Sam Bradford: Will he stay or will he go?
Bradford’s big decision With Heisman in hand, why would he not go to NFL?
By Jenni Carlson
Comments 
41
Published: December 14, 2008
Sam Bradford may have an NFL-ready resume, but the Sooner quarterback has yet to say whether he’ll return for another season at OU or turn pro. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN
Add another honor to Sam Bradford’s already impressive resume.
Winner of the 2008 Heisman Trophy. There may be more in the offing for the Oklahoma quarterback. A national championship. A spot among the gridiron greats. A legend in Sooner lore. Many an OU fan believes if that happens, Bradford will have nothing left to prove and will declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft. Why would he stay? Hate to break it to the Sooner Nation, but Bradford will be asking himself that question regardless of what happens the rest of this season. All early indications point to him being a high draft pick. He might be the first quarterback drafted and might be drafted in the top 10. This is a year with a so-so quarterback crop, and with his 6-foot-4 frame, his pocket presence and his pinpoint precision, Bradford stands out. He fits the mold. He is the prototype. Worst-case scenario, Bradford falls to the middle of the first round. It’s a remarkable opportunity that he’s sure to think long and hard about. He said earlier this week that he would consider information about his draft status before making a decision about his future. In the short term, that doesn’t mean much. "I really ... don’t think there’s a whole lot as a player that you can do,” Bradford said. "Obviously, you go out every Saturday and try to show them what you have, but as far as the other stuff, I don’t think there’s a whole lot that I can do.” But in the next month or so, he’ll have to make a decision. Underclassmen must declare for the draft by Jan. 15. Should he stay, or should he go? Again, why would he stay? Sure, there’s the whole argument for getting a college degree, and Sam Bradford strikes me as a guy who will do just that. He’s a finance major with a 3.95 grade point average. He’s talked about wanting to go to law school. Bradford understands the importance of education. But being a smart young man, he also understands the opportunity before him. Going high in the draft. Being in the NFL. Getting paid to play football. That window will only be open so long for Bradford. Then, there’s the whole situation with the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. The current contract is set to expire next year, and the NFL’s top brass is calling for a rookie wage scale in the next deal. They want to be able to spend their big bucks on proven veterans instead of untested rookies. Matt Ryan, for example, signed a six-year deal with Atlanta worth $72 million after being the first quarterback drafted last spring. His guaranteed money: $34.75 million. If a rookie wage scale is implemented, rookie contracts could shrink by tens of millions of dollars. This spring’s draft could be the final one with the massive contracts. Money isn’t everything, of course, but it sure does make it easier to pay the bills. Sam Bradford doesn’t need to think about any of that right now. Bask in the glow of an amazing season. Enjoy the Heisman Trophy. "There’s no need in me getting caught up or involved in or worried about it,” he said of his future earlier this week. Eventually, though, that time will come, and Bradford will have to decide what he’ll do. Will he stay? Will he go? In the end, Bradford may only be left with one question. Why would he stay? Jenni Carlson: 475-3314. Jenni Carlson can be heard Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. on KEBC-AM 1340.
Related Topics:
Sports, Football, College Athletics, College Football, NFL Draft, Professional Football
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).
Take the money and run.....and pass..........and pass.......and pass......and never look back. People that say Money isn't important, have never had any. Remember, you get only one chance in life....ask former Sooner Ryan Minor.
jbm
Right, Jenni. So if they cap the rookie pay scale say he only gets $15 million instead of $35 million guaranteed. I think the bills will still get paid either way. Sam seems like a guy that truly enjoys the college life so it wouldn't surprise me to see him stay or it really wouldn't surprise me to see him go to the NFL. My selfishness as a fan wants to see him stay and play another year at OU, and also I have seen too many rookie QB's who are thrown into the fire and get eaten alive, and I don't wish that on anyone, especially an OU passer. Can't wait for the bowl game!!
We will miss you, but for your own good, Go and don't look back! Great job this year and last year. I have all the confidence in the world that Josh will teach our next QBs for years to come.
I also hope he gets to reap the rewards of what he has done for our program. Thanks heaven he is a classy, grounded young man with lots of guidance. May God continue to bless you Sam!
I understand about the money, but look at the article about the NBA's rookie salary cap. It's not like Sam will starve IF it goes into effect (those numbers are ridiculous). Also, the union may very well be able to impose its will on the owners - I suspect we're not very likely to see a rookie cap.
As for injury, that's always a possibility. It's also a possibility in the NCS game. And it's a possibility next year. It's also possible any of us will step out in front of a bus tomorrow.
I understand why he would go, but best case scenario, he stays, remains healthy, and goes on to a better NFL career due to being more mature and having another year with Heupel. And yes, I know I'm selfish.
For selfish reasons, I'd love to see him stay, but I think if I were his parent, I'd tell him to go if he's projected as going anywhere but to Detroit.