Prior to the 2013 NFL Draft, one of the biggest curiosities was how Manti Te'o would be treated in an NFL locker room in light of his infamous fake girlfriend scandal.
One scout predicted that Te'o's leadership qualities would be neutralized because he's going to be a "target" in the locker room. Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith said Te'o would be the butt of every joke for "at least two, three years" if he landed on the Texans. According to Denver Broncos pass rusher Von Miller, Te'o's teasing would be "light" and "fun," just as the other players who get razzed in the locker room.
Brooks: Why Te'o will shine in S.D.
Forget all about the fake girlfriend and bad BCS title game. Manti Te'o is poised for big things in 2013, Bucky Brooks writes. **More ...**
Even if Te'o didn't know exactly what kind of hazing to expect, he understood "something's coming."
From that sense, landing with the San Diego Chargers was a best-case scenario. Fullback Le'Ron McClain revealed to SiriusXM NFL Radio that Te'o's transition to the Chargers' locker room has been seamless so far.
"I don't think there will be anything like hazing," McClain said. "The guy came in, and he's been working since he stepped on the field, stepped in the weight room. He's caught everybody's eye to see that he's a great player."
Like any rookie, Te'o is sure to be the object of his fair share of ribbing this summer. At this point, though, it's his play on the field that will determine whether he gains the veterans' respect. He's off to a good start in organized team activities.
"The sky's the limit for him," McClain added. "I'm looking forward to seeing him on Sundays."
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
