from CNNSI.com: Former University of Texas quarterback Major Applewhite, who signed a free-agent contract with the New England Patriots, says he is giving up his NFL dreams and pursue a career as a coach. "I told the Patriots I appreciated the opportunity, but I've invested a great deal of myself in UT," Applewhite said in a story posted Friday on the Austin American-Statesman Web site. "It was a hard decision, but my focus is to graduate. I value a degree. And I love Austin and UT," he said. Applewhite said he intends to finish his degree this fall and eventually become a college coach. He needs 12 hours to finish his sports management degree with a minor in business. Scott Pioli, New England's director of player personnel, would not speculate on Applewhite's chances of making the team had he attended training camp. "We would have loved to have him here," Pioli told the newspaper. "We would not have signed him if we didn't think he could play." Texas' career passing leader and a Longhorns hero, Applewhite was considered a marginal NFL prospect. He was not drafted despite setting 48 Texas passing records, although he spent most of his senior season as a backup to Chris Simms.. In his final game, Applewhite passed for 473 yards and four touchdowns against Washington in the Holiday Bowl, leading Texas to a 47-43 comeback victory. But at 6-foot-1, he's short for NFL quarterback standards and has a history of knee injuries. Applewhite said Friday that he has not spoken to Texas Coach Mack Brown or offensive coordinator Greg Davis about becoming a student assistant coach this season. "We love Major," Brown said. 'We'll do anything within the NCAA rules to have him involved in our program. We've said all along, we want him involved." Major Applewhite gave up his NFL career (even before it started) to finish his degree at U.T. Wise move? I heard an interview he did on the Buck on Sports show in Austin yesterday morning. He says he thinks a degree would better serve his future than living out his "pipe dream" to be an NFL quarterback. Is he being a realist or afraid of potential failure? I think he was homesick and wanted to come back to Austin... He seems more like the Gary Kubiak type (visions of grandeur in the coaching world... probably wants to mold himself as Mack Brown's future successor) any thoughts?
I think a lot of UT fans wanted Major out of Austin (or at least out of the UT program) for a year to let Simms finish out his senior year without the what ifs and comparisons the media and fans will bring up. Definitely a wise move on his part cause he had little chance of making the Pats active roster. I think Major got the hint when he went undrafted but couldn't resist when he got a phone call from the Pats. When he thought it over, he wanted his degree and win a national championship.
