I know how Drew Henson feels...

[Tass]

It really sucks to be a younger guy with talent and lots of potential and the powers-that-be don't give you a shot to supplant the inferior older guy and give success to the organization. I was in this exact same situation in my professional life. I was hired as the 'backup'. The 'first stringer' had a five year contract calling for him to get 75% of the work at about four times my salary. It soon became evident to him and the organization that I was a much better talent. The contract dictated that they continue to brown nose him and I became quite the unhappy camper. They found a way to get rid of me (because the old dude didn't like being reminded that he was not as good as I) and I took my talent to a rival organization. Long story short, the new outfit and I became #1 and the other organization went belly up. I sure hope this doesn't turn out thusly for the Cowboys!

I was Drew Henson...I prevailed at the expense of my original organization. They were too stupid to hitch the wagon to the young guy.

[WoodysGirl]

It really sucks to be a younger guy with talent and lots of potential and the powers-that-be don't give you a shot to supplant the inferior older guy and give success to the organization. I was in this exact same situation in my professional life. I was hired as the 'backup'. The 'first stringer' had a five year contract calling for him to get 75% of the work at about four times my salary. It soon became evident to him and the organization that I was a much better talent. The contract dictated that they continue to brown nose him and I became quite the unhappy camper. They found a way to get rid of me (because the old dude didn't like being reminded that he was not as good as I) and I took my talent to a rival organization. Long story short, the new outfit and I became #1 and the other organization went belly up. I sure hope this doesn't turn out thusly for the Cowboys!

I was Drew Henson...I prevailed at the expense of my original organization. They were too stupid to hitch the wagon to the young guy.
I understand where you're going with this post. However, I understand the value of patience and perseverance. I toiled around in my field as junior and mid-level professional for years, before becoming an "expert" and senior-level professional. My opinion is valued and I have no problem sharing my ideas and knowledge with a junior professional below me to help him/her advanced their career as well.

So my point is that, young people sometimes have to wait until it's their turn to drive the bus. Sometimes, they can't just jump in the seat and say "let's go."

As for Henson, who's to say he's not picking up valuable knowledge from the guys ahead of him? Between Vinny and Bledsoe, that's about 30 years QB experience in front of him. He can learn alot if he's open to it and they're willing to share.

[mr.jameswoods]

I don't pity Henson at all. In fact, I think he is one lucky SOB. He is still living off his high school fame and the hype that came with him. Now, I'm not making a permanent indictment of Henson. I'm not saying he will be a bust. The truth is I don't know. However, I do know that he hasn't accomplished half as much as say Matt Leinart yet he was regarded in nearly the same light. What player can be away from the game for years and then be in demand as soon as he shows interest in the NFL which is due to hype as much as it his talent.

Also, you have to question anyone who chose the NFL as a backup plan. I question someone's passion for the game if they only came to the NFL because they failed at another sport. More power to him. He has plenty of talent. But then again, we all know players who genuinely love this game and their performance stands out. For example, could you see Brett Favre or Emmitt Smith willing to play any other sport even if they had the opportunity? Part of the reason they were so successful is because they genuinely loved football and the NFL Those guys would never choose baseball over football.

[wileedog]

I question someone's passion for the game if they only came to the NFL because they failed at another sport.

In fairness, the guy gave back about $14M to the Yankees of guaranteed money to come back and play football. He's not guaranteed anywhere close to that much with us.

How many guys in this league would give up that kind of money just to play?

Not saying you don't have a point, just looking at all sides.

[Doomsday101]

In fairness, the guy gave back about $14M to the Yankees of guaranteed money to come back and play football. He's not guaranteed anywhere close to that much with us.

How many guys in this league would give up that kind of money just to play?

Not saying you don't have a point, just looking at all sides.

I agree with you. In Dallas Henson is guaranteed 3.5 mil and he walked away from 14 mill. from the Yankees this is not just about the money Henson wants to play football.

[mr.jameswoods]

In fairness, the guy gave back about $14M to the Yankees of guaranteed money to come back and play football. He's not guaranteed anywhere close to that much with us.

How many guys in this league would give up that kind of money just to play?

