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Former Sooners offer advice
They say Bradford should look inside and do what's best for him.

 
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 1/13/2009  2:26 AM
Last Modified: 1/13/2009  3:15 AM

 OKLAHOMA CITY — If Sam Bradford is still seeking advice on whether to return to quarterback the Oklahoma Sooners next season or move on to the NFL, he doesn't have to look far.

On Monday in Bradford's hometown, three former Sooners who bolted early for NFL millions and the father of a fourth spoke about the ups and downs of that decision.

Tommie Harris, Curtis Lofton and Roy Williams, plus Adrian Peterson's father, Nelson Peterson, discussed the topic with the Tulsa World during a fundraiser for "Crystal Darkness Oklahoma," Tuesday's statewide 30-minute television documentary on the battle against methamphetamine. Governor Brad Henry was among those in attendance at the Leadership Square in downtown Oklahoma City.

After the conference, Harris, Lofton and Williams talked about why they left early, and what potential perils Bradford faces if he chooses to do so.

Bradford, a third-year sophomore, is considered by many draft analysts to be a top-five first-round draft pick if he chooses to come out. But, according to a report from CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd on Monday, Bradford's draft stock could be lower than some project.

"One Oklahoma source who had spoken to numerous NFL types said Bradford's graded out somewhere between the No. 10 and No. 20 pick in the first round," Dodd reported.

OU coach Bob Stoops spoke to reporters at the American Football Coaches Association national convention Monday in Nashville, Tenn. Stoops said he had a feeling about what Bradford would decide; but the coach refused to reveal what he thought would happen, according to Dodd's report.

Bradford faces a deadline of midnight Thursday, then, if he chooses to go, has 72 hours to change his mind as long as he doesn't hire an agent or sign other professional representation or endorsement deals.

"The coaches have an opinion, the agents may have an opinion, but you've got to see through hidden agendas and know what's best for you," said Lofton, a second-round pick last spring. "You've got to do it for yourself and do what's best for your family, and once you make a decision, you've got to live with it. If you can look yourself in the mirror once you've made your decision, then that's the right decision."

Lofton, an All-American middle linebacker last season, said last December that he'd skip his senior season only if he was a top-15 pick. But his draft grade came back second round, and he went anyway. He was taken in the second round by Atlanta, then started all 16 games for the Falcons this season, making the NFL All-Rookie team with 94 tackles.

Despite his slip to the second round, Lofton said he has no regrets — even missing an opportunity to help his teammates in last week's national championship defeat to Florida.

"My stomach was doing backflips," said Lofton, whose Falcons a week earlier lost a first-round playoff game. "I wish I was out there sometimes. I kind of wish I was out there with them. But I'm happy with the decision I made."

Williams was the first high-profile player under OU coach Bob Stoops to make the jump early. He entered his name for the 2002 draft and was the eighth overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys. He signed a seven-year, $20 million contract, with a $9.3 million bonus. In 2006, he renegotiated an extension worth $25.2 million. Williams, who was injured most of this season, made five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2003-07.

Asked if he thought Bradford faces a tough decision with a high first-round projection, Williams laughed.

"It really is a no-brainer if you're a top-five or top-six pick," Williams said. "I mean, that's a nice little check you're collecting."

Williams, though, did say the Bradford family should be aware of pitfalls.

"It is a cutthroat business," Williams said. "An agent really can't do anything for you except negotiate your contract. I mean, yeah, they can sell you a lot of hopes and dreams. It just depends on if you're ready."

Harris, now the highest-paid defensive tackle in the game, was the 14th overall pick by Chicago in the 2004 draft and has made the Pro Bowl each of the past four seasons. He originally signed a five-year, $9.8 million contract that included a $6.9 million signing bonus, and before this season got a four-year, $40 million extension, with $18 million guaranteed. Harris declined to offer advice to Bradford because they play different positions, but said he counseled OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

McCoy, also a third-year sophomore from Oklahoma City, on Monday said he was coming back next season despite being projected by some as a middle- to late-first round pick.

"I said what I had to say to Gerald McCoy, and he said he's staying in," said Harris, who met with McCoy last week in Miami, Fla. "That's a great decision for him if that's what he needs to do. I told him as long as he prayed about it and he can rest with himself, then go ahead, and that's what he's doing. So I'm not pressuring anybody to do anything."

Nelson Peterson could offer plenty of advice to Bradford's parents. After three seasons at OU, Adrian Peterson was the No. 7 pick in the 2007 draft. He was rookie of the year last season, and this fall earned All-Pro honors while leading the NFL in rushing. He signed a five-year, $40.5 million deal, with $17 million up front. He also has many endorsements that make him one of his sport's highest-paid figures.

"A lot of agents and a lot of people are going to tell you, 'Your son is going to go here,' or, 'Your son is going to go there,'" Nelson Peterson said. "No one knows what goes on in those NFL war rooms when they're making a decision on what guy they're going to pick.

"So if you make the decision to come out, you've got to be satisfied with whatever position you go and know you made the right decision and don't second-guess yourself. Just go out there and compete and move forward and try to be the best NFL player you can be. And if you decide to come back, don't regret coming back to OU or whatever, just go forward."



John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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7 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
OKLA, (1/13/2009 7:52:48 AM)
Sam is healthy and can play pro ball. With what he'll make, he can return to school regardless of his condition. Go for it before some hit out of nowhere takes it all away.
Report Comment
Bville, (1/13/2009 8:35:50 AM)
Now that both Tebow and McCoy have said they are coming back, does it not kinda force Bradford to do likewise? After all of the fawning idolatry Tebow has received and has received because he is returning can you imagine how much Bradford is going to get ripped if he decides to go pro?
Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (1/13/2009 9:23:10 AM)
I wish Sam the best and that his decision is correct for him.
Report Comment
pat, Kiefer (1/13/2009 9:35:23 AM)
Pray. Let go and let God.
Report Comment
NoBias, Austin (1/13/2009 12:13:48 PM)
I heard Tim Tebow once performed CPR on a beached whale before dragging it back to sea.
Report Comment
theboys, (1/13/2009 2:03:33 PM)
Stay Sam. Win another Heisman and then go pro.
Report Comment
wk, (1/13/2009 4:19:58 PM)
Why would anyone care what Nelson Peterson has to say? Wasn't he the dad in prison during his son's college career?
 

 
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