Berry Tramel, Sports columnist

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David Stanley Ford

Decision time for OU's Sam Bradford
Will he go pro?The NFL’s millions are tempting, but there are some risks

By Berry Tramel    Comments Comment on this article23
Published: January 12, 2009

NORMAN — Sam Bradford has a decision to make this week. An easy decision.


Will this celebration of a Big 12 title be the last one for Sam Bradford? PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

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Not easy in terms of go or stay. But easy in terms of what are the options. There are no blurred lines. No gray areas.

It’s a decision between two lifestyles, with a certain financial risk mixed in.

The lifestyles are in stark contrast.

Beach or mountains? Chevy Silverado or Ferrari? Chile relleno or escargot? Reigning Heisman Trophy winner or NFL rookie?

Bradford likely will go pro, because most quarterbacks in his shoes do. The bonus money is too tempting. The status as a franchise savior too alluring.

And Bradford’s status certainly hasn’t slipped because of the Big Bowl. He played well against Florida’s mobile behemoths. All his throws were on target; I can think of only one bad decision (the interception on the goal line) and no bad throws.

So the pros will still want Slingin’ Sam and want him high. But two things to remember before Bradford lets us in on his decision:

1. Matt Leinart. It’s not automatic that a player will skip a final season of college for the riches and fame of the NFL. Leinart didn’t in 2005, when he had every reason to go pro. He had a Heisman Trophy in his hands and a national championship in his hip pocket. Yet he came back for another Southern Cal season.

2. Those who know Bradford well say he’s different. Not that he won’t go pro, but the trappings that make the NFL so attractive to most 21-year-olds won’t necessarily knock Sammy B. off his feet. That he excels in school and doesn’t take a diploma lightly.

Let’s review the decision to be made.

→Wild, wild wealth, for life if you’re smart with money, vs. empty-pockets college kid, though Bradford’s parents certainly are able to provide him with 50 bucks for a night on the town.

→Scrutinized rookie vs. Big Man on Campus.

Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco are magnificent exceptions; most NFL rookie quarterbacks either don’t play or struggle when they do. If you’re picked high, you’re not going to the Patriots or the Steelers or a franchise that knows what it’s doing. You’re going to a franchise that either has a new coach or could have one soon.

Meanwhile, back on campus, you’re the hero. Maybe everyone on the South Oval won’t wave palm branches at Bradford the way they do Tim Tebow down in Gainesville, but still, it’s not a bad life to hang out where everybody knows your name.

→Adult life vs. sheltered existence. Pro football players are treated like men, which is only fair, since many of them are 28 years old and need to shave every 15 minutes. Pay your own bills, get yourself to practice, make your own way.

College football players might as well be in junior high. Their decisions and their schedules are made for them. Some like it; some do not.

→Brave new world vs. familiar territory. The NFL offers untold fame but makes no promises. College offers guaranteed success and rock-solid status.

→Business decisions vs. business classes. NFL quarterbacks, even rookies, sometimes particularly rookies, have to monitor their enterprises. They become virtual corporations over night.

Instead of juggling agents and financial advisers, college quarterbacks juggle professors, trying to make grades so they can be eligible for a bowl game and be in position to graduate should the pro game not work out.

The wild card in this big decision is risk. What if Bradford’s stock isn’t as high next year as it now? An injury, a sudden burst of other quarterback talent, which could drop Bradford down the board.

So those are Bradford’s options. And that’s why most in his position go pro. They like the money, they like the freedom, they like the challenge.

We’ll know soon enough if Bradford is different.

Berry Tramel: 405-760-8080. Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1.

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Sports, Football, Athletic Awards, College Athletics, College Football, Football Awards, Professional Football


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Scott, in San Diego... I heard the same thing on the Sports Animal late in the afternoon of gameday. Did anyone else notice the first camera shot of Bradford. Wide-eyed stare etc. He did look like he had some medication. Oh well.
I think Sam will stay. either choice would be good for the reasons behind them and Sam will do well with whatever choice he makes.
Steve, Ketchum - Jan 14, 2009 at 7:42 am
I believe Sam is going - simple logic says that if he were staying, wouldn't Sam Bradford Day been the perfect time to announce that? Furthermore, he is smart enough to not announce he is leaving prior to or on Sam Bradford Day. I think his silence today says it all.
Randy, tulsa - Jan 13, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I believe Sam is going - simple logic says that if he were staying, wouldn't Sam Bradford Day been the perfect time to announce that? Furthermore, he is smart enough to not announce he is leaving prior to or on Sam Bradford Day. I think his silence today says it all.
Randy, tulsa - Jan 13, 2009 at 2:41 pm
This is sad, let the kid go. If you were playing for free and could suddenly get paid wouldn't you? Look at the difference in Ryan Minor's life after he came back to be the big man on campus. He lost millions because of Kelvin.
berry, arapaho - Jan 13, 2009 at 8:51 am
Sam,
Follow the money. This is a once in a lifetime windfall opportunity for you. If you really wanted to, you can come back any time and finish your degree. Don't be influenced by people trying to instill a guilt trip on you for not being loyal if you don't come back next season. That is all bull. You have earned this opportunity and your real next challenge is at the next level of playing which is on Sundays. It will be challenging for you whether you decided to go pro now or next year. It is just that the financial opportunity for this year should not be overlooked. You played extremely well this year and you don't need to prove yourself anymore to anyone. Just move on. Good luck!
John , Oklahoma City - Jan 13, 2009 at 6:59 am
sam bradford, this is ou-johnny from olney,tx. i would like too see you and jermaine comeback both of you have something special going and have fun doing it on the field together. iam a native american indian chickasaw-seminole form oklahoma. my boys levi and george and lindsey look up too you. we really enjoy watching you play. jim plunkett was the first native american too win the heisman from stanford. and the great jim thorpe at carlisle before the heisman was discovered was awesome too watch. anyway i live near graham,tx wear clot dad brad coaches there and see them at least twice a week. i knew colt was coming back, coming from a small town in west texas that was his dream too play all 4-years. hopefully you make the right decision, all sooner nation would love too see all you guys come back and redeem yourselves even more in 2009. all my texas buddies think you are going pro and hoping and praying you do so texas and tech have a better chance too win the big-12 and over oklahoma and stuff. i had too speak my mind and for my family and sooner nation. if not we wish you the best. the harrison family from olney,tx. go get em sam. we all have your ou-jersey. boomer-sooner. ou-johnny.
johnny, olney - Jan 12, 2009 at 11:23 pm
David/OKC...Thence to the "ignore alan" button. Isn't free will choice awesome?
alan, oklahoma city - Jan 12, 2009 at 5:09 pm
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Only in Oklahoma can a discussion about a college football player maybe turning pro get religion injected into it. Sheesh.
David, Oklahoma City - Jan 12, 2009 at 4:56 pm
terrific effort by ou homer Trammel to convince Bradford to stay...of course, if Berry got an offer to go to SI for mega bucks someone at ou or the DOK could write a similar article...Take the money, Sam..while you can get it...there are no guarantees in life. As an OSU guy, I was disappointed when Barry Sanders left as a junior, but it is certainly understandable from his point of view. Besides, ou will always have a great QB...wasn't it only few years ago when White was there with a Hiesman?
Jim, Rockwall - Jan 12, 2009 at 2:44 pm
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John/Grand Rapids, Seek Ye 1st...is good scripture. However, there is no reason why Sam couldn't go pro, be a millionare, provide for his family's family, and most important of all...be an example for Jesus (in which you brought out a principle that parallels with what I'm saying here). The glitzy life and gloom doesn't start or stop with Hollywood stars. The marriages for us poor people end up in divorce 50% of the time. The rehab centers and AA halls are filled with us poor people. Money is not what corrupts people, John, it's the "love" of money. There are alot of rich people that live in million dollar garbage cans, but the numbers, of millionares, are greater in regard to responsibility with money, their lives, and their family's lives. I'm sure Sam and his family are approaching this with much prayer. BTW, the opinion you have on pro football has another side to it, too. And just because you have money, certainly doesn't mean you wont have comraderie. That has alot to do with being a team, pro or not. You can still have money and solid, meaningful relationships.
alan, oklahoma city - Jan 12, 2009 at 1:50 pm
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I'd like him to come back. However I can understand if he leaves and goes pro. Money talks. And the big bucks are up in the air for pro players. Team owners dont mind shelling out millions for players and I guess while Sam is on top right now he may as well take a pro deal and take those millions and invest in his future. And I think his family would help him invest wisely. GO OU! Love those Sooners!
Susie, Sherman - Jan 12, 2009 at 1:06 pm
What's funny is that all of us see it as a no-brainer one way or the other. For me, i'm gone for the chance at security for the rest of my life and avoid the injury risk. No right answer, just personal preference and we'll soon know what Sam's preference is.

As an OSU fan, i think he should take the money and go as I'm tired of him completing every darn 3rd down throw.
John, Sapulpa - Jan 12, 2009 at 1:03 pm
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Bradford's not 'gone' - not at all. I think his Dad will counsel him more along the lines of what a unique, fleeting, heavy comraderie-filled experience that college, and college football is. Pro football is about money and greed and an atmosphere of cut-throat fans. And Bradford is a great, great passer but his body needs to fill out more - he is too lanky to take the punishment of what he will face in the pro's. Look, Sam, if you're reading this, money and material things are over-rated and get old. Look at the messed up lives and marriages of most hollywood stars. It aint all about the money. What you want are rich, meaningful relationships and comraderie and other important memories that you will miss if you just jump in for the money. You won the Heisman (congratulations) but your team helped you win that - stay in Norman and finish out college here - you will NOT regret it. I say stay 2 more seasons - what's the hurry to drive a 50,000 dollar leather Escalade? there is none.
Championships at OU you will cherish more than glitzy, shallow pro athletics.
Bradford will definitely STAY IN NORMAN. AND MAYBE 2 more years.
Sam, live for the Lord and His Kingdom - it's the ONLY way that has true meaning (not that you cant be a great Christian as a pro, but don't be fooled by the huge temptations of the flesh there).

SAM BRADFORD IS A SOONER. AND WILL STAY ONE. MARK IT DOWN.
John, Decatur - Jan 12, 2009 at 12:49 pm
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Bradford's not 'gone' - not at all. I think his Dad will counsel him more along the lines of what a unique, fleeting, heavy comraderie-filled experience that college, and college football is. Pro football is about money and greed and an atmosphere of cut-throat fans. And Bradford is a great, great passer but his body needs to fill out more - he is too lanky to take the punishment of what he will face in the pro's. Look, Sam, if you're reading this, money and material things are over-rated and get old. Look at the messed up lives and marriages of most hollywood stars. It aint all about the money. What you want are rich, meaningful relationships and comraderie and other important memories that you will miss if you just jump in for the money. You won the Heisman (congratulations) but your team helped you win that - stay in Norman and finish out college here - you will NOT regret it. I say stay 2 more seasons - what's the hurry to drive a 50,000 dollar leather Escalade? there is none.
Championships at OU you will cherish more than glitzy, shallow pro athletics.
Bradford will definitely STAY IN NORMAN. AND MAYBE 2 more years.
Sam, live for the Lord and His Kingdom - it's the ONLY way that has true meaning (not that you cant be a great Christian as a pro, but don't be fooled by the huge temptations of the flesh there).

SAM BRADFORD IS A SOONER. AND WILL STAY ONE. MARK IT DOWN.
John, Decatur - Jan 12, 2009 at 12:40 pm
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Bradford's not 'gone' - not at all. I think his Dad will counsel him more along the lines of what a unique, fleeting, heavy comraderie-filled experience that college, and college football is. Pro football is about money and greed and an atmosphere of cut-throat fans. And Bradford is a great, great passer but his body needs to fill out more - he is too lanky to take the punishment of what he will face in the pro's. Look, Sam, if you're reading this, money and material things are over-rated and get old. Look at the messed up lives and marriages of most hollywood stars. It aint all about the money. What you want are rich, meaningful relationships and comraderie and other important memories that you will miss if you just jump in for the money. You won the Heisman (congratulations) but your team helped you win that - stay in Norman and finish out college here - you will NOT regret it. I say stay 2 more seasons - what's the hurry to drive a 50,000 dollar leather Escalade? there is none.
Championships at OU you will cherish more than glitzy, shallow pro athletics.
Bradford will definitely STAY IN NORMAN. AND MAYBE 2 more years.
Sam, live for the Lord and His Kingdom - it's the ONLY way that has true meaning (not that you cant be a great Christian as a pro, but don't be fooled by the huge temptations of the flesh there).

