Herschel Walker, king of the hollow offseason boast

[Biggems]

If any 54 year-old man could play in the NFL, Herschel Walker is that man. I loved him. He was one of my all-time favorite Cowboys. I was super bummed when he was traded away. At the time I did not understand what a great deal that trade was for the team. I can't think of any Cowboys player classier than Walker. Even Staubach equals, but doesn't surpass, Walker's class. I wanted Walker to get a Super Bowl ring so bad! I would have been okay even with him getting one as a Viking. When he returned to the team in about '96 for his second stint, I hoped the team still had enough in the tank for one more Super Bowl victory so that Walker could get a ring. Wasn't meant to be.

Could Walker actually play in the NFL now? I have my doubts, but I would LOVE to see him pull it off just because I love and respect him so much. Who knows what artificial limits we've put on ourselves via our beliefs? We used to think it was impossible for a human to run a mile in 4 minutes. Once Roger Bannister finally did it, numerous other runners managed it. The difference was a change in belief. Do I know for a fact that Herschel could play at 54? No, I don't know it for a fact, but maybe, just maybe, it's possible.

IMO, he could easily be a LS or FB in this league.

 

[conner01]

If any 54 year-old man could play in the NFL, Herschel Walker is that man. I loved him. He was one of my all-time favorite Cowboys. I was super bummed when he was traded away. At the time I did not understand what a great deal that trade was for the team. I can't think of any Cowboys player classier than Walker. Even Staubach equals, but doesn't surpass, Walker's class. I wanted Walker to get a Super Bowl ring so bad! I would have been okay even with him getting one as a Viking. When he returned to the team in about '96 for his second stint, I hoped the team still had enough in the tank for one more Super Bowl victory so that Walker could get a ring. Wasn't meant to be.

Could Walker actually play in the NFL now? I have my doubts, but I would LOVE to see him pull it off just because I love and respect him so much. Who knows what artificial limits we've put on ourselves via our beliefs? We used to think it was impossible for a human to run a mile in 4 minutes. Once Roger Bannister finally did it, numerous other runners managed it. The difference was a change in belief. Do I know for a fact that Herschel could play at 54? No, I don't know it for a fact, but maybe, just maybe, it's possible.

I have no doubt he could go out there on Sunday and carry the ball 20 times.
The real question is can he get out of bed on Monday

 

[bandfan]

Surprised JJ wouldn't have him come to camp and tryout just for the pr aspect....

 

[Bullflop]

Many great old athletes have an ego that tells them they still have "it," despite realizing that they can't maintain their energy as long. Herschel, without a doubt, carries that particular characteristic to a level that precious few would even dare to go public with. I'm quite certain I'm not the only one who would be interested in seeing him try, although it would be extremely heart wrenching if we had to witness him failing in that endeavor. Nevertheless, we've all got to admit that he's at least one in a million (perhaps more) to have maintained himself so incredibly well for his age.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

Many great old athletes have an ego that tells them they still have "it," despite realizing that they can't maintain their energy as long. Herschel, without a doubt, carries that particular characteristic to a level that precious few would even dare to go public with. I'm quite certain I'm not the only one who would be interested in seeing him try, although it would be extremely heart wrenching if we had to witness him failing in that endeavor. Nevertheless, we've all got to admit that he's at least one in a million (perhaps more) to have maintained himself so incredibly well for his age.

Yeah, it would be a bummer to see him fail. The body becomes more easily injured as we age. I would love to believe that Walker is a freak of nature who has avoided that, but I naturally have my doubts. You're right; it would be a bummer to see him fail. I remember seeing Lyle Alzedo in a pre-season game for the Raiders at age 40. Really made me respect him. Then it was tough to see him not make the team even though I'm not a Raiders fan. Gotta respect him for trying.

 

[CooterBrown]

I know I'm biased but this quote has to be one of all time favorite......

Somebody asked Herschel once if he got tired carrying the ball 30 times a game. His answer: “The ball ain’t heavy.”

That was Earl Campbell who said that.

 

[SultanOfSix]

Herschel Walker is a real, living, breathing, walking, and talking...Photoshop.

 

[tyke1doe]

Many great old athletes have an ego that tells them they still have "it," despite realizing that they can't maintain their energy as long. Herschel, without a doubt, carries that particular characteristic to a level that precious few would even dare to go public with. I'm quite certain I'm not the only one who would be interested in seeing him try, although it would be extremely heart wrenching if we had to witness him failing in that endeavor. Nevertheless, we've all got to admit that he's at least one in a million (perhaps more) to have maintained himself so incredibly well for his age.

