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View Full Version : Lorenzo Neal...Could be a Bronco?



Sassy
06-06-2008, 06:09 PM
Bodyguard Neal finding pathway blocked

By Michael Silver, Yahoo! Sports
June 6, 2008




He's an All-Pro back who strikes fear in the heart of defenders, a tough, intelligent veteran who has the undying admiration of the NFL's most respected runner. When we last saw him, he was returning heroically from a broken right fibula to play in the AFC Championship game, then heading to Hawaii to start for the conference in his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Oh, and he's one of the NFL's good guys, a renowned locker-room leader whose off-the-field ventures include a private-transportation company designed to prevent drunk driving.


So why the hell can't Lorenzo Neal get a job?

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"I feel like Rudolph," Neal says. "I'm getting left out of the reindeer games. And my red nose is my age. Because of that, they won't let me play."


Released in February by the San Diego Chargers, for whom the bruising fullback spent the previous five seasons clearing holes for record-setting halfback LaDainian Tomlinson, Neal, 37, isn't ready to call it a career. Made expendable in San Diego because of coach Norv Turner's preference for H-backs and blocking tight ends, as well as the organization's regard for fifth-year fullback Andrew Pinnock, Neal is hoping to hook on with a team that values a traditional power running attack. He lists the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers among his desired destinations.
"I don't know how that guy can still be on the street," says a high-ranking front-office executive for an NFC team. "If you want someone who can light up a defender on an 'iso' block, that's your guy."


Echoed another NFC team's general manager, which is not in the market for a fullback: "I know one thing – the guy can still block."


One thing Neal won't do is blow up his former employer. He says he bears no grudge toward general manager A.J. Smith and realizes that Turner, who replaced Marty Schottenheimer after the '06 season, favors a different offensive approach than his predecessor.


"If Marty was here, do I think I'd still be on the team? I think so, because he favored a physical approach to running the ball. But I had a good relationship with Norv," Neal says. "He likes good leadership, and I'm not a guy in the locker room that is disruptive or misses meetings or weigh-ins or acts out."


During the first 2½ months of the '07 season, as the Chargers struggled to a 5-5 start, Neal and Tomlinson were among the many holdovers who grumbled about the philosophical switch. Among other changes, Neal's workload was reduced from an average of 50-plus snaps a game to something closer to the 15-20-play range.


"I'm also a warrior, a guy that loves to be in the contest," Neal says. "I don't want to play 10 plays a game. I want to be out there all the time. That's why I train so hard."


Neal, who has remained in the San Diego area, says he typically arrives at a local gym before dawn, running on a treadmill and doing other exercises before a personal trainer arrives to put him through a grueling workout. Sometimes, the process takes five hours. He has also been taking classes in Bikram yoga; the sessions last 90 minutes and are conducted in a room with a temperature of approximately 105 degrees.

"I'm not gonna lie to you – it does smell pretty nasty in there," Neal says. "It stinks when you walk in, and after 15 or 20 minutes you're like, 'Man, I just want this thing over with.' I understand that as you get older, you have to work harder."


Neal's work goes largely unnoticed by the casual fan, and his fantasy value is exclusively as a conduit to the statistical successes of others. He has cleared the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the last 11 seasons, making life better for Adrian Murrell, Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Corey Dillon and Tomlinson.


Especially LT. I wrote about their tight-knit relationship for Sports Illustrated late in 2006, when soon-to-be-MVP Tomlinson was on his way to one of the best statistical seasons in league history. "He's the most dominant blocker in the game," LT said then, "and the respect he gets from other players is something that strikes you immediately. Before every game, when they're running out for warmups, players on the other team always stop and speak to him. That tells you so much."


The two friends still speak constantly, and playing apart won't be easy for either of them. They are close enough that, after his first carry in the AFC Championship game, Tomlinson confided to Neal that he wouldn't be able to run effectively on his sprained left knee. "He looked at me and said, 'Man, I just don't have it,' " Neal recalled. "If he'd tried to keep playing on it, it would've done the team more harm than good."


The Chargers' offensive huddle was a mess going into that 21-12 defeat to the New England Patriots at chilly Gillette Stadium. Quarterback Philip Rivers played despite a torn anterior cruciate ligament; star tight end Antonio Gates was severely hobbled by a dislocated toe; Tomlinson lasted just four snaps; and Neal was playing his first game after breaking his right fibula in a Dec. 9 victory over the Tennessee Titans.


The subsequent criticism of Tomlinson's aborted effort by NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders and others irked Neal, who says, "For guys to question his toughness, they're wrong. They don't know the degree of the man's commitment. If the outcome of the game had been different, it wouldn't even have been an issue. I know he says he doesn't care what people say, but I don't care who you are – things like that bother you. It's disappointing."


Last season was the closest Neal got to winning a championship since, eight years earlier, he played for a Titans team that came within half a yard of sending Super Bowl XXXIV into overtime before losing to the St. Louis Rams. The man who helped the Titans get there by fielding the kickoff which became the Music City Miracle is still chasing that ring, though it's not a singular obsession.


For more than a decade Neal has been carefully laying the groundwork for a life beyond football, dabbling in real estate and other business interests. The latest venture in which he got involved, Safe Ride Solutions, is a service that caters to athletes and others who might be tempted to drink and drive. Neal, with whom I've enjoyed having a few beers over the years, tailored the business to the needs and circumstances of his peers. NICE!


"Basically, it's like having a AAA card for partying," Neal says. "You call an 800 number, and an off-duty police officer comes to you and drives you home in your own car, no questions asked. It's totally confidential. When we pitched it to the NFL, they gave us their approval and told us it was OK to shop it to teams. Given what's going on with teams like Cincinnati (one of Neal's many ex-employers), they should get involved."


Less than two months before the start of training camp, Neal is hoping he'll soon be involved with a team that isn't scared off by his age.


"I know there are some teams out there I can help," he says. "If you want to talk about my age, let's go lift. Watch me bench 225 (pounds) 35 or 40 times in a row. Watch me squat 315 30 times nonstop. Watch me run 400s. In terms of overall conditioning, I think I'm one of the top 20 or 30 guys in the league.


"I feel great. Until I broke my leg, I had a streak of 221 consecutive games (the NFL's third-longest streak among active players at the time). I take a lot of pride in that. I know I can play another three or four years. I understand that I'm on my closing act, but I've still got skills. I just want a team to let me write my last chapter."

NameUsedBefore
06-06-2008, 06:12 PM
Yes please.

Sassy
06-06-2008, 06:20 PM
He's older, been injured but he seems to be a good guy...why not give him a shot?
He sounds like he's dedicated...

NameUsedBefore
06-06-2008, 06:23 PM
Lorenzo Neal is a beast. I have to admit I'm a huuuuge supporter of the blocking fullback theory to the run-game, though.

Timmy!
06-06-2008, 06:40 PM
I'd be all for it, but I doubt we sign him.

Watchthemiddle
06-06-2008, 06:51 PM
I'd be all for it, but I doubt we sign him.

Me too.

I think he could be huge for out young guys and getting Hillis ready, but at 37 and with our young talent, I don't see us bringing him in.

Day1BroncoFan
06-06-2008, 06:58 PM
We could probably use someone with a grudge against the chargirls.

Requiem / The Dagda
06-06-2008, 07:18 PM
God no. We drafted Hillis who is a fantastic fit for the WCO and can be a versatile weapon. No, no, NO.

weazel
06-06-2008, 07:27 PM
I have to say no as well. 37, money can be spent elsewhere.

Sassy
06-06-2008, 07:27 PM
Yeah...but Hillis is a ROOK!

Requiem / The Dagda
06-06-2008, 07:29 PM
Yeah...but Hillis is a ROOK!

Hillis is a bonafide badass though. Check out his mugshot on the official site under his profile. He just screams, "I'll eat your babies." I don't think that fullback is necessarily going to be a complex thing to adjust to. He can run the ball and he can catch the ball as well. IMHO, he has a great shot at being a very, very good full back for us, perhaps Pro-Bowl quality for all he can do.

BroncoWave
06-06-2008, 07:37 PM
God no. We drafted Hillis who is a fantastic fit for the WCO and can be a versatile weapon. No, no, NO.

Dream, sometimes I think we share the same brain. Those are my thoughts exactly!

Sassy
06-06-2008, 07:39 PM
You don't know that Hillis isn't going to be a bust in the NFL...I'd like to have some experience as backup.

Requiem / The Dagda
06-06-2008, 07:44 PM
You don't know that Hillis isn't going to be a bust in the NFL...I'd like to have some experience as backup.

Lorenzo Neal isn't the kind of fullback that Mike Shanahan would utilize here. When's the last time we've ever had a smashmouth, I'm going to put you on your rear type full back here? I honestly can't even think. It's quite obvious with the drafting of Hillis and signing of Pittman that we're looking for a guy who can be utilized as a receiver and a runner. Lorenzo is a bull-dozer, not much of a runner or a pass catcher. Contrary to what's emphasized in our WCO.

