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Chuck Bresnahan endorses Odell Thurman's return to the NFL

Odell Thurman. The mere mention of his name makes Bengals fans shudder. He, along with other players, were apart of a very elite group of players that caused so much off-the-field problems in 2006, that the Bengals started becoming the poster-children of athletes gone wrong. Kind of like an NBA team eight years ago. But as a Bengals fan, the mention of him also makes me sad, knowing that the guy that was supposed to be Cincinnati's future defensive leader. All of the sudden, he just crashed and burned off the field.

There's no denying that Odell had the tools to be a stud linebacker in the NFL and he showed a lot of promise his rookie season. Unfortunately, the Bengals watched their second round pick in 2005 become the target of Chancellor Roger Goodell's tightening personal conduct policies. Thurman hasn't played in the NFL since his rookie season in 2005.

However, he's reportedly working hard to make something of his life, making a stop with UFL's Orlando team, where former Bengals defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan works as a coordinator. And Chuck is mightily impressed with the progress that Odell is making.

“Odell played lights-out football. It was really fun to watch him come back and do the things he loves to do,” Bresnahan said. “On the practice field, in the games, even in the meeting rooms during training camp and the season, he was incredible. His personality is infectious. He did a tremendous job.”

Bresnahan is hoping Thurman has overcome the demons.

“I would like to say yes because while he was there he was a model professional athlete,” Bresnahan said. “He did everything the right way. He studied. He abided by the rules. He did everything you asked him to do and he played lights-out football. I know there were (NFL) teams interested in the end, but he has to go through the reinstatement process. That’s up to him. I called on his behalf and really think the world of him as a football player and I think he has matured a lot and hopefully turned that corner for the positive.”

You know it. I know it. If Odell does return to the NFL, there's more than a slim chance that Bengals owner Mike Brown would take a flyer on Odell. Think of it from Brown's perspective. Dhani enters the final year under contract. Sign Odell to a bare-bones minimum contract. Keep Rey Maualuga at strong-side linebacker and boom, you have your starting linebackers far beyond 2010. And if Odell plays at the level he did his rookie season, I'm not so sure I wouldn't entertain the notion with guys on the roster that could help Odell like they did with Chris Henry, provided Odell wants that like Henry did.

Still, while there's a slight chance, I wouldn't expect it. As Geoff Hobson bluntly writes, "don’t look for him" to return to the Bengals.

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I kind of meant it as an inside joke. I suppose others should know the inside joke before it becomes relevant, eh? :)

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Jan 27, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions  

I love me some Odell.

Bengals should resign him

by Diesel2405 on Jan 27, 2010 7:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

I'd love it if Odell came back

Just so I can wear my Odell Thurman jersey again….

My fantasy football team this year? Lippincott's Shorts

by cesarhernandez on Jan 27, 2010 8:43 PM EST reply actions  

Why not!

I think MB should give him another shot. If he is over his stupidity, then sign the man b/c when he was here in 05, I said he was the next Ray Lewis and still believe that he can be.
This is right up MB’s alley. Not much to spend and giving another shot with someone he can control, but in this situation, controlling Odell may be a good thing.
Can you see Rivers, Odell and Rey Rey as our LB’s. This would be awesome to have. I always thought highly of Odell as just a football player, but not a person. That can change though, like Henry.

by WHYUS!! on Jan 27, 2010 9:08 PM EST reply actions  

Slim wore 15...Odell wore 51...

It could happen. Never…say…never. The man was an uber-beast and would have been Defensive ROY if not for Merriman.

The only thing I’d recommend with a Rivers/Thurman/StingRey LB corps would be…let Maualuga call the defense on the field. I know it’s usually the Mike’s job, but I think that was Thurman’s lone deficiency in ’05. His strengths came from…well, strength, plus pure LB animal instinct, not from quick thinking and seeing the field, which I think StingRey might do a little bit better…not to mention Rivers.

by TheWalrus1971 on Jan 28, 2010 12:53 AM EST reply actions  

It could work now.....

In any of the previous ML era locker rooms I would nix the idea but this group of guys have the right kind of leadership to control him. I would say he would have a better than 50/50 chance. Bring him in a backup to Jones with a minimum contract and let him prove that he can keep his head on straight. If he can handle ML and the pressure thru TC and preseason we all know he has the talent to potentially be a very good and maybe even great player. Rivers, Thurmond, Malaluga could be the best threesome LB corps in the league in 2011 but only if Odell can defeat his demons. I say give him a chance but don’t depend on him until he proves himself worthy. Henry didn’t appreciate what he had until he lost it and it is very possible that Odell could feel the same way.

" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran

by JUNGLEJOHN on Jan 28, 2010 9:08 AM EST reply actions  

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