Placer grad Capra reflects on NFL rookie season, and where he stands for next season

It was an unpredictable year for Placer High School alumnus Jacob Capra. One year ago, the 23-year-old was preparing for his pro day in Newport Beach. Today, he's preparing for season number two in the National Football League. The San Diego State product went undrafted in 2021 but was quickly scooped up as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers. After training camp, Capra was let go in the final round of cuts to get the Packers down to their 53-man roster but was re-signed to the team's practice squad. Capra's nomadic journey continued in September, when he was released by Green Bay and returned home to Auburn for a little more than a month. His time back home was short-lived, as his favorite team growing up, the Buffalo Bills, signed the offensive lineman to their practice squad on Nov. 2. His dream came true in week 15, as he was signed to the active roster and made his NFL debut in a 31-14 win over the Carolina Panthers. "That experience was something I worked so hard for for it to happen," Capra said. "Even though it was only one game in the season, it was just surreal. It felt like all that hard work, you know, paying off and just a step closer to the things you want to accomplish. It was really great, and being on the same field with the likes of guys like Cam Newton, it's incredible." Capra was returned to the practice squad later that day but signed a futures contract with Buffalo on Jan. 24, giving the Bills his rights next season. Capra also is well aware a futures contract doesn't guarantee a roster spot. "Nothing is ever guaranteed in this league, and there's gonna be a whole new batch of rookies that come in April," Capra said. "I'm going to have to compete even harder and just show consistent improvement. We're going to get a new offensive coordinator, so I just mesh with him and just continue to prove my worth and that I'm valuable and important enough to be kept around." Capra said his veteran teammates in Buffalo and Green Bay were helpful in his rookie year, showing him the ropes and offering advice. With the work a professional athlete puts in, it can be easy to forget to enjoy the little things. Capra still found time to take in the pageantry of being an NFL player, even if it was just for a moment. "I was very thankful to be in the NFL last year, but at the same time, I was only active for one game. You're constantly reminded every day that there's more to achieve," he said. "There are moments when you're traveling you're like, 'Oh, my gosh, this is the Mercedes Superdome,' but I think you're reminded every day like, 'OK, you have a lot more to achieve.' "