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Rookies ready to enroll in NFL summer school
By Adrian Dater
Denver Post Staff Writer
Sam Wilder went shopping after he got his bonus check from the Dallas Cowboys this summer. The former University of Colorado lineman decided to plow his money right back into the NFL, buying a piece of all 32 teams.
"I bought a new Xbox and the latest NFL games," he said. "I really splurged."
At 6-foot-5 and 303 pounds, Wilder is huge. His free-agent rookie contract with the Cowboys is not. But it has been a dream summer for the former Buff.
Wilder, who is from Dallas, was born at halftime of the 1981 NFC championship game between the Cowboys and San Francisco, the game that featured the "The Catch" by Dwight Clark. Walking into the Cowboys' locker room during minicamp recently was an out-of-body experience.
"I was awestruck at first," said Wilder, an offensive tackle. "I ended up having a locker right next to Larry Allen. I grew up as a kid watching him."
Wilder is one of a handful of area college products getting ready for the start of NFL training camp. It was not a bumper year in that regard, particularly for the two biggest schools, Colorado and Colorado State. Wilder was not drafted. Neither was former Buffs teammate Matt McChesney.
But, like Wilder, McChesney signed a free-agent contract on draft day. For the 6-4, 290-pound defensive lineman, the last few weeks of minicamp with the St. Louis Rams and the knowledge there will be a helmet and uniform in a locker with his name on it next week has helped ease the disappointment of draft day.
"I can't wait to get into pads," said McChesney, whose minicamp roommate was former Rice nose tackle Jeremy Cala- han. "We couldn't put them on all summer, so it was a little hard to show them some of what I think I can do."
McChesney, a former Niwot High School star, has spent most of his summer in a suburban St. Louis hotel room. His daily routine is filled with the clang of barbells, high-protein, lean-fat foods and contemplation about life in the NFL.
"It's already been unreal in a lot of ways," he said. "I mean, it's hard not to stare a little when a guy like Torry Holt is standing right next to you on the field, as a teammate."
The area product selected highest in the April draft, Northern Colorado wide receiver Vincent Jackson, has yet to sign with the San Diego Chargers. Drafted in the second round (61st overall), Jackson has tried to keep his mind off potential big money and enjoy his last summer at home in Colorado Springs.
"I'm definitely involved with (negotiations). I mean, I hear of each offer and discuss it with my agent and parents," Jackson said. "I know it's a business. But I know when I get there, my mind is going to be on football and being a Charger."
Jackson was scheduled to depart for San Diego early today, spending his final days in Colorado saying goodbyes to his friends and family and shipping boxes ahead to his new home. His mother, Sherry, battled conflicting emotions.
"When your son leaves home for good, I'm sure that's hard for any parent," she said. "But at the same time, you're happy and excited for him. He knows we're just a phone call away."
Said Vincent: "A lot of things still haven't hit me yet, I'm sure. I think when I come out of that tunnel with the fans roaring and a Chargers uniform on, I'm sure that's going to be unbelievable, man."
Staff writer Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
By Adrian Dater
Denver Post Staff Writer
Sam Wilder went shopping after he got his bonus check from the Dallas Cowboys this summer. The former University of Colorado lineman decided to plow his money right back into the NFL, buying a piece of all 32 teams.
"I bought a new Xbox and the latest NFL games," he said. "I really splurged."
At 6-foot-5 and 303 pounds, Wilder is huge. His free-agent rookie contract with the Cowboys is not. But it has been a dream summer for the former Buff.
Wilder, who is from Dallas, was born at halftime of the 1981 NFC championship game between the Cowboys and San Francisco, the game that featured the "The Catch" by Dwight Clark. Walking into the Cowboys' locker room during minicamp recently was an out-of-body experience.
"I was awestruck at first," said Wilder, an offensive tackle. "I ended up having a locker right next to Larry Allen. I grew up as a kid watching him."
Wilder is one of a handful of area college products getting ready for the start of NFL training camp. It was not a bumper year in that regard, particularly for the two biggest schools, Colorado and Colorado State. Wilder was not drafted. Neither was former Buffs teammate Matt McChesney.
But, like Wilder, McChesney signed a free-agent contract on draft day. For the 6-4, 290-pound defensive lineman, the last few weeks of minicamp with the St. Louis Rams and the knowledge there will be a helmet and uniform in a locker with his name on it next week has helped ease the disappointment of draft day.
"I can't wait to get into pads," said McChesney, whose minicamp roommate was former Rice nose tackle Jeremy Cala- han. "We couldn't put them on all summer, so it was a little hard to show them some of what I think I can do."
McChesney, a former Niwot High School star, has spent most of his summer in a suburban St. Louis hotel room. His daily routine is filled with the clang of barbells, high-protein, lean-fat foods and contemplation about life in the NFL.
"It's already been unreal in a lot of ways," he said. "I mean, it's hard not to stare a little when a guy like Torry Holt is standing right next to you on the field, as a teammate."
The area product selected highest in the April draft, Northern Colorado wide receiver Vincent Jackson, has yet to sign with the San Diego Chargers. Drafted in the second round (61st overall), Jackson has tried to keep his mind off potential big money and enjoy his last summer at home in Colorado Springs.
"I'm definitely involved with (negotiations). I mean, I hear of each offer and discuss it with my agent and parents," Jackson said. "I know it's a business. But I know when I get there, my mind is going to be on football and being a Charger."
Jackson was scheduled to depart for San Diego early today, spending his final days in Colorado saying goodbyes to his friends and family and shipping boxes ahead to his new home. His mother, Sherry, battled conflicting emotions.
"When your son leaves home for good, I'm sure that's hard for any parent," she said. "But at the same time, you're happy and excited for him. He knows we're just a phone call away."
Said Vincent: "A lot of things still haven't hit me yet, I'm sure. I think when I come out of that tunnel with the fans roaring and a Chargers uniform on, I'm sure that's going to be unbelievable, man."
Staff writer Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
