Al Harris, the former Philadelphia Eagles DB who’s found a good home for his career extension in Green Bay, was a no-show at the Packer’s recent OTA (Organized Team Activity). When each of the parties to this absence were asked, all seemed to play possum. Jack Bechta, Harris’ agent, said he was surprised as anyone that Al wasn’t in Green Bay. Harris himself said to tell the honchos in Green Bay that when the mandatory practices start, he’ll be there. Mike McCarthy, Packers’ head coach, said something to the effect that he’s always heard Al was a true professional.

Sports Talking Head wisdom says now that Harris is getting up there in years, and has continued to perform well, he wants to get paid. An important side note to that wisdom is that with Charles Woodson now playing alongside Harris, he wants to ink an upgraded deal before Woodson makes him look less like an NFL defensive back, more like the naked guy streaking onto the field: slow and stupid.

In days past I’d probably go off on a rant about greedy NFL player and how he’s always looking for someone to show him the money. And I do feel that way a little. But now that I’ve started actually paying attention to the contracts of NFL players, I’ve mellowed quite a bit. Like just about every player contract, Harris’ contract is back-loaded, meaning a very large portion of his money comes at the end of his contract.

Odds are, his body will be breaking down by then and he won’t have the speed or ability to hit that he did in his younger years. Then he’ll be cut. Then he won’t make the big money part of his contract.

I know, I know. Even the league minimum is assloads more than I’ll ever make. Why feel for the guy?

I’m just an average Joe. And though I have a few years on Al Harris, I’m in decent shape. That being said, I have two knees that both could use a little roto-rooter, and I pray each night that I’ll be able to continue to run and play long enough to enjoy the time with my kids as the grow. These guys throw their bodies at other bodies while running as fast as they possibly can. Al Harris will be lucky if he can still jog at 45 (there’s only one Darrell Green, and Al Harris is no Darrell Green). And with those dreads covering his dome, who’s going to hire him post-NFL?
So I don’t blame him for a bit of voluntary work stoppage. He’s never been a troublemaker and is often a playmaker. I think his wanting a contract extension beyond 2009 (when he’ll be 35) is a little optimistic, but I don’t begrudge him trying to stuff a little extra coin into his pocket for his current contract - or at least push some of the backend money forward a bit.

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