Hobe
06-06-2008, 07:50 PM
Sometimes I think the NFL is trying to phase out the fullback position. In a year or three some coach will start using a tough blocking fullback to spark a power running game and he will be duded the next Norman Einstein! :2thumbs:

scott.475
06-06-2008, 08:12 PM
I'm not sure there would be room for him and Pittman in the locker room. I don't mean egos, I mean physically, those are two huge guys. Whenever they flew anywhere, they would have to make sure one was sitting on each side so the plane didn't just fly in circles.

Lonestar
06-06-2008, 08:14 PM
If he can be had cheap bring him in for look see.

dogfish
06-07-2008, 02:09 AM
no thanks. . . he was a fantastic player in his heyday, but he's used up-- he doesn't have it any more. . . his pro bowl selection was more an indictment of the lack of true, quality fullbacks than anything-- or, call it a "lifetime achievement award". . . i remember reading reports last year (before he got hurt) that he looked hesitant and wasn't clearing the holes the way he had in the past-- all that head-banging ctaches up with you after a while. . . i would have LOVED having neal in orange and blue a few years ago, but not now. . . his attitude may be 100% different, but in terms of what he's got left physically this reminds me of fans wanting simeon rice so badly before last year, when in reality the big name is about all he had left. . . our backfield is all ready chock full, and IMO it's foolish to bring in a mentor/experienced backup/one year rental type when we're FINALLY getting away from relying on overpriced and past their prime free agents and trying to build through the draft. . . don't spend a roster spot on a guy who's going to be here for a year, and pay for it by losing a guy who could be here for 5-10. . . .

Lonestar
06-07-2008, 02:16 AM
no thanks. . . he was a fantastic player in his heyday, but he's used up-- he doesn't have it any more. . . his pro bowl selection was more an indictment of the lack of true, quality fullbacks than anything-- or, call it a "lifetime achievement award". . . i remember reading reports last year (before he got hurt) that he looked hesitant and wasn't clearing the holes the way he had in the past-- all that head-banging ctaches up with you after a while. . . i would have LOVED having neal in orange and blue a few years ago, but not now. . . his attitude may be 100% different, but in terms of what he's got left physically this reminds me of fans wanting simeon rice so badly before last year, when in reality the big name is about all he had left. . . our backfield is all ready chock full, and IMO it's foolish to bring in a mentor/experienced backup/one year rental type when we're FINALLY getting away from relying on overpriced and past their prime free agents and trying to build through the draft. . . don't spend a roster spot on a guy who's going to be here for a year, and pay for it by losing a guy who could be here for 5-10. . . .



maybe it is time for a player coach? or perhaps a FB coach..

Bad Intentions
06-07-2008, 08:35 AM
He's older, been injured but he seems to be a good guy...why not give him a shot?
He sounds like he's dedicated...

Dedicated may even be an understatement... he sounds obsessed!

Ziggy
06-07-2008, 10:47 AM
Lorenzo Neal isn't the kind of fullback that Mike Shanahan would utilize here. When's the last time we've ever had a smashmouth, I'm going to put you on your rear type full back here? I honestly can't even think. It's quite obvious with the drafting of Hillis and signing of Pittman that we're looking for a guy who can be utilized as a receiver and a runner. Lorenzo is a bull-dozer, not much of a runner or a pass catcher. Contrary to what's emphasized in our WCO.

His name was Howard Griffith, and he helped pave the way for the most dominant running games in NFL history. Neal would be a great addition to this team, and a perfect mentor for Hillis. I'm a huge Hillis fan, but his blocking is nowhere near the level of a Lorenzo Neal.

Besides that, Neal is itching to get into an NFL camp and will probably come cheap. For close to the veteran minimum, we could get a guy that is a leader, has great character, and is the best blocking back in the NFL. In an interview with Tomlinson a couple of months ago, LT had already said that losing Lorenzo Neal is going to be a huge loss for the Chargers. He could be just as big of a gain for the Broncos. The other thing that the signing of Neal would accomplish is to let Larsen focus completely on MLB and forget about fullback.

Den21vsBal19
06-07-2008, 11:30 AM
If he can be had cheap bring him in for look see.
I'd agree, if we could get him for vet min, then he could be a great addition, and his presence would only prove benificial to Hillis in the long term

Sassy
06-07-2008, 12:59 PM
His name was Howard Griffith, and he helped pave the way for the most dominant running games in NFL history. Neal would be a great addition to this team, and a perfect mentor for Hillis. I'm a huge Hillis fan, but his blocking is nowhere near the level of a Lorenzo Neal.

