Back in June, when the news was still relatively fresh, CBSSports.com's Clark Judge spoke to various personnel types to help explain why Shaun Alexander's NFL career was probably over. Short story: "soft runner" label + Curse of 370 = forced retirement. And two and a half months later, Alexander's still looking for work, although the Associated Press reports that the 2005 NFL MVP has no plans on getting on with life after football, and he expects to be signed any day now.
...[T]he 31-year-old Alexander believes his signing is imminent with one of a handful of teams that have provided "a constant flow of calls," including his hometown Cincinnati Bengals. So imminent, his extended family members in Northern Kentucky are suggesting a new name.Actually, that would be Tressiete, although I give Alexander points for recognizing that the former Chad Johnson's new name literally translates to "Chad Javon Eight Five," (technically, "Eightfive," but, really, does it even matter?)
In Seattle, Alexander wore No. 37. ... "They want me to be Tres Siete," Alexander said Friday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press, laughing at the twist on the Bengals star receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson now being officially recognized as Chad Ocho Cinco, to match his uniform number 85 in Cincinnati.
There's no reason to think Alexander isn't being truthful about the prospects of returning to the NFL in the very near future. The Bengals just released Rudi Johnson because of injury issues, so it stands to reason that they wouldn't be interested in Alexander for that very reason.
Of course, money was also a factor in the decision to part ways with Johnson, and if Alexander's willing to sign for the veteran minimum, it certainly mitigates the risk, although it doesn't change the fact the he's probably got nothing left.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-06-2008 @ 7:54PM
Bart Smithe said...
I think you are going to be surprised. Saw the dude working out - he's fit and healthy
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9-07-2008 @ 1:01AM
Patrick said...
Fit and healthy? Maybe....but he hits a hole and then falls like he's been tasered............I've watched it every game for the past two seasons in Seattle....you can have him. Thank you very much Shaun for the many great years as a Hawk, and I wish you luck.
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9-07-2008 @ 8:58AM
jerrydesaulniers said...
I look for Shaun to be hired this week by somebody. As far as working in Cincy I hope not because that would be a horrible way to end a career. But Carson Palmer would probably appreciate his influence in the locker room. He's a pretty straight shooter and will probably not get arrested anytime soon.
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9-10-2008 @ 12:22PM
marek said...
Hey he was hurt. The leg injury and the wraist...IHe had a chance to heal, unlike players usually get. Many players go into the season still not completely heal from the previous year. I think he will suprise alot of people if given the chance. Look at Jamal Lewis and Priest Homles before his neck injury.
Don't slepp on him!!
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10-12-2008 @ 10:37PM
Mama Dee said...
I love Shaun Alexander and my husband is still fuming that Seattle didn't help him getting the rushing title with two years (?) to go. Having said that: Shaun is a beautiful man and I pray he knows there is life after football. "One door closes and another opens!" What legacy will you leave for your childrens' children? You Can Do It! God Bless YOU and YOURS
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