Courtesy Photo Tony Fiammetta, the first county player to be drafted by an NFL team since 1973, signed his first pro contract with the Panthers on Friday. Purchase this photo

As a fourth-round pick, learning the team's offense is the biggest part of his work.

"If you're not into it mentally, you're not going to be able to let your talent show on the field," Fiammetta said. "More is expected of you."

That's because now, it's officially his job. Now, he's getting paid to play football.

The Walkersville High School graduate signed a four-year contract with the Panthers on Friday, completing a major step in his burgeoning NFL career.

With the business end out of the way, he can concentrate on earning a roster spot with the Panthers, who selected the Syracuse University fullback with the 128th pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

"He's very happy with (the contract)," said Dennis Boyev, Fiammetta's agent, adding that the deal included a signing bonus and at least one escalator tied to performance. "It was a good signing bonus, above the pick in the same slot as last year."

Neither would divulge specifics of the contract.

"It's enough to survive on," Fiammetta said. "It's pretty standard. Everything's slotted in the draft. After you're picked, you kind of know what you're going to make. It's nice to have it done with and it's another step in my journey."

The 6-foot, 242-pounder already has been introduced to the Panthers through the offseason program, providing his first taste of life as a professional athlete.

"It was a great experience, great introduction to the NFL," said Fiammetta, the first Frederick County player to be drafted into the league since 1973. "Waking up early, getting into the playbook every day, getting to learn from the veterans. The veterans have been very accepting and very cool."

One of his biggest influences so far has been Brad Hoover. That's no surprise; Hoover has been an NFL fullback for 10 years, and last season, he helped pave the way for the Panthers' impressive third-ranked running game.

"I've been picking his brain as much as I can," Fiammetta said. "He's been really helping me out and helping me learn the position."

With Hoover entrenched as the starting fullback, Fiammetta's performance on special teams figures to be key as he tries to carve a role on the team.

"For a fullback and any rookie, really, special teams is going to be your bread and butter, so it's definitely a point of emphasis for me," he said.

This week, Fiammetta is in West Palm Beach, Fla., attending the three-day NFL Rookie Symposium -- orientation for the league's newest players.

After the symposium, the 22-year-old has a month before the grueling, pressure-packed practices begin. The Panthers' training camp runs from Aug. 2 through 20 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

With his contract signed, all the formalities are out of the way. Once training camp begins, he'll really be earning his pay with the Panthers.