Besides that, Neal is itching to get into an NFL camp and will probably come cheap. For close to the veteran minimum, we could get a guy that is a leader, has great character, and is the best blocking back in the NFL. In an interview with Tomlinson a couple of months ago, LT had already said that losing Lorenzo Neal is going to be a huge loss for the Chargers. He could be just as big of a gain for the Broncos. The other thing that the signing of Neal would accomplish is to let Larsen focus completely on MLB and forget about fullback.

Dream is too young to remember Howard Griffith:laugh::D:lol:

Requiem / The Dagda
06-07-2008, 01:08 PM
His name was Howard Griffith, and he helped pave the way for the most dominant running games in NFL history. Neal would be a great addition to this team, and a perfect mentor for Hillis. I'm a huge Hillis fan, but his blocking is nowhere near the level of a Lorenzo Neal.

He also seemed to be more involved than Neal ever was in regards to the passing game as well. Why do you think Lorenzo Neal hasn't signed with a team yet? Just refer to Dogfish's post and that might help.


Besides that, Neal is itching to get into an NFL camp and will probably come cheap. For close to the veteran minimum, we could get a guy that is a leader, has great character, and is the best blocking back in the NFL. In an interview with Tomlinson a couple of months ago, LT had already said that losing Lorenzo Neal is going to be a huge loss for the Chargers. He could be just as big of a gain for the Broncos. The other thing that the signing of Neal would accomplish is to let Larsen focus completely on MLB and forget about fullback.

The last thing Denver needs to do is bring in a person like Neal. It's been far too long now that Denver has brough in over-the-hill talent and let a young player who has longevity go thanks in part. I don't think you want me to even begin that name list. From last year, Simeon Rice. . .

Ziggy
06-07-2008, 01:20 PM
He also seemed to be more involved than Neal ever was in regards to the passing game as well. Why do you think Lorenzo Neal hasn't signed with a team yet? Just refer to Dogfish's post and that might help.


Very slightly more involved in the passing game. In Howard Griffith's 4 years with the Broncos,( I won't count the 5th because he didn't play), he averaged 17.5 receptions per season. In Lorenzo Neal's 5 season's with the Chargers he averaged 15.6 receptions per season.

He hasn't signed with a team because of his age and the fact that he is coming off of an injury.

Ziggy
06-07-2008, 01:24 PM
The last thing Denver needs to do is bring in a person like Neal. It's been far too long now that Denver has brough in over-the-hill talent and let a young player who has longevity go thanks in part. I don't think you want me to even begin that name list. From last year, Simeon Rice. . .

Shoot, I guess we should just stop signing free agents all together and just play unproven rookies. After all, they have longevity.

Requiem / The Dagda
06-07-2008, 01:26 PM
Very slightly more involved in the passing game. In Howard Griffith's 4 years with the Broncos,( I won't count the 5th because he didn't play), he averaged 17.5 receptions per season. In Lorenzo Neal's 5 season's with the Chargers he averaged 15.6 receptions per season.

Furthermore, Griffith had more touchdowns (I believe) and double the YPC average as Lorenzo did. That means goes quite a ways IMHO.


He hasn't signed with a team because of his age and the fact that he is coming off of an injury.

Obviously, so why do you want him here? To be a mentor? I guess I can see that, but banking on him doing much more than that is engaging in wishful thinking IMHO. He's not going to be the difference maker that puts this team over the top, or enough of one to make our rushing attack that much better. I think there is a little over-emphasis on how much he'd help this team. JMO.

Requiem / The Dagda
06-07-2008, 01:27 PM
Shoot, I guess we should just stop signing free agents all together and just play unproven rookies. After all, they have longevity.

That's not what I said at all. I said over-the-hill veterans (talent). Next time you quote me for conversation, don't take what I have to say out of context. I know it tries to help this skewed argument you're making here, but it's not a correct one to make based on what I said. TIA.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
06-07-2008, 01:37 PM
Does'nt fit what we do. Hes more fit for a power running team. PLus we want guys who can catch the ball out of the backfield.

shank
06-07-2008, 01:40 PM
again, signing a guy like neal will just mean reduced carries and opportunity for hillis, which would be stupid. i also watched lorenzo neal put two bears on IR in one game by blocking questionably... don't need another person fueling the 'cheap broncos' system talk.

put hillis in there and watch him become a very good pro.

Ziggy
06-07-2008, 01:41 PM
That's not what I said at all. I said over-the-hill veterans (talent). Next time you quote me for conversation, don't take what I have to say out of context. I know it tries to help this skewed argument you're making here, but it's not a correct one to make based on what I said. TIA.

