IRVING, Texas — The red sheet of paper taped to his locker is another reminder of Kevin Burnett’s status.

The Dallas Cowboys’ "Rookie Club" has scheduled a community-service function that requires Burnett’s attendance.

As if he needed a reminder at this point.

Burnett’s rookie season in the NFL is almost over. The Cowboys have two more regular-season games left, including Saturday’s visit to Carolina. If they’re fortunate, at least one playoff game will extend the grind.

The second-round draft choice from the University of Tennessee is going through a typical transition from college to professional football — exhilarating and exhausting.

"Training camp, preseason, all the way to the Super Bowl, you’re talking about staying healthy 30 weeks out of the year,’’ Burnett said. "It’s tough.’’

Well, the Cowboys (8-6) probably won’t have to stay healthy all the way through the Super Bowl this year. Even so, Burnett has already experienced the longest season of his career.

In a locker-room chat, he sounds comfortable with having finally realized a lifelong goal. And yet, he sounds wistful for the largely carefree days of campus life.

"You knew in college at the end of the month you weren’t going to have any money,’’ Burnett said with a laugh. "Now, you have to actually build strategies of how to save money.

"You’re in the real world. If you do something in college you might get a slap on the wrist. Now, you’re going to jail, no questions asked.

"It’s really that you’re a grown-up now.’’

Not that Burnett is complaining.

The five-year contract he signed after being drafted reportedly included $1.86 million in guaranteed money.

One of 10 rookies on Dallas’ active roster, Burnett is backing up either of the two starting outside linebackers in the 3-4 scheme, Scott Fujita and fellow rookie DeMarcus Ware.

"I’m getting in maybe 10 or so plays a game,’’ Burnett said. "But the big thing is when you get in, do something with the opportunities you have or you won’t get another chance.’’

He shared a sack — his first — in a Dec. 11 win over Kansas City. However, his primary opportunity has come via special teams.

"If I could give anybody any advice,’’ he said, "start playing special teams early at any level, to learn how to do it and become good at it. Because there’s guys who’ve played 12 years in the NFL just on special teams.’’

Any NFL career that lasts 12 years is the exception. Injuries, salary caps, a hungry rookie, the threats to longevity are many and constant.

Burnett already has seen one former UT teammate have his locker cleared out. Receiver Peerless Price was released earlier this month.

"I won’t say you can’t get wrapped up in having friendships,’’ Burnett said, "but you have to remember it’s a business. It’s highly volatile.

"I enjoy being a Cowboy, but the biggest thing I’ve learned is enjoy the moment.

"Enjoy the time you have because you never know what’ll happen tomorrow.’’

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.