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Bradford says farewell
The star record-setting quarterback receives accolades from his coach and teammates.

Sam Bradford addresses the media Monday in Norman to announce that he is having season-ending shoulder surgery and plans to enter the NFL draft. Chris Landsberger / The Oklahoman

 
By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
Published: 10/27/2009  2:23 AM
Last Modified: 10/28/2009  6:46 AM

 NORMAN — Sam Bradford walked into the interview room after Oklahoma football practice Monday night, leaned against a wall, and then looked to the floor when coach Bob Stoops introduced him as "an incredible example of what you want to be."

In what amounted to his farewell press conference, Bradford went out the same way he came in. The past 3 1/2 years, he has been as respected within his program for his humility as his talent, a surgeon's precision that made for 15 Sooner records and the 2008 Heisman Trophy.

After Bradford took the podium to address his situation — he'll undergo shoulder surgery Wednesday, then set a course for "another chapter in my life," an NFL career — his offensive teammates Brody Eldridge, Chris Brown, Ryan Broyles, Trent Williams, Adron Tennell and Jermaine Gresham trickled in and stood behind him. When OU's defense finished on the adjacent practice field, Gerald McCoy, Dominique Franks and Brian Jackson did the same.

During the 15-minute question-and-answer session, Bradford motioned to the nine Sooners while saying: "I've said this many times. Some people think money is everything. But to me, money is not everything. To look at these guys and look at the friendships that I've built and the experience that I've had here, not many people can say that. I wouldn't trade any of it for money."

The college experience was the primary reason Bradford turned down the expected millions from the NFL after the '08 season. He wanted another go, and for that he suffered
a shoulder sprain during a season-opening loss to Brigham Young University, missed three games, then aggravated the injury in a loss to Texas. Bradford now faces surgery, then a four-to-six-month rehabilitation during which time he must persuade pro personnel he is worth a multimillion-dollar investment.

That's some bad luck to curse, and it seemed fair to ask Bradford on Monday whether he had any regrets about deciding to return to OU this season.

"No," he shot back. "Absolutely 100 percent no regrets."

He said later in the session: "Considering this is where I grew up and this is where I dreamed about playing, to put this in the past is extremely tough. I've been blessed to be here. The past 3 1/2 years have been 3 1/2 of the best years of my life. I wouldn't trade a day of it."

Well, maybe last Saturday.

Stoops talked to enough NFL personnel late last week to fortify Bradford's decision to have his shoulder repaired and set a course for pro ball. His mind made up, Bradford watched in a T-shirt and sweatpants as OU knocked off Kansas on Saturday.

"I'd been hurt and missed some games, but last week was probably the hardest game I've ever had to sit (out), especially after the game," Bradford said. "To come into the locker room and see everyone celebrating, I realized I'm not really going to be a part of that much more. It's pretty tough."

It isn't easy on his friends in the program either.

"His numbers on the field, everyone knows what that's about. But off the field, Sam was a great leader," said Joey Halzle, the OU graduate assistant whom Bradford beat out for the quarterback job in the '07 preseason. The two remain close friends and have lunch together every Friday. "He was the guy who gave the pregame speeches on Friday nights. It was a confidence people had knowing he was going to be prepared to play and play well. It was like a security blanket knowing you were going to have him in the game with us."

Despite those numbers and that security, something resonated when Bradford went down a second time against Texas.

"We've been seeing him every day for four years now. It's grown into a brother relationship," Williams said. "When you see your brother hurting, you're kind of like, 'OK, that's enough. You want to be healthy. You don't want to go through any more pain.' "

Bradford has until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft. He hasn't hired an agent, protecting his eligibility and allowing him to remain a part of the team.

But it is completely understood. One of the most accomplished, popular players in OU history is likely done as a Sooner.

"The first time I got hurt this year it was tough, sitting on the sidelines, but I always knew I was coming back," Bradford said. "That was the light at the end of the tunnel. But to make this decision and to realize I've probably played my last game at Oklahoma...uh...It's really tough."



BY THE NUMBERS

(Previous OU records in parentheses)

8,403
Career passing yards, breaking the record held by Jason White (7,922)

50
touchdown passes in 2008, an OU single-season record (40 by White in 2003)