SAM BRADFORD IS A SOONER. AND WILL STAY ONE. MARK IT DOWN.
John, Decatur - Jan 12, 2009 at 12:34 pm
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He's gone - lets move on -
Brad, Washington D.C. - Jan 12, 2009 at 12:16 pm
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I want Sam to stay. But the risk factory for injury/s rise much higher when your O-line is graduating this year, except for one, a junior. Since he will have a bull's eye on his jersey and not as protected (my assumption) in the pocket, his potential for injury...well. The best choice for Sam, in my opinion , is to go pro, take out an insurance policy to guaruntee a premium payout in case of a career ending injury (Brian Bosworth did just that and received $8 million in his first and last season). If an injury like that were to happen to Sam...he's covered. Go back to school after that and get his degree. After all, it's only for 2 more semesters. If he stays for another season, he runs great risk of losing his "right now" potential. It comes down to skipping the last year of college and making $20 million plus dollars, or graduating college, get injured, and work hard (not like it's easy in the NFL) to make that 1st million. It's not all about money, but let's face it, we all have to work to make money. If you don't have to...then there's that silver spoon.
alan, oklahoma city - Jan 12, 2009 at 12:10 pm
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Sure will miss all the excitment and entertainment Sam has brought to Owen Field!Hope he decides to stay amd play just one more year. I have been watching OU football since the mid 60's when my Dad took me to an OU Colorado game. At the time it wasn't common for a 8 year old girl to like football,but once I started watching those Sooners, I was hooked. Sam will make the right decision for him. I just hope he knows how much he has done for the true OU fans. Thanks Sam!
clint, oklahoma city - Jan 12, 2009 at 11:54 am
Why do so many act like Bradford can't get his diploma next year, or the next, or the next? It's not a diploma OR the NFL. You can get a diploma without playing football for the school.
David, Oklahoma City - Jan 12, 2009 at 11:36 am
A friend that was at the game in Miami last week told me that while tailgating at the game, there was a rumor if you will, that Bradford had been sick with flu-like symptoms the night before and all day on Thursday. Maybe that is why the betting line went from around 5 to as much as as 11 at kick-off? Vegas has lots of insiders around that find those type of things out. Maybe the Sooner Nation can add that to their list of excuses as to why they lost. Bradford did look a little out of it late in the game. BTW...he should go pro without a doubt.
Scott, DFW - Jan 12, 2009 at 11:09 am
I mean being slotted number 1 is a great thing and he has a great head on his shoulders it seems. A 3.95 in finance tells you that he will be smart with his money. You can make as many assumptions as you want. He got to play in a National Title game he is the reigning Heisman winner but... guranteed at least 28-30 million signing bonus plus however much the total compensation comes out to be. He will be expected to be the savior of the Lions or another team in the top 5. He has done what he can on the college level. He is losing his line, I forget if its 2 or 3 of his WRs but you get the point. As a fan I would like to see him stay but the allure of being the number 1 pick and the chance at playing pro ball is just to great. Whatever the choice he will have thought long and hard about it.
Thomas, Fort Sill - Jan 12, 2009 at 9:26 am
James, its a no brainer for me too except I would stay at OU. Sam is going to make some big bucks go or stay. Even if his numbers are down, how much money do you need? You only get to be 20ish and in college one time in life and it is a great time even if you are not Sam Bradford.
David, Grant - Jan 12, 2009 at 9:26 am
IMO, Tebow and McCoy coming back, make it more likely that Bradford will leave this year. The only other top tier QB coming out this yr. is Stafford from Georgia. Bradford is a,most guaranteed to be one of the top 2 QB's taken and certainly a top 5ish pick. Plus, with all of the talent that OU is losing on the O-Line and receiving corp., it is realistic that Bradford could play just as well next year, but have worse #'s and hurt his draft status. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
James, New Milford - Jan 12, 2009 at 7:48 am

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