San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o has said that his rookie season in the NFL was a big learning experience for him and he hopes to push on in 2014.

Te'o said that he has improved both physically and mentally, but also knows what to expect from being a professional player and what the Chargers want from him.

"One year makes a whole lot of difference," he told the club's official website. "I'm not just talking about the game, but physically and emotionally. You know the ropes and what is expected of you. You know how things are done and the protocol. So now I'm really focused on fine-tuning my skills, getting all the little things right and making sure I am getting better.

"But yeah, one year has made a whole lot of difference. I'm a lot calmer now and a lot more confident. I'm very appreciative of the way this city and the fans embraced me. I'm very grateful for them and now I want to give them something to really cheer about."

Te'o started 13 games for the Chargers last season.