Not saying you don't have a point, just looking at all sides.

That's a good point and that was classy of him. However, that doesn't change the fact that he chose to play baseball first despite the fact that he was clearly better at football. He chose baseball for the guaranteed money and lower risk of injury. That makes sense but just because many of us would make the same decision, it doesn't erase the fact that his passion for football will be questioned. Henson knew back then that he would probably be the first overall pick in the NFL draft which is probably why he elected to play baseball; he knew he had an isurance policy if MLB didn't work out.

[Seven]

I agree with you. In Dallas Henson is guaranteed 3.5 mil and he walked away from 14 mill. from the Yankees this is not just about the money Henson wants to play football.




Thank God!!!!

[cowboyfreak]

I agree with you. In Dallas Henson is guaranteed 3.5 mil and he walked away from 14 mill. from the Yankees this is not just about the money Henson wants to play football.

This is a good point and one that I had not realized.
I subconsciuosly lumped him in with Hutchinson as someone who sucked at pro baseball so decided to accept an invitation to play football.

Knowing that Henson gave up that amount of dough does not make Henson a NON-FAILURE at baseball, but it does show that he has some passion for football. He could have easily rode the pine and drawn a tremendous paycheck

[chinch]

these posts are now totally out of hand.

henson flunked out of baseball in terms of too many errors and an inability to hit a baseball

he signed an 8 year contract with us

he has not spoken negatively nor mentioned being frustrated in any way. instead he has said he has alot to learn.



otoh the posters here cannot comprehend these facts, nor the facts that the boys have been mismanaged for almost a decade straight.

[mr.jameswoods]

I agree with you. In Dallas Henson is guaranteed 3.5 mil and he walked away from 14 mill. from the Yankees this is not just about the money Henson wants to play football.

Do you think he would have come to Dallas if he succeeded in baseball? After all, Henson was being demoted at the time. I think the timing of his decision is a little too convenient to simply suggest he had a change of heart and loved football so much. Yes, I definitely think he missed being good at something and he wanted to achieve some success which is why he came back. I think he likes football but I don't think he has the same passion for the game that others do. Most players would not elect to play baseball if they knew they could be the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

[Doomsday101]

Do you think he would have come to Dallas if he succeeded in baseball? After all, Henson was being demoted at the time. I think the timing of his decision is a little to convenient to simply suggest he had a change of heart and loved football so much. Yes, I definitely think he missed being good at something and he wanted to achieve some success which is why he came back. But I doubt he would be with the Cowboys today had he excelled in MLB.

You’re asking Hypothetical question that can't be answered except by Henson, all I can give is the facts and the facts are yes he did not succeed in baseball, yes he walked away from some big money to come to Dallas for a lot less. Other than that it is pointless and really not fair to question his passion for football when neither you nor I really know

[CaptainAmerica]

What happened to you in your job has absolutely no bearing on Henson and the Cowboys.

Your post makes the HUGE Assumption that Henson is ready to take over an NFL team and play as the starter right now.
I'm trying to figure out how you know that when everyone at Valley Ranch, (including Henson's biggest fan, Jerry), doesn't think he's ready and they get to watch him live and on tape in every practice, drill, etc.

You are amazing! :D

[mr.jameswoods]

You’re asking Hypothetical question that can't be answered except by Henson, all I can give is the facts and the facts are yes he did not succeed in baseball, yes he walked away from some big money to come to Dallas for a lot less. Other than that it is pointless and really not fair to question his passion for football when neither you nor I really know

True, but likewise you can't imply or assert that he has a true passion for football just because he took less to play for Dallas. His baseball career was going nowhere and he has an opportunity to make far more than 14 million if he succeeds in the NFL. That too is a fact.

[wileedog]

Do you think he would have come to Dallas if he succeeded in baseball? After all, Henson was being demoted at the time.

Actually, no, he was not being demoted. In fact part of the problem is the Yankees rushed him into AAA because they were desperate for a 3rd baseman (pre- Arod) and they had signed him to such a big contract King George wanted to get him on the field ASAP.

He easily could have gone back down to AA or even A, got his kinks worked out, gone through the normal development process for a ballplayer and still might have excelled if his true passion was to play baseball.

