’s difference.

Now the collective bargaining agreement limits the number of practices, as well as the number of practices in full pads, and training staffs carefully look to the health and nutrition needs of the players.

In the hot summer weather, hydration is always critical.

So it might surprise some readers to learn that back in the late ‘70’s, water was not allowed on the field. There was no water intake during practice because it was not allowed. Old wives tales about cramping up due to too much water, as well as a prevailing culture of manly behavior, discouraged what any doctor would say is a basic.

The Broncos of those days would have practice stopped for a popsicle break, with coolers of popsicles brought out onto the practice field for a quick respite.

But that was it. You better get your hydration from that popsicle, because that is the extent of it.