Skewed argument? OK Pot, this is the kettle. First, you want to make a big deal of the fact that Howard Griffith caught less than 2 passes per year more than Neal. Next you're going to try to convince us that he had double the YPC. I'll assume you meant yeards per catch, and not carry. Either way, you're wrong. Why don't you get do a little research before you start spewing incorrect stats. Did I misquote anything there?

shank
06-07-2008, 01:44 PM
he's about 3 more times washed up than micheal pittman

Ziggy
06-07-2008, 01:45 PM
again, signing a guy like neal will just mean reduced carries and opportunity for hillis, which would be stupid. i also watched lorenzo neal put two bears on IR in one game by blocking questionably... don't need another person fueling the 'cheap broncos' system talk.

put hillis in there and watch him become a very good pro.

Like I said before, I'm a big fan of Hillis. In the RB thread, I picked him as the starter. To me, brining in a guy like Neal accomplishes a few things. 1) If Hillis turns out to be a bust or goes down with an injury, we have a great blocking FB to come in and back him up. 2) It adds leadership and character to the locker room. 3) It brings in a guy with one of the best work ethics in the NFL, and that tends to rub on on younger players sometimes.

Requiem / The Dagda
06-07-2008, 01:50 PM
Skewed argument? OK Pot, this is the kettle. First want to make a big deal of the fact that Howard Griffith caught less than 2 passes per year more than Neal. Next you're going to try to convince us that he had double the YPC. I'll assume you meant yeards per catch, and not carry. Either way, you're wrong. Why don't you get do a little research before you start spewing incorrect stats. Did I misquote anything there?

6.5, YPC. (Per Catch) -- Griffith

4.9, YPC. (Per Catch) -- Neal

Yeah, I guess I did overstate how much more, but 1.5 per catch comes out to be a significant stat. Yet, the point still stands that Griffith was a better weapon out of the backfield as a receiver than Neal ever was for San Diego. When you play one less year (four as opposed to five), almost have the same number of catches, more yards and more touchdowns. I think that says something more in Griffith's favor of having more of a dynamic in the offense we ran.

Outside leadership opportunities, is there a real reason why you want Neal here? Are you seriously going to disregard the fact that he's not the kind of player we're looking for at the position? The signing of Pittman and the drafting of Hillis would be my support for that.

This is just more typical, "OMG, Neal was tha bomb for the Chargers, lets get him!" talk that happens with a lot of veterans on the market in the NFL. It's senseless.

Ziggy
06-07-2008, 02:02 PM
6.5, YPC. (Per Catch) -- Griffith

4.9, YPC. (Per Catch) -- Neal

Yeah, I guess I did overstate how much more, but 1.5 per catch comes out to be a significant stat. Yet, the point still stands that Griffith was a better weapon out of the backfield as a receiver than Neal ever was for San Diego. When you play one less year (four as opposed to five), almost have the same number of catches, more yards and more touchdowns. I think that says something more in Griffith's favor of having more of a dynamic in the offense we ran.

Outside leadership opportunities, is there a real reason why you want Neal here? Are you seriously going to disregard the fact that he's not the kind of player we're looking for at the position? The signing of Pittman and the drafting of Hillis would be my support for that.

This is just more typical, "OMG, Neal was tha bomb for the Chargers, lets get him!" talk that happens with a lot of veterans on the market in the NFL. It's senseless.

I think I posted this while you were working on your post Dream..


Like I said before, I'm a big fan of Hillis. In the RB thread, I picked him as the starter. To me, brining in a guy like Neal accomplishes a few things. 1) If Hillis turns out to be a bust or goes down with an injury, we have a great blocking FB to come in and back him up. 2) It adds leadership and character to the locker room. 3) It brings in a guy with one of the best work ethics in the NFL, and that tends to rub on on younger players sometimes.

I guess we disagree on what Neal has left. I still think he can contribute in the NFL, obviously you don't. It has nothing to do with him playing for the Chargers. I've watched him throughout his career. There's a reason that the back he has blocked for for the last 11 seasons has eclipsed 100 yards. He's old-school, and I'm a big fan of that. He's a down and dirty in your face type of football player. He's not a primadonna and he's willing to work harder than everyone else to get the job done. I'm sure you wouldn't mind seeing Hillis develop the same work ethic and attitude.

As far as the Pittman signing goes, I don't think he was brought in to play fullback. I think he was brought in to play running back, and much has been made of the fact that he has FB experience. Right now, Pittman is running with the second team at RB. Yes, it means little, but it does show me that he's viewed as a RB and not a FB right now.

Benetto
06-07-2008, 03:36 PM
The only thing I like about Neal is his knowledge of the Chargers offense, and running schemes...

Otherwise, I have always thought he is a rampant user of Illegal performance enhancers, and have hated him for years...Better off without a aging, bank breaking FB. IMHO