http://content.usatoday.com/communi...eagles-cut-former-pro-bowl-ol-shawn-andrews/1 I know he's had some injury problems, but this would be a nice depth signing ...
He would be an awesome signing IMO but there are reports he might quit football... depression + back surgeries isn't a nice combo.
Andrews really put the Eagles in a lurch...when his depression problems took him over. He clearly still has problems...otherwise the Eagles would've kept him....because he's a great talent. I'm all about getting some OL depth....but this guy...i'd probably stay away from.
this pretty much sums up my concerns...the article is from 2008...but clearly depicts the risks you absorb by signing a guy like this http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/sh...as-a-serious-problem-depression?urn=nfl,98462
Depression can be treated, but sometimes it takes a long time to get under control. As a backup player for a lower salary I think it would be worth the risk.
I'll agree with you there....Philly was counting on him as a starter....so that certainly changes the dynamic. I just have concerns that a headcase who has emotional problems and can't concentrate....is too detrimental to play an important OL position.
I probably wouldn't want to have to rely on him as a 16 game starter either. But like I said, that depression can be treated. Hell, put a weekly high priced NYC escort into his contract. That could be a good start.
i understand your position, and i'm not arguing it per se, just offering a different perspective. having said that, who's to say what getting another shot, behind an already successful line would do to him. like, when i was in my twenties i went through depression, and really what started getting me out of it was a change of my surroundings. i'm not saying i found a cure for depression or anything, but you never know what may be the proverbial spark, to get him out of the funk. i wouldn't mind taking a look, as we do need depth on the line.
certainly. taking a look at him isn't harmful in the least......but the Jets would need to tread lightly....for instance....if he fits.....a low salary incentive-laden contract would be a step in the right direction. There's no doubt that when Andrews is on...he's a force on the oline.....but battling depression is a funny animal.....it's not like a bone healing or a tendon being re-attached.
Well said. The bottom line is that there is no Dr. James Andrews of psychiatry; pro athletes with psychological disabilities aren't a new animal (see "Bradshaw, Terry"), but acknowledging their existence is certainly new. I look at Ricky Williams as a similar sort of (head)case. With Williams the issue was social anxiety disorder, so it's not exactly similar, but if they get proper treatment, players like Williams or Andrews can still be a force. ADDED: This might be unfair and presumptuous, but when I hear about "chronic lower back pain" and "depression," my first thought goes to "Vicodin addiction."
When he WAS healthy he was top 5 at his position.. If he can get back to 80% of the player he used to be, he'd still be a hell of a guard... He was that good..
If he can get his head right then he would be a great depth signing at the very least. However, if the Eagles cut him now then it probably means that his depression is still affecting a lot of his life.
Cool another sign this beast thread. For depth.....meh. This team can't have too many jerkoffs on it.