Going nowhere for a long long time

By Os Davis  |   Tuesday, June 13, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Philadelphia Eagles
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Shawn Andrews is just twenty-three years old, and his career path through retirement may already be decided. But that's a good thing in the NFL, and the Philadelphia Eagles have no doubt made the OG's day with a brand-new seven-year extension.

The Eagles' first-round pick in 2004, the former Arkansas Razorback was an early favorite of head coach Andy Reid. Later saying that his new right guard "started right away when he was drafted in 2004 because we wanted him to get in there to learn," Reid immediately put Andrews on the starting team.

However, Andrews' first season suffered one of the quickest derailments possible. On what is typically described as a routine run block, he broke his leg in the second quarter of the opening day game. Poof went his rookie season.

No matter. Though Andrews has been a cause for concern due to weight problems, he came back with a vengeance in the 2005 preseason and "trimmed" himself down to 345 pounds. He started in all sixteen games, a distinction that only OT Jon Runyan shared among the Philly line.

After what the Eagles brain trust saw the level of play from Andrews they had expected, only those pesky weight issues caused hesitation to resign the potential Pro Bowler. Andrews has tipped the scales at 380, and this weight is said to limit the big guy's stamina (Imagine that!) The mammoth OG is certain to be under the microscope in this regard this summer.

Although Andrews is truly the longest of long-term in Philadelphia, his is the third multi-year deal signed by the team in the offseason thus far. Together on the line with Andrews for some time to come will be OT's Runyan (signed through 2009) and Tra Thomas (signed through 2008).

Back when Andrews was slightly younger -- Wait a minute...he's only twenty-three? Sheesh. -- Reid stated that the sky was the proverbial limit for the OG. "It's all [about] how he presents himself and how seriously he takes the game over the next couple of years here. Those are very important steps for him." Those couple of years have now passed, Andrews has presented himself well, he has taken the game over, and the giant has made those giant leaps.

His reward is a home, perhaps until the end of his playing days, in the City of Brotherly Love.

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About Os Davis

Os Davis has taken a twisted route to get to RealFootball365.com in his nearly 17 years in professional writing, working in any number of capacities in the sportswriting, news reporting and film criticism worlds. In print media, Os has served as editor at a few publications, including Albuquerque's...
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