Stephen Neal anybody? - The Orange Mane

ward63 · 02-18-2010, 08:39 AM

Updated: February 17, 2010, 6:02 PM ET
Veteran guard Neal not retiring
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By Adam Schefter
ESPN
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Though some suspected longtime New England Patriots starting guard Stephen Neal was retiring, he is not.

"He's going to be playing," Neal's agent, Neil Cornrich, said in brief comments Wednesday afternoon. "We expect there to be a vibrant free-agent market for his services."

More on the Patriots

Mike Reiss has the Patriots blanketed for ESPNBoston.com. Check in for constantly updated coverage. Blog

In an offseason in which few starting-caliber offensive linemen will be available, Neal figures to be one of the premium free agents. The Patriots still are interested in retaining his services, but not before Neal at least tests the free-agent market first.

Since joining the Patriots in 2001, Neal has played in 78 games, starting 73 of them. Neal is 33 years old, which is old for a running back, but not a guard. He is one of football's toughest players, having been a national champion amateur wrestler that once defeated WWE champion, and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

But one of Neal's most impressive feats came last season, when he played with broken ribs that few knew about. It was the latest testament to his toughness and one of the reasons some thought he would retire this offseason. Some thought, at Neal's age, he was finished played.

But Cornrich confirmed Neal is not done, and he intends not only to play next season but to do it at a high level.

Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter for ESPN Insider.

PRBronco · 02-18-2010, 08:46 AM

<-- Interested.

Man-Goblin · 02-18-2010, 10:08 AM

Bronco or Chief by midnight March 5th.

montrose · 02-18-2010, 10:13 AM

Any help on the interior OL is more than okay by me!

Bronco Boy · 02-18-2010, 10:17 AM

Wow, I couldn't imagine doing anything with broken ribs. He must have been doped up beyond belief. I've cracked a few ribs in the past and had trouble getting out of bed for weeks.

DBroncos4life · 02-18-2010, 10:19 AM

How much experience does he have at playing LG? He was the RG last year for the Pats.

PRBronco · 02-18-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinCitiesBronco

Wow, I couldn't imagine doing anything with broken ribs. He must have been doped up beyond belief. I've cracked a few ribs in the past and had trouble getting out of bed for weeks.

I couldn't imagine wrestling Brock Lesnar!

Popps · 02-18-2010, 10:56 AM

Get 'er done.

Draft Iupati and a top center prospect and our Line renovation will be complete.

BroncoMan4ever · 02-18-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinCitiesBronco

Wow, I couldn't imagine doing anything with broken ribs. He must have been doped up beyond belief. I've cracked a few ribs in the past and had trouble getting out of bed for weeks.

i know exactly what you mean. i have had bruised ribs and broken 3 ribs. just getting up from a seat was painful, let alone playing any kind of sport.

Kaylore · 02-18-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montrose

Any help on the interior OL is more than okay by me!

02-18-2010, 08:39 AM	#1
ward63 The Burner Returner Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,161 Adopt-a-Bronco: Quincy Morgan	Stephen Neal anybody? Updated: February 17, 2010, 6:02 PM ET Veteran guard Neal not retiring Comment Email Print Share By Adam Schefter ESPN Archive Though some suspected longtime New England Patriots starting guard Stephen Neal was retiring, he is not. "He's going to be playing," Neal's agent, Neil Cornrich, said in brief comments Wednesday afternoon. "We expect there to be a vibrant free-agent market for his services." More on the Patriots Mike Reiss has the Patriots blanketed for ESPNBoston.com. Check in for constantly updated coverage. Blog In an offseason in which few starting-caliber offensive linemen will be available, Neal figures to be one of the premium free agents. The Patriots still are interested in retaining his services, but not before Neal at least tests the free-agent market first. Since joining the Patriots in 2001, Neal has played in 78 games, starting 73 of them. Neal is 33 years old, which is old for a running back, but not a guard. He is one of football's toughest players, having been a national champion amateur wrestler that once defeated WWE champion, and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. But one of Neal's most impressive feats came last season, when he played with broken ribs that few knew about. It was the latest testament to his toughness and one of the reasons some thought he would retire this offseason. Some thought, at Neal's age, he was finished played. But Cornrich confirmed Neal is not done, and he intends not only to play next season but to do it at a high level. Adam Schefter is an NFL reporter for ESPN Insider.

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02-18-2010, 08:46 AM	#2
PRBronco FML less Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Vancouver Posts: 4,206 Adopt-a-Bronco: I'm so alone	<-- Interested.

02-18-2010, 10:08 AM	#3
Man-Goblin Giving You The Business Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 5,589 Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard	Bronco or Chief by midnight March 5th.

02-18-2010, 10:13 AM	#4
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,095 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	Any help on the interior OL is more than okay by me!

02-18-2010, 10:17 AM	#5
Bronco Boy Avid Ambien Abuser It all makes so much sense! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 1,901 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eric Decker	Wow, I couldn't imagine doing anything with broken ribs. He must have been doped up beyond belief. I've cracked a few ribs in the past and had trouble getting out of bed for weeks.

02-18-2010, 10:19 AM	#6
DBroncos4life Hey pic Mod!?!?! FU Why yes, that is Bacon Bacon. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The wrong side of right. Posts: 26,558	How much experience does he have at playing LG? He was the RG last year for the Pats.

02-18-2010, 10:56 AM	#8
Popps TEAM FIRST. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 29,785	Get 'er done. Draft Iupati and a top center prospect and our Line renovation will be complete.