Originally posted by the Jamison Hensley in the 8/16 Baltimore SunWill a part-time role with the Ravens lure "Prime Time" out of retirement? A league source yesterday told The Sun that Deion Sanders is contemplating whether to make a comeback as the Ravens' nickel back (fifth defensive back).
Sanders, one of the most charismatic athletes in sports and one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, would address the biggest need on a vaunted Ravens defense.
A decision by Sanders is not imminent, the source added. Sanders, who turned 37 earlier this month, has been out of football for three seasons.
"To my knowledge, Deion Sanders is retired," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "That kind of takes him off our radar. If he decides to unretire, like any number of other teams, we would be interested."
Sanders could not be reached for comment.
It is true, we are overly desperate for a nickel corner after Dale Carter turned up with blood clots in his lungs. Gary Baxter had been the nickelback before he started at corner. And there has even been talk of moving Ed Reed to the nickel in certain passing situations.
But the concept of Deion in purple and black is absolutely ridiculous as far as I'm concerned...
This is probably just Deion trying to get his name in the news (because Jesus told him to) ...
You're a jive soul bro, a jive soul bro And you're always lyin' to you friends You're a jive soul bro, a jive soul bro And you'll never get nothin' in the end
Is "League Source" the football equivelant of pro-wrestling's "lockerroom source"?
And didn't Deion try this late last year, but he got picked-up on waivers by some other team? Color me apathetic.
YOUR CONTINUED HERESY AGAINST THE WRESTLING GODS HAS DOOMED YOU TO SPEND ETERNITY WATCHING A MORDECAI VS. KENZO SUZUKI IRON-MAN MATCH (and Hiroko isn't at ringside for you to oogle).
Originally posted by ScreamingHeadGuyAnd didn't Deion try this late last year, but he got picked-up on waivers by some other team? Color me apathetic.
At the end of '02 he tried to latch on to the Raiders Super Bowl run and was claimed by the Chargers. Technically, I think they still own his rights too....
Chris Mortenson repeated the Deion-maybe-coming-back part on ESPN after the Packer game last night, and ESPN Radio confirmed the it-might-be-Baltimore part overnight.
Ray Lewis, for his part, still didn't see nuthin'.
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy.
THE THRILL ACW-NWA Wisconsin Home Video Technical Director...& A2NWO 4 Life! (Click the big G or here to hear the Packers Fight Song in RealAudio...or try .AU, .WAV or .MIDI!)
Originally posted by Jamison Hensley in the 8/17/04 Baltimore SunDeion Sanders, one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, confirmed he is considering coming out of retirement to play for the Ravens after weeks of persuasive talks with Lewis and cornerback Corey Fuller.
A decision from the seven-time Pro Bowl defender is expected within a couple of weeks, a league source said.
Sanders, who coined the nickname, "Prime Time," would take a more low-key role as the Ravens' nickel back, coming in as the fifth defensive back on passing situations.
"I never say never," Sanders told The Sun in a phone interview while school shopping with his children outside of Dallas. "It would be a wonderful thing if I got the opportunity to play."
Imporantly....
Originally posted by The SunIf he chooses to play for a 13th NFL season, the Ravens would be free to sign him without having to give any compensation to the San Diego Chargers, who claimed him off waivers in 2002. Sanders is now an unrestricted free agent, according to NFL spokesman Steve Alic.
I would put a paycheck on the fact that Ed Reed would be a better nickel back in most situations than a 37 year old Sanders (have we forgotten about his toe and foot problems?). Word is that he's going to take 2 weeks to see what kind of shape he can get into and then try out.
The Pats put Troy Brown in the secondary for goodnesssakes.
Originally posted by DrOpI would put a paycheck on the fact that Ed Reed would be a better nickel back in most situations than a 37 year old Sanders
And I agree, because with Reed at the nickel you can still have Demps and Chad Williams on the field. But at this point, we don't havea heck of a lot of options, especially if we have to go to the dime.
Assuming Baxter and McAlister start in Week 1(and McAlister is more of a sure bet than Baxter) we're stuck with Corey Fuller at the nickel unless we make a move. And remember that the other distinguished crop of CB's include two former receive(Hunter and Brightful), three rookies, and two guys(Holman and Weary who have not had significant PT in three and four years respectively.
News of Deion coming back is as exciting as news of another Mike Tyson fight... You get the hype but the substance is just not there anymore due to time.
smark/net attack wienerville advisory is raised to YELLOW alert - Elevated (JBL is the new WWE champion, good gawd hide under the desk. But Benoit is World Champion allowing some safety in the IWC)- 6/28
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