Don't Forget Rolando McClain

eromeopolk

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He fits the profile: 30+ years old, talented, troubled, and cheap. We actually know he can play.

Rolando McClain is attempting the rarely executed re-return.

The former No. 8 overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2010 told Matt Zenitz of AL.com that he is going through the process of trying to be reinstated by the NFL.

McClain last played in the NFL in 2015 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He was suspended indefinitely in 2016 for repeated failed drug tests. Per Zenitz, the linebacker is working with the NFLPA and going through the process of attempting to get reinstated by the NFL.

"I'm nowhere near satisfied with how my professional career has gone," McClain told Zenitz. "That's for myself. That's me looking in the mirror and talking to my boys. Nah, that's not the taste I want to leave in my mouth."

Turning 30 years old on Sunday, McClain said he feels healthier after hip surgery in 2016.

"Every time I got in my linebacker position, it was bone-on-bone grind," McClain said. "Not only do I feel good, I'm recovered and I'm rested. I feel better now because I know I'll be playing with two legs."

One of the defining players of Nick Saban's early years at Alabama, McClain entered the NFL with massive expectations. The linebacker failed to live up to them on and off the field throughout his career. He was ultimately cut by the Raiders after just three seasons.

The Baltimore Ravens, led by former Crimson Tide great Ozzie Newsome, signed McClain in April 2013. The linebacker, however, stunningly announced his retirement in the following month at the age of 23.

After sitting out the 2013 season, McClain unretired, joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, where he played 24 games over two seasons.

Getting reinstated is just one hurdle McClain faces. Finding a team to give him a shot might be an even bigger barrier to the linebacker's comeback.

Another Jerry Jones risky and cheap signings.
 

JBS

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I'm not saying anything other than when this guy was on his game, you could feel his impact through the television..I don't think we've had another linebacker that I could say that about in at least 20+ years
 

Deep_Freeze

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America's Cowboy

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If his hip checks out positively with the team's doctors, and he has shown he has rehabbed adequately and is serious about getting in shape and showing up to play for our Cowboys, why not give Rolando McClain another chance? Everyone knows how good of a player he was those 2 years with the Cowboys. He could line up back in the middle LB spot he previously had while lining up Jaylon and LVE on the outside to better use their speed. Plus, McClain would be dirt cheap to sign on a 1 year "prove it" deal. It's not as if we are already set at the LB positions at the moment.
 

JBS

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I think he was reinstated in Sept 2019
 

CowboyRoy

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He fits the profile: 30+ years old, talented, troubled, and cheap. We actually know he can play.

Rolando McClain is attempting the rarely executed re-return.

The former No. 8 overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2010 told Matt Zenitz of AL.com that he is going through the process of trying to be reinstated by the NFL.

McClain last played in the NFL in 2015 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He was suspended indefinitely in 2016 for repeated failed drug tests. Per Zenitz, the linebacker is working with the NFLPA and going through the process of attempting to get reinstated by the NFL.

"I'm nowhere near satisfied with how my professional career has gone," McClain told Zenitz. "That's for myself. That's me looking in the mirror and talking to my boys. Nah, that's not the taste I want to leave in my mouth."

Turning 30 years old on Sunday, McClain said he feels healthier after hip surgery in 2016.

"Every time I got in my linebacker position, it was bone-on-bone grind," McClain said. "Not only do I feel good, I'm recovered and I'm rested. I feel better now because I know I'll be playing with two legs."

One of the defining players of Nick Saban's early years at Alabama, McClain entered the NFL with massive expectations. The linebacker failed to live up to them on and off the field throughout his career. He was ultimately cut by the Raiders after just three seasons.

The Baltimore Ravens, led by former Crimson Tide great Ozzie Newsome, signed McClain in April 2013. The linebacker, however, stunningly announced his retirement in the following month at the age of 23.

After sitting out the 2013 season, McClain unretired, joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, where he played 24 games over two seasons.

Getting reinstated is just one hurdle McClain faces. Finding a team to give him a shot might be an even bigger barrier to the linebacker's comeback.

Another Jerry Jones risky and cheap signings.

Nope, not the same. McClain retired twice and didnt even like football. The guy didnt even want to show up for training camp or OTA's.

Alton is a degenerate drunk that might have sobered up and matured over the last 4 years.

But honestly, what is the problem? Its a non guaranteed contract. If they cut him in TC they lose nothing. If he comes to camp and shows he can play, he is still cheap.
 

big dog cowboy

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Those saying he played great for us must have forgot how his Cowboy career ended.
 

Batman1980

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McClain was very much an effort guy. You either got 110% or 20% from him. Don't want players like that on my team, especially on the less talented side of the ball.
 

Bowdown27

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I'm not saying anything other than when this guy was on his game, you could feel his impact through the television..I don't think we've had another linebacker that I could say that about in at least 20+ years
He was something else. When he was on he was on
 

America's Cowboy

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The story behind the opening post was from almost a year ago, July of 2019. It said McClain had been working out every morning since going back to Alabama University in December of 2017 to finish getting his degree. Whether Rolando McClain has continued to working out every day and getting into better shape is unknown at this time almost a year later from this article being posted.

https://sports.yahoo.com/former-top...in-trying-to-make-nfl-comeback-164401477.html
 
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