Furthermore, I think the whole point is rather unfair. This league is FULL of guys playing for their next paycheck. Not everyone is a Favre or Emmit or Ivin, a lot of guys in the league are all about the Benjamins, and some of those guys we would kill to have on this team.

Ultimately, IMO if Henson succeeds on the field that will fuel his passion and vice versa. He strickes me as a guy who has excelled all his life at sports, and that's what drives him, whether its with a baseball or a football.

I'll take that.

[Doomsday101]

True, but likewise you can't imply or assert that he has a true passion for football just because he took less to play for Dallas. His baseball career was going nowhere and he has an opportunity to make far more than 14 million if he succeeds in the NFL. That too is a fact.

True but to succeed he has to be willing to do everything it takes to get that big payday. I don't know if Henson will or won't make it in the NFL which is the same for all young QB's entering this league but I do know for right now he is a member of this team, he is doing what is being asked of him and has not created any problems that I know of for this team. The Cowboys seem to be content with working with him without putting him under the gun and why not they have time on their side with Henson and his 8 years (well 7 years) contract.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Do you think he would have come to Dallas if he succeeded in baseball? After all, Henson was being demoted at the time. I think the timing of his decision is a little too convenient to simply suggest he had a change of heart and loved football so much. Yes, I definitely think he missed being good at something and he wanted to achieve some success which is why he came back. I think he likes football but I don't think he has the same passion for the game that others do. Most players would not elect to play baseball if they knew they could be the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

There are a great many players who may never have played football had they been successful in there other sports. That's not a crime. Lots of guys play one sport but really like another better. It just so happens that there more suited to the one they ultimatly choose. I just don't see the relivance of this. Hey, who knows, if Elway had been more succesful in Baseball, he may never have come back to play QB in the NFL. I mean, he was the first pick and elected to go play baseball rather then play for the Colts. Totally leverage on his part but hey, this is business.

I can not fault a guy for electing to try the sport that he feels gives him the best chance for success.

I like flirting with women, drinking beer and shooting pool but from a pretty early age, I realized that I would never make any money at it. I elected to go another direction in my professional life. Does that make me a bad guy?


LOL

[mr.jameswoods]

Actually, no, he was not being demoted. In fact part of the problem is the Yankees rushed him into AAA because they were desperate for a 3rd baseman (pre- Arod) and they had signed him to such a big contract King George wanted to get him on the field ASAP.

He easily could have gone back down to AA or even A, got his kinks worked out, gone through the normal development process for a ballplayer and still might have excelled if his true passion was to play baseball.

Furthermore, I think the whole point is rather unfair. This league is FULL of guys playing for their next paycheck. Not everyone is a Favre or Emmit or Ivin, a lot of guys in the league are all about the Benjamins, and some of those guys we would kill to have on this team.

Ultimately, IMO if Henson succeeds on the field that will fuel his passion and vice versa. He strickes me as a guy who has excelled all his life at sports, and that's what drives him, whether its with a baseball or a football.

I'll take that.

Actually you are quite mistaken. The Yankees were not pleased with his development considering the contract he was given. They expected him to be far more groomed. He was a disappointment and that is not exactly an industry secret.

Your other points are valid. There are plenty of NFL players looking for their next meal ticket. However, if you are asking me to feel sorry for Henson because of his current situation, I will simply have to laugh. That's the only reason why I even raised these points. I like the potential he has to offer but yes, I think he is a pretty fortunate individual. I'm not going to pity him because we signed Bledsoe.

[mr.jameswoods]

There are a great many players who may never have played football had they been successful in there other sports. That's not a crime. Lots of guys play one sport but really like another better. It just so happens that there more suited to the one they ultimatly choose. I just don't see the relivance of this. Hey, who knows, if Elway had been more succesful in Baseball, he may never have come back to play QB in the NFL. I mean, he was the first pick and elected to go play baseball rather then play for the Colts. Totally leverage on his part but hey, this is business.

I can not fault a guy for electing to try the sport that he feels gives him the best chance for success.

I like flirting with women, drinking beer and shooting pool but from a pretty early age, I realized that I would never make any money at it. I elected to go another direction in my professional life. Does that make me a bad guy?


