Warner, Moon And Cherry: Undrafted, But Not Defeated

The 2010 NFL Draft is over.  Some players’ dreams came true and they are still pinching themselves thinking, “this is really happening.”  Other players such as LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon; Jarrett Brown, QB, West Virginia; Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan; and Stafon Johnson, RB, USC are disappointed.  These players did not hear their name called during the draft.  A couple of them have signed as undrafted free agents since the draft ended on Saturday, but this is not a guarantee that they will play this fall.  As an undrafted free agent, they will compete to earn a spot on the team’s roster. 

Undrafted does not have to equate to failure.  These guys still could become not just professional players, but super stars in the NFL.  They will have to use their frustration to fuel their motivation to work hard and prove all of the sports pundits, general managers and coaches wrong.  For people that will say that you are just an optimist looking for a happy ending, here are a couple of players who proved all of the naysayers wrong and went from being undrafted free agents to pro bowlers.

Kurt Warner, QB – Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers, in 1994, but did not make the team.  He played a couple of years in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before his first job on a NFL team with the St. Louis Rams whom he led to a Super Bowl Championship.  During his 12-year career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl 4 times and earned Super Bowl MVP. 

Warren Moon, QB – Went undrafted in the 1978 NFL Draft.  (Many people believe that this was because he was black quarterback and refused to switch to tight end.)  Played in the Canadian Football League for 6 years before starting in the NFL with the Houston Oilers.  He played 17 seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times.  He is enshrined in both the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  He is the only African-American Quarterback in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Deron Cherry, FS - Signed as an undrafted free agent punter in 1981 with the Kansas City Chiefs, but was released.  Returned to the team as a free safety and went on to have an 11-year career.  He is third on the Chiefs’ list of most interceptions and tied for the team’s record of fumble recoveries.  He was selected to the Pro Bowl 6 times.

Not being drafted is not the end of a player’s dream to play professional football in the NFL.  With some perseverance and hard work, they can join this group of NFL players who were not defeated, by not being drafted.

Ciao!

Heels &  Helmets

A Pro Bowl Without Peyton Manning Isn't A Pro Bowl!

The NFL's Pro Bowl is tonight at Sun Life Stadium in South Florida. Congratulations to all of the Michigan Men - Tom Brady, Steve Hutchinson, Jake Long and Heisman Trophy Winner Charles Woodson - that were selected to this years Pro Bowl! GO BLUE!

The Pro Bowl is the NFL's "All Star" game featuring the best players from the NFC and AFC. Well... almost the best. This year, fans will not see players like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Reggie Wayne or Darren Sharper because they are busy getting ready for next week's Super Bowl. We know that these players can not chance getting injured, but how does the NFL have an "All Star" game without them? A Pro Bowl this year is not a Pro Bowl without Peyton Manning!

Since 1980, the Pro Bowl has been played in Honolulu two weeks after the Super Bowl. However, in an effort to generate more interest and kick off Super Bowl Week, the NFL made some changes to its Pro Bowl. It is now played one week before the Super Bowl at the same location of this championship game.

I understand wanting to improve the game and engage more people (I am a huge advocate of continuous improvement) and despite the NFL doing a pretty great job of this, their Pro Bowl needs some work. But, having a Pro Bowl without Peyton Manning is an oxymoron, not the solution. How can they call it a Pro Bowl without Peyton Manning?

I have a few suggestions for the NFL. OK, I know that I am dreaming of a perfect world without injuries in the first two, but here they are:

1. Move the Pro Bowl to Thanksgiving week. Like the Super Bowl they could get all eyes on one program. This would be a great way to showcase their stars and allow fans to truly see the best players.

2. Host the Pro Bowl after the season in late February or early March. This is a slow time for the NFL. Sure the Scouting Combine happens, but fans do not really follow this. Generate more interest in the combine and lead into the draft.

3. Allow fans to Select "All Star" players, but do not play the game. Fans already recognize that the players are not really playing at their best to prevent injuries, so eliminate the game. Plan a fan event that acknowledges the players and interacts with the community. (I have already given options for free, so don't expect the details on this event.)

If the NFL, does not like any of those options, I suggest that they change the name. Fans can't buy into a game promoted as an "All Star" game when the starters are actually back up. Again, a Pro Bowl is not a Pro Bowl without Peyton Manning!

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets