(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Editor’s Note: Vikings’ second-year defensive lineman D’Aundre Reed shares the ups and downs of being in the NFL — from working toward more playing time, to just getting used to Minnesota – for this season-long project. Entry No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 | No. 4

Dropping his head, fixating on a random spot on the locker room carpet, you can’t ignore the visible frustration D’Aundre Reed exudes.

Having only suited up for the Vikings on Sunday just once in the past three weeks has taken a toll on the second-year defensive lineman who’s always aiming for more playing time.

“I wanna get out there, even when I see I have clothes instead of pads in my locker,” he said. “It’s kinda hard, because I do want to get out there and help the team. I’m just being patient and taking advantage of every opportunity I have and just showing myself as a valuable asset.”

Even so, Reed has been spending his free time quite well as of late, furthering his real estate prospects for whenever his NFL career comes to an end, and soaking up family time back in California over the Vikings’ bye week.

Where did you spend Thanksgiving Day?
I went out to a friend’s house – he has a beautiful family and they welcomed me. They live out near Woodbury.

Last year, I spent it at (defensive lineman teammate) Brian Robison’s house.

When I’m back home, we usually go up to Big Bear in the montains.

What was the highlight of your bye week back at home in California?
Spent quality time with the family, going to the James Bond movie, going out to eat – went to IHOP. I usually go with the Colorado or Big Steak Omelet when I’m at IHOP.

Has the week leading up to the Vikings/Packers rivalry game been any different?
We’ll prepare the same, but in the back of your head you’re thinking “go harder” because the crowed will be more into it.

Where are you looking to delve into real estate opportunities?
I’m still meeting more people and more people to do business with; looking at different investments in Arizona (Reed got his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona).

I’m thinking about life after football — using my free time to think about the future.

With your second year in the NFL coming close to an end, how do you feel about the way your career’s playing out?
I’m definitely not pleased. I want to be out there on the field, tearing it up. It’s hard because my expectations are high, but I need to be patient because I only get so many chances. So when I get opportunities, I need to take advantage of them.

How do you feel about your alma mater headed to a bowl game?
(New Arizona football coach Rich Rodriguez) got ‘em to a bowl game. Doesn’t matter about his past.

Did you get find Black Friday deals?
I actually didn’t do any Black Friday shopping. I had went to Best Buy and looked around. It was pretty packed and the lines were a two hour wait. The tablet I was checking out wasn’t on sale, so I’m not going to stand in line for something that’s regular priced.