This is such a well-written post.

It perfectly captures the issue with Herschel Walker and our perception of him. I don't know if it was your intention to be funny with the bold-underlined sentence above, but it was an excellent blend of humor and subtly and left me laughing.

Sorry to get so gushy, but I like complimenting good writing when I read it.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Herschel is an idiot.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Going to try out for the NFL, but waiting until I'm 72.

 

[mahoneybill]

Yeah, I agree. It really isn't this story that I have an issue with... it is articles from the past where they attack everything with snark and sarcasm.

PFT is the epitome of Internet mob behavior.

They should be obligated to put up a picture of them vs Herschel, and also to list their " non accomplishments" as an athlete...

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

That was Earl Campbell who said that.

I didn't realize and am learning that quote was used by a few over the years.

 

[CowboyRoy]

here's a relatively recent picture of Herschel, he's now 54 and I don't think he's human! Go get him Jerry........... lol

Herschel Walker, king of the hollow offseason boast
Posted by Mike Florio on June 25, 2016, 5:31 PM EDT

Getty Images
Maybe Herschel Walker doesn’t want to be known as the subject of the worst trade in NFL history. Alternatively, Walker could be angling to become known as the king of the hollow offseason boast.

He’s done it again this year. Not once, but twice. Making the media rounds on Thursday, he saidhe’ll participate in another MMA fight, at age 54. On Friday, Walker continued his media tour by claiming he could still play in the NFL, at age 54.

“I don’t think I can, I know I can,” Walker said, via TheScore.com. “In a third-down situation, I could help a team out today. I could do a few things and do it well.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/06/25/herschel-walker-king-of-the-hollow-offseason-boast/

Why did he stop playing football?

 

[jazzcat22]

She took offense because she was a bodybuilder who put a lot of work into dieting and lifting and when you look at the way Walker is built it is hard to image being that bulked up and lean without lifting weights and having a diet that consists solely of junk food. Most NFL players lift weights and you would think an RB would lift. Walker has to be lifting now because he's bigger in that picture than he was during his playing days.

He has to be at least in the 240 range in that picture if that's a legit pic and not a photoshop. I googled his recent pics and he does look big in all of them. I'm sure he has great genetics and got into proper diet and lifting to bulk up as much as he has without steroids but who knows.

Pretty sure Rachel McClish, as well as many in the business and all these videos out are 90% natural in their looks and bodies. But they can make a living selling how hard they work to have got that way. Now not saying they don't work hard, as they do to stay that way. But they started out already 90% there.
But yes, it was probably to her saying, he did his by not doing weight training where she did it to maintain her fitness. So she took offense.

 

[jazzcat22]

Many great old athletes have an ego that tells them they still have "it," despite realizing that they can't maintain their energy as long. Herschel, without a doubt, carries that particular characteristic to a level that precious few would even dare to go public with. I'm quite certain I'm not the only one who would be interested in seeing him try, although it would be extremely heart wrenching if we had to witness him failing in that endeavor. Nevertheless, we've all got to admit that he's at least one in a million (perhaps more) to have maintained himself so incredibly well for his age.

Yes, it's the same thing that boxers think they can maker a comeback at age 40 or more.
Didn't George Foreman recently claim he could still box. By recent I mean within the past 10 years.

I know many people that claim they were great at winning softball tournaments around the country. Which I still question it happened. That was 30 years ago. Today, they being in their 50's, a few claim if they got back together they would still win.
I tell them they couldn't even make it to 1st base. LOL.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

Why did he stop playing football?

He finished his NFL career in Dallas, as a 3rd down back and kickoff returner, in 1997. He was 35 and counting the USFL, his career spanned 15 years. Considering his stats consistently dwindled the last 4-5 years, I'd say he stopped playing because it was time to hang it up.

 

[Longboysfan]

He makes me wonder why he missed the NFL concussion checks.

 

[CATCH17]

Big difference from his college days. Makes you wonder if he's using steroids don't see many over 50 looking that bulked up.

I'd bet money on it that he is.

 

[KJJ]

I'd bet money on it that he is.

I would say he's very likely using steroids. You just don't see 54 year old men bulked up like that but Walker is a freak of nature so who knows.

 

[casmith07]

He's absolutely on something.