Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel believes that his experience was vital in helping him win the battle to become his side's starter for the 2014 season.
The 32-year-old was confirmed as the club's signal caller for the campaign by head coach Mike Zimmer after outperforming Christian Ponder and rookie Teddy Bridgewater during training camp.
"I've been through a lot in my career," Cassel told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I've been through the ups, I've been through the downs.
"I've been through the highs and the lows, so at this point, nothing really surprises me in my career.
"So I think because of those, it calluses you to a few different situations that as a younger player, I might not have taken it as well."
The Vikings open their season against the St Louis Rams on September 7.