Robert Mathis has revealed that he is aiming to improve his leadership skills during the pre-season.

The 32-year-old linebacker is preparing for his 11th season with the Indianapolis Colts.

When asked in an interview for the Colts' website what he wanted to achieve in training camp, Mathis said: "Just to get better and lead the team as well as I can. I didn't come in that way, but it's my role now. Things change over the years.

"Getting in and staying in the mental mindset. You know when camp is coming, and you have to prepare, then do it daily. Also, the first-week soreness is tough to deal with. The only fun thing is when it ends. Any other answer would be less than the truth.

"In camp, the blood, sweat and tears, it means something. To go through three weeks of it means a lot."

Mathis made 33 tackles, eight sacks and one interception for the Colts in 2012.