LOL

I don't think there is anything wrong with it either. That still doesn't change the fact that his passion for football is questionable regardless if so many other NFL players fit the ball. Anyway, I was just presenting another side of this argument. If anyone says he or she feels sorry for Drew Henson, you can easily point out several things about him that really doesn't make you feel so sorry for him. I think he has been pretty lucky in my opinion.

I didn't want to criticize Henson. I like the guy. He has a lot of potential. But if someone starts feeling bad for the guy....please

[Kittymama]

What happened to you in your job has absolutely no bearing on Henson and the Cowboys.

Your post makes the HUGE Assumption that Henson is ready to take over an NFL team and play as the starter right now.
I'm trying to figure out how you know that when everyone at Valley Ranch, (including Henson's biggest fan, Jerry), doesn't think he's ready and they get to watch him live and on tape in every practice, drill, etc.

You are amazing!
Very true.

Tass, I'm sure you're terrific at your job. But you're assuming that Henson is already at a stellar level & better than Bledsoe. You don't know that.

Hey--I can use my job experience, if you'd like. I used to be an on-air radio DJ. Pretty good one too--tops in my market (a small one). I trained a lot of youngsters coming in. The ones who were college graduates frequently walked in with their noses so high in the air they couldn't see to walk. They naturally assumed the morning drive slot was just supposed to be handed to them because they were all that. Well, news flash--they weren't. Cold hard reality was that they needed to learn the ropes & work their way up, starting with overnights & progressing from there. And despite their lofty opinions of themselves, they were NEVER good enough to warrant morning drive in their early years.

We also have absolutely no idea how Henson feels. If he's like most players, he certainly wants to be starting. That doesn't mean he should be. As Luksa's article said yesterday, the backup QB is always the favorite player of the fans. He's as good as we want to make him out to be. But none of us has any idea how good he really is.

I also doubt the Cowboys are going to go belly up just because Drew Henson doesn't start. They've survived QC, CHutch, & a whole string of other QBs.

[mr.jameswoods]

Very true.

Tass, I'm sure you're terrific at your job. But you're assuming that Henson is already at a stellar level & better than Bledsoe. You don't know that.

Hey--I can use my job experience, if you'd like. I used to be an on-air radio DJ. Pretty good one too--tops in my market (a small one). I trained a lot of youngsters coming in. The ones who were college graduates frequently walked in with their noses so high in the air they couldn't see to walk. They naturally assumed the morning drive slot was just supposed to be handed to them because they were all that. Well, news flash--they weren't. Cold hard reality was that they needed to learn the ropes & work their way up, starting with overnights & progressing from there. And despite their lofty opinions of themselves, they were NEVER good enough to warrant morning drive in their early years.

We also have absolutely no idea how Henson feels. If he's like most players, he certainly wants to be starting. That doesn't mean he should be. As Luksa's article said yesterday, the backup QB is always the favorite player of the fans. He's as good as we want to make him out to be. But none of us has any idea how good he really is.

I also doubt the Cowboys are going to go belly up just because Drew Henson doesn't start. They've survived QC, CHutch, & a whole string of other QBs.

I think this is a poor analogy. You can't compare working at a radio station to football.

What you and others fail to grasp is that Henson's development will have to be endured at some point in his career. You think that he if he sits on the bench for 2-3 years that he will just magically be ready when he is given the starting role? It doesn't work that way. He is going to struggle initially whether he starts next year or 2 years from now. You might as well start developing him now. I don't believe in this "protecting him" excuse either. Our offensive line is significantly better than what it was in 2001 so it would not be like throwing him to the wolves. Carter and Hutchinson were true rookies that had a much worse supporting cast and coaching staff. The situations don't even compare. Carter and Hutchinson genuinely were thrown to the wolves. If Henson started next year, the situation would not be the same.

[SuspectCorner]

As Luksa's article said yesterday, the backup QB is always the favorite player of the fans. He's as good as we want to make him out to be. But none of us has any idea how good he really is.


the term luksa used was "unexposed" - as in to the harsh lighting of reality. that was great. :D

[Kittymama]

I think this is a poor analogy. You can't compare working at a radio station to football.

