Bruce returns to tutor Rams' receivers

ST. LOUIS -- Former St. Louis Rams great Isaac Bruce is in camp for two days to help tutor wide receivers. At this point in his life he has no interest in a full-time gig.

Bruce's words carry weight following a career that could lead to the Hall of Fame, ranking third in yards receiving and seventh in receptions. He holds every major franchise receiving record and his No. 80 jersey was retired last fall.

Several players suffered from cramps during the first full-pad workout in near triple-digit heat Monday, including wide receivers Brandon Gibson and Mardy Gilyard.

Bruce was the last coach off the field, giving extra attention to undrafted free agent Joe West.

He thought a lot could be accomplished in two days.

"Just tell guys what to expect, how to come out and read a defense, stuff like that," Bruce said. "Show them how to compete 1-on-1."

Bruce did a stint with the Bears as part of the minority coaching fellowship last summer. He will visit another camp after leaving St. Louis.

"I really appreciate him coming because he's a busy man," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "Love having Isaac around."

The time commitment associated with being an assistant coach is what scares him. Bruce's bottom line: "I like to go home at night."

Bruce plans on being in Canton, Ohio, with other former teammates for Marshall Faulk's Hall of Fame induction Saturday.

"You know what? We all expected it. We expected to have this moment. We expected to have this kind of reunion, everybody showing up in Canton and supporting Marshall," Bruce said. "It's huge for this organization, huge for him.

"I always say he's one of the better football players, not just running backs, to play this game."

Interestingly, Bruce thought seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace was the key offensive player in the Rams' three-year heyday as the "Greatest Show on Turf" from 1999 to 2001.

"I always thought Orlando Pace was the guy we couldn't afford to lose at all," Bruce said. "He was the anchor. But Marshall, he was the engine, and you can't drive a car without an engine."

The 38-year-old Bruce retired in 2009. He said he doesn't miss playing but would have liked playing without two-a-days.

"I played my last game and I got all of my football out of me," Bruce said.

Bruce guessed he was a de facto coach the last eight years of his career. He remembered getting pointers from veterans including Flipper Anderson, Jack Snow and most of all Henry Ellard, who starred with the Rams and then coached receivers.

He was impressed with the Rams' potential for big improvement under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

"Just being in a couple meetings last night and this morning, I can truly say I like this offense," Bruce said. "I think the guys on the outside can really flourish in it. I'm excited about it."

Spagnuolo said there'd be another full-pad practice this evening to gauge how players react to contact and heat.

"You've got to balance out overworking and not working enough," Spagnuolo said. "I'm not sure I have the answer."