Bad News for NFL Team

Friday, July 24, 2009, wide receiver Drew Bennett had a successful tryout with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens found themselves skinny at the jump high- glue hands- run fast position when wide out Derrick Mason put all on notice that he is retiring, but maybe not. This was Bennett's opportunity to prove he could work beyond the injuries and be a player for the Ravens. With the Bennett announcement, currently retired Mason may have a "pocket change of heart".

Pleased with the performance of the former Tennessee Titan, Ravens' coach, John Harbaugh, offered Bennett the wide-receiver position with a one year contract for $745,000, the minimum. Raven's Monday practice would include Drew Bennett. . With another dragon slain, Drew and coach John Harbaugh headed home for the weekend. Employer is happy, and the unemployment list drops by one.

Bennett, 30, plagued by a previous foot injury, and some say injury prone, adequately moved through the exercises and the pain. From "I got the job" to Sunday's knock-out-blow that Drew Bennett's body had given all. Swollen knees and pains signaled a life-changing reality flash. It is time. Later that day, Drew Bennett announced his retirement from professional football.

According to the Baltimore Ravens content writer, Mike Duffy, Bennett, appreciative and saddened stated, "The Ravens are a first-class organization that I was truly excited to join. After an off-season of workouts and rehab, I thought I was ready to play again, but it became apparent over this weekend that while my mind is willing, my body will not be able to make it through another NFL season. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL for as long as I have, but it is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life."

Bennett, college quarterback and wide receiver, graduated with a Political Science degree from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Drew played professionally for the Tennessee Titans from 2001-2006 and as a free agent pick up for the St. Louis Rams in 2007-2009. Drew missed most of the 2008 Rams season with a foot injury. The Rams released Drew in February of 2009.

Great seasons sometime come from questionable pre-season nightmares. Rummaging around for last minute talent may be challenging; availability and salaries enter into decisions. Ravens should make the playoffs with hard work from good players. By the end of the 2009 season, they may match their team colors - Black and Purple. Meanwhile, atop the flagpole, Derrick Mason perches , will this raven say "nevermore?.