ShareThisAndrew Walter knows what Derrick Burgess has gone through -- as former members of the Oakland Raiders, the quarterback and the defensive lineman endured a lot of losing, a lot of ridicule, a lot of dysfunction.
So when Burgess walked into the New England Patriots locker room a couple of days ago, a place Walter just got to himself, the first thing he said to his former black-and-silver teammate was "Congratulations!"
Burgess is the latest former Raider to see his NFL fortunes change for the better, joining the Patriots after making it clear that he wasn't happy with Oakland. Walter was released by the team two days into training camp this year, and Randy Moss was traded to New England in 2007 after two unhappy seasons with the Raiders.
After his first practice with his new team on Sunday afternoon -- one in which he had to run a penalty lap for a false start in one-on-one work -- Burgess said he was surprised to have been traded, but happy to be in New England.
"I got a call and was told that I was supposed to be here, and the next thing, I was (on) my flight. I hadn't heard (anything)," about trade talks between Oakland and the Pats stretching back to draft weekend, he said. "I was just waiting to see what was going to happen with anything, so I didn't know who, what, when - I was just happy it happened."
The 2001 third-round draft pick of the Eagles signed a five-year free-agent deal with Oakland prior to the 2005 season. He got off to a tremendous start with his new team, setting a franchise record with 16 sacks in '05, a number that led the league and earned him his first Pro Bowl berth.
He returned to Hawaii the next season after posting 11 sacks.
But playing every snap as an undersized defensive end on a thin line took their toll: Burgess missed two games in 2007 with a calf injury and six last season with a triceps injury, and totaled 11 1/2 sacks over that time.
Perhaps wanting both a contract extension but also to get out of Oakland, the South Carolina native reported to the Raiders mandatory mini-camp this spring but did not take the field, claiming a stomach issue; he did not report to training camp.
Burgess acknowledged that he was hoping for a trade when he said there was a time when he was fearful a trade wouldn't happen, but said if he had remained with the Raiders he would have dealt with it.
His acquisition has been welcomed by his new teammates; Ty Warren referenced the Pats' weak pass-rush last year as proof that Burgess' presence is needed.
But he has a lot of work to do. Burgess has some experience playing linebacker in a 3-4 formation, but it is limited; even with that, however, the terminology in New England is like learning a new language. And there is the matter of adjusting to playing upright when he's had his hand in the dirt for much of his career.
Asked whether he can "stand up," Burgess drew laughs with his quick retort: "I'm standing right now." But he quickly wiped the smile from his face, saying, "Whatever they need me to do I will do and whatever I need to work on I will work on."
Coach Bill Belichick emphasized that Burgess has a long way to go, but was happy to have him out on the field. With the mini-break the rest of the players got on Friday afternoon and Saturday, the coaching staff was able to spend some time with Burgess, trying to bring him up to speed.
Burgess' focus now is on learning the playbook that has been handed to him; he isn't worried about his contract: "I'm going to take one day at a time. I'm here to play and help this team, and do the best I can to help them. I'm not worried about a contract, I'm not worried about what happens after the season. I'm worried about right now."
About trying to compare Oakland to New England: "It's two different teams, you know. I'm here with New England, ready to work, ready to get better and try to learn what I can learn to try to help this team and that's it."
Or whether there are more Pro Bowls in his future: "Man, I'm here to work and help win. I want to be able to contribute. The Pro Bowl is not on my mind right now."
(Contact Shalise Manza Young at smanza@projo.com)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
Must credit The Providence Journal