What you and others fail to grasp is that Henson's development will have to be endured at some point in his career. You think that he if he sits on the bench for 2-3 years that he will just magically be ready when he is given the starting role? It doesn't work that way. He is going to struggle initially whether he starts next year or 2 years from now. You might as well start developing him now. I don't believe in this "protecting him" excuse either. Our offensive line is significantly better than what it was in 2001 so it would not be like throwing him to the wolves. Carter and Hutchinson were true rookies that had a much worse supporting cast and coaching staff. The situations don't even compare.
Oh, I agree. I don't think you can compare Tass' job to football either.

It could just be possible that Henson isn't ready. How's that for an idea? That they're not protecting him, but that he just plain isn't ready. Or, it could be that he comes into TC, lights it up, & gets the starting job. It's just that the meltdown by some over Bledsoe is getting ridiculous. We need a veteran QB on the roster--who should we have signed? We got a pretty decent one for a reasonable price. If Henson is any good, he'll be ready to go this year or next year at the latest. Meanwhile, what have we lost by bringing in Bledsoe? It's entirely possible that Henson does start, but may get hurt, & would you rather have Bledsoe or Romo as a fallback? Or Bledsoe does start, but Henson goes in partway thru the season. We still haven't lost anything by signing a veteran QB who just happened to have played for Parcells in the past. Should we maybe have signed Frerotte instead?

[wileedog]

Actually you are quite mistaken. The Yankees were not pleased with his development considering the contract he was given. They expected him to be far more groomed. He was a disappointment and that is not exactly an industry secret.

Henson tore up A ball in his first stint with the Yankees. He still had major fielding issues, but it was felt that if he progressed normally through the system, those could be worked out. Most in the Yankee organization were quietly very excited about his potential. in fact Mike Lowell was dealt in 1999 because it was felt that Brosious could fill the position until Henson was ready.

Then in 2000 the King George decided he needed another starter, and Henson was dealt (against his wishes, and many in the front office) to the Reds for Denny Neagle.

Henson threatened to quit then and there - he publically stated he only wanted to play baseball for the Yankees. The Reds were forced that offseason to deal him back to the Yanks, and Drew was given a brand new and very expensive contract to lock him up from ever going back to football.

However, because of that contract and Ventura's age, he was pushed immediately into AAA ball, a level at which he had never been close to before. He never adjusted, got frustrated, and walked away.

There are a LOT of baseball experts who wonder what Drew could have been had he not been traded, or allowed to move at his own pace through the system.

I do find it ironic however how many people (admittedly, myself included some times) once again want to push Drew further than perhaps he's ready for....

Your other points are valid. There are plenty of NFL players looking for their next meal ticket. However, if you are asking me to feel sorry for Henson because of his current situation, I will simply have to laugh. That's the only reason why I even raised these points. I like the potential he has to offer but yes, I think he is a pretty fortunate individual. I'm not going to pity him because we signed Bledsoe.

I don't feel sorry for ANYBODY who plays a game for a living and makes millions to do it.

My points were more directed towards Drew and his motivations.

[jem88]

It really sucks to be a younger guy with talent and lots of potential and the powers-that-be don't give you a shot to supplant the inferior older guy and give success to the organization. I was in this exact same situation in my professional life. I was hired as the 'backup'. The 'first stringer' had a five year contract calling for him to get 75% of the work at about four times my salary. It soon became evident to him and the organization that I was a much better talent. The contract dictated that they continue to brown nose him and I became quite the unhappy camper. They found a way to get rid of me (because the old dude didn't like being reminded that he was not as good as I) and I took my talent to a rival organization. Long story short, the new outfit and I became #1 and the other organization went belly up. I sure hope this doesn't turn out thusly for the Cowboys!

I was Drew Henson...I prevailed at the expense of my original organization. They were too stupid to hitch the wagon to the young guy.

Welcome to the board Troy Hambrick!

[CaptainAmerica]

I think this is a poor analogy. You can't compare working at a radio station to football.