14
career 300-yard passing games, tying the OU record held by Josh Heupel

Guerin Emig 581-8355
guerin.emig@tulsaworld.com
By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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36 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "OU's Bradford discusses injury, decision to go to NFL," which was published on 10/26/2009.
Report Comment
WINNIE THE POOH, Tulsa (10/27/2009 4:59:16 PM)
WHAT A GUY!!!!!!!! GO AHEAD SAM. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!!! WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR CAREER!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Report Comment
pat, Kiefer (10/27/2009 8:25:43 AM)
I'm not much of an NFL lover, but I'd go see Sam play! Best of luck to you! You will be remembered and missed!
Report Comment
nursefind, Tulsa (10/27/2009 12:53:09 PM)
Congratulations Sam. I wish you much success, health and happiness in your future. You make me proud to be a Sooner and a Cherokee!
Report Comment
ExTribbie, Pueblo West, Colorado (10/27/2009 12:26:59 PM)
I've learned that Landry Jones, according to Coach Stoops, is much like Bradford in the personal sense. I give Bradford the credit for the impressive nature of his character. May Landry Jones see much success.
Report Comment
tulsandn, out in the woods (10/27/2009 9:37:33 AM)
My favorite all-time OU QB's #1-Josh Heupel #2-Jack Mildren #3-Sam Bradford....
Report Comment
FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (10/27/2009 6:50:16 AM)
Thanks for the memories Sam. Sports figures are not heros. But they are good role models. And Sam Bradford is one of the best role models OU has presented Oklahomans in many years. Thank You sam.
Report Comment
youngNsenile, Tulsa (10/27/2009 3:49:09 PM)
my heart hurts...i'm gonna go cry in my room...seriously...okay, not the crying part
Report Comment
SoCal Fan, Broken Arrow (10/27/2009 2:10:34 PM)
It was great watching you play for OU, now I can't wait to watch you play in the NFL. Good luck to you.
Report Comment
owen, Tulsa (10/27/2009 1:18:26 PM)
Thank you, Sam. You gave us joy with your play and even more joy with your continuing great character. You are leaving big shoes to fill--in the class and leadership field.
I also have heard that Landry Jones is a classy guy. If so, I will say congratulations, OU.
Report Comment
eglkeeper, Upper Mongolia (10/27/2009 5:14:37 AM)
A CLASS Act, Best of luck to you young man as you move on!
Report Comment
Hijinx, (10/27/2009 7:01:28 AM)
A class act indeed. Humble, talented, smart, and a better representative of Oklahoma would be hard to find.

The kinda guy you hope your daughter brings home. Good luck Sam!
Report Comment
forkandknife, Tulsa (10/27/2009 9:25:34 AM)
Well good for you Mr. Bradford. I think it was a wise decision.
Report Comment
sooner mike, Sperry (10/27/2009 8:32:35 AM)
best of luck to you sam. You are one of the best at OU yOU will be missed
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (10/27/2009 9:52:27 AM)
What an awesome young man. Makes me proud to be a Sooner.

BOOMER SOONER!!
Report Comment
SoonerAnnie, Muskogee (10/27/2009 4:57:54 PM)
Sam, you have brought much joy to my life these two and a half years, both on and off the football field, and I am going to miss you sooo much! Your parents raised you right, and if I had a son, I would want him to be like you! You make me proud to be a Sooner! God bless, and take care. Thanks for all the wonderful memories...and I'm looking forward to more when you make it to the NFL!
Report Comment
SoonerAnnie, Muskogee (10/27/2009 5:02:00 PM)
My heart hurts, and I have cried...seriously. But I know it's going to get better...for Sam, and for us. Buumer Sooner!
Report Comment
SoonerAnnie, Muskogee (10/27/2009 5:06:05 PM)
Sorry for the typo in my last post, but it did make me chuckle, and I needed a laugh. Of course, that was supposed to be Boomer and not Buumer. I'll try to be more careful next time (smile).
Report Comment
definedego, (10/27/2009 11:27:54 AM)
I am a full spirited OSU Fan. I think OU athletics have been arrogant, lawless, and patronizing to other programs. OU athletics has a strong history of being self centered and selfish. I hate OU athletics!
With that said, Stoops and Bradford are examples of what college athletics should be. I wish Bradford the best!
Report Comment
outlawpete, Tulsa (10/26/2009 8:14:43 PM)
He is a total class act. Best of luck to him.
Report Comment
Jerry Lee, Southaven (10/27/2009 8:55:12 AM)
What a class act. I have been an OU fan for over 50 years and we have had great players come and go but Sam is not only a great player but a leader who I would want any of my children to follow. God bless you Sam. Your testimony at OU will last forever.

Boomer Sooner
Report Comment
charlie36, Tulsa (10/27/2009 6:28:52 PM)
He makes us Sooners Proud!
Report Comment
wk, (10/27/2009 8:11:00 PM)
A day late, and a dollar short.
Report Comment
007, Tulsa (10/26/2009 6:56:58 PM)
“To me money is not everything,”“I wouldn’t trade a day of it,” Bradford said.


Good luck and God's speed.
Report Comment
Tulsa Life, (10/27/2009 8:59:25 AM)
Wish him luck. Like the rest of you pointed out, he definitely seems like a class act..
Report Comment
JR, (10/27/2009 8:52:15 AM)
Class act.. Thank You Sam..
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