Humble Beginnings for Jeremy Shockey!

Getting old in the NFL can be an eye-opening experience. One reason for the humbleness of age is the fact that turning 30 can be a sign of the end of days for a NFL veteran. First, your body breaks down like a 60 year old roofer ready for retirement. Second, your production sets like the sun on hot and humid day. The things you use to do seem harder now. Then last, your organization drafts your replacement, yes that young guy that can come in and do what you use to do. There is no new contract for you; you’re looking at the waver wire soon. We’re seeing a similar scenario play out for Saints Tight End Jeremy Shockey. Shockey is a 4 time pro bowler that has seen his glory days in the NFL since being named, Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the year after his 2002 season. The outspoken and colorful man from “The U” once captured the media’s attention with outlandish comments and boastful remarks. Today, Shockey has become a lot more humble; maybe because the veteran hasn’t started more than 12 games since joining the Saints in 2008. Shockey’s contract ends in 2011 and the chances of him remaining with the Saints may be fading like his career. He’s still a talented tight end but he is loosing leverage with all of the injuries the past few years. In the 2010 draft, the Saints drafted what many people are saying, is the next Antonio Gates in tight end from Miami, Jimmy Graham. We have seen the Saints jettison older players once their production suffered. Remember Deuce McAllister and Charles Grant? Remember Joe Horn? Those players were extremely popular with the fan base and yet the team was ready to move on without them once production suffered. The Saints behavior has become more Patriot-like since Payton took over some years ago. This is how great teams continue to be great. Replace the old and dying with the young and vibrant. The NFL is a young man’s league and Jeremy Shockey is in the midst of finding this out. His body is breaking down, his production is decreasing and the front office has drafted his replacement. The humbleness of age is setting in on a once raucous player. The signs are on the wall and history continues to repeat itself in the NFL. Jeremy Shockey is still talented, but only the fountain of youth will prevent these humble times he continues to see.