What you and others fail to grasp is that Henson's development will have to be endured at some point in his career. You think that he if he sits on the bench for 2-3 years that he will just magically be ready when he is given the starting role? It doesn't work that way. He is going to struggle initially whether he starts next year or 2 years from now. You might as well start developing him now. I don't believe in this "protecting him" excuse either. Our offensive line is significantly better than what it was in 2001 so it would not be like throwing him to the wolves. Carter and Hutchinson were true rookies that had a much worse supporting cast and coaching staff. The situations don't even compare. Carter and Hutchinson genuinely were thrown to the wolves. If Henson started next year, the situation would not be the same.

JW,
I appreciate your point of view on things. I don't mind different views. I see your point about playing time at some point.

But you don't grasp the other view, which is...there is a list of qBs from Staubach to Hasselbeck who sat the bench for a few years and learned by practicing and observing who were then prepared to play once they got their chance.
You also fail to grasp that once Henson starts to play he MUST be able to perform. He won't be allowed to flounder indefinitely on the field on the hope that one day he will come around. Too many games like the Bears game and he will be sent packing and anothwer organization may get the benefit of his talent. I want him to practice, learn and begin to play when he's ready for live action.

I'll give you a perfect example. Look at Matt Hasselbeck. The guy played in practice and pre-season games for two years after starting at Boston College. Looked good in his limited exposure. When his time came with Seattle in his 3rd year he was ready. Now, neither you or I know if he would have survived if he had been thrown in the fray his rookie year. But we do know the way he was handled worked out great. However, there is a real chance he could have been lost if he would have been thrown in to the mix too early. Patience pays off with most QBs if they have something to begin with. Let's just be patient with a talent like Henson!

[InmanRoshi]

Henson threatened to quit then and there - he publically stated he only wanted to play baseball for the Yankees.

The sense of entitlement kind of bothers me, there. I don't doubt that it sucks to be traded, but hundreds of minor leaguers go through it every year. Why does Drew think he's special? Mike Lowell didn't threaten to quit after being traded. It sounds like someone who's been hyped ever since he came out of high school.

[DallasCowpoke111]

It really sucks to be a younger guy with talent and lots of potential and the powers-that-be don't give you a shot to supplant the inferior older guy and give success to the organization. I was in this exact same situation in my professional life. I was hired as the 'backup'. The 'first stringer' had a five year contract calling for him to get 75% of the work at about four times my salary. It soon became evident to him and the organization that I was a much better talent. The contract dictated that they continue to brown nose him and I became quite the unhappy camper. They found a way to get rid of me (because the old dude didn't like being reminded that he was not as good as I) and I took my talent to a rival organization. Long story short, the new outfit and I became #1 and the other organization went belly up. I sure hope this doesn't turn out thusly for the Cowboys!

I was Drew Henson...I prevailed at the expense of my original organization. They were too stupid to hitch the wagon to the young guy.

I love that new "Breadless Chicken" y'all came out w/, was that your idea?


:p:

[Tass]

Hey--I can use my job experience, if you'd like. I used to be an on-air radio DJ. Pretty good one too--tops in my market (a small one). I trained a lot of youngsters coming in. The ones who were college graduates frequently walked in with their noses so high in the air they couldn't see to walk. They naturally assumed the morning drive slot was just supposed to be handed to them because they were all that. Well, news flash--they weren't. Cold hard reality was that they needed to learn the ropes & work their way up, starting with overnights & progressing from there. And despite their lofty opinions of themselves, they were NEVER good enough to warrant morning drive in their early years.



Well, I did overnights and weekends for three years at KQMQ in Honolulu. The 7-midnight guy left and the PD told me the slot was mine. What did they do? They went and hired some other jock who had been on in that timeslot from another station. The reason given was 'He has name recognition'. I said 'How the Hell am I supposed to get name recognition if you don't put me on???' Same situation with Henson. 'He isn't ready yet.' How can he get ready if you don't put him on the field??? The NFL is a young man's game. So Henson will be ready when? When he's 32??? Wow, what a career he's destined to have.

So, jeez, I guess I've been snubbed in TWO different careers. LOL! I wasn't even thinking about the DJ stuff until you reminded me, Kittymama.