Ex-Cards QB Blake feels joy, sorrow
Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 24, 2005 12:00 AM
PHILADELPHIA - Jeff Blake stood at his locker, shaking his head in wonder.
He had spent much of his career drowning in the NFL's Bermuda Triangle, playing for the Bengals, the Saints and the Cardinals.
And now, in the twilight of his career, he's going to the Super Bowl.
"It's really strange, man," Blake said. "I feel joy and I feel sorrow. I feel joy because, after 13 years in the league, I'm going to the biggest game in football. And I feel sorrow, a sense of sadness, because of all I've been through, all the years I spent trying to get to this moment. I feel exhausted, to be honest."
After his release from the Cardinals, Blake, 34, was signed as a free agent by the Eagles last May. He was brought in only as an insurance policy for starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, and Blake appeared in just three games during the regular season. He threw one touchdown pass and one interception.
Tabbed as Jake Plummer's successor in Arizona before the 2003 season, Blake signed a three-year deal for $7.5 million, but fit in like a square peg in a round hole.
After boldly declaring it "Blake time" in Arizona, the organization quickly lost faith in him.
With his ability to deflect blame, teammates privately called him "Leon," in reference to the beer-commerical character. He was benched in favor of Josh McCown in the final three games of the 2003 season.
When Dennis Green took over in Arizona, one of his first personnel maneuvers was to terminate the final two years on Blake's contract.
Now, Blake is the longest-tenured player on the NFC champions, and a journeyman that has played for six NFL teams could end up with a Super Bowl ring.
Even if he never leaves the bench.
"I couldn't be happier," Blake said. "You can have all that (stuff) in Arizona. Nothing changes there."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0124nfcside0124.html
Dan Bickley
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 24, 2005 12:00 AM
PHILADELPHIA - Jeff Blake stood at his locker, shaking his head in wonder.
He had spent much of his career drowning in the NFL's Bermuda Triangle, playing for the Bengals, the Saints and the Cardinals.
And now, in the twilight of his career, he's going to the Super Bowl.
"It's really strange, man," Blake said. "I feel joy and I feel sorrow. I feel joy because, after 13 years in the league, I'm going to the biggest game in football. And I feel sorrow, a sense of sadness, because of all I've been through, all the years I spent trying to get to this moment. I feel exhausted, to be honest."
After his release from the Cardinals, Blake, 34, was signed as a free agent by the Eagles last May. He was brought in only as an insurance policy for starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, and Blake appeared in just three games during the regular season. He threw one touchdown pass and one interception.
Tabbed as Jake Plummer's successor in Arizona before the 2003 season, Blake signed a three-year deal for $7.5 million, but fit in like a square peg in a round hole.
After boldly declaring it "Blake time" in Arizona, the organization quickly lost faith in him.
With his ability to deflect blame, teammates privately called him "Leon," in reference to the beer-commerical character. He was benched in favor of Josh McCown in the final three games of the 2003 season.
When Dennis Green took over in Arizona, one of his first personnel maneuvers was to terminate the final two years on Blake's contract.
Now, Blake is the longest-tenured player on the NFC champions, and a journeyman that has played for six NFL teams could end up with a Super Bowl ring.
Even if he never leaves the bench.
"I couldn't be happier," Blake said. "You can have all that (stuff) in Arizona. Nothing changes there."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/0124nfcside0124.html