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Delete it if it is a repost..... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/wr...f=si_topstoriesLONG BEACH, Calif. -- Looking at the faces around the table at a bowling alley nestled inside of a local GameWorks, Willie McGinest's decision seems natural, if not easy. Sitting with his father, Willie McGinest Sr.; mother, Joyce; sisters, Lisa and Tanisha; fiancé, Gloriana; and daughters, Rylie, 3, and Halie, 1, celebrating the third annual Willie McGinest Day in his hometown of Long Beach, the veteran linebacker concedes this will likely be the last time he'll enjoy this day as an active player. "This will be it," says McGinest, entering the final season of a three-year contract he signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2006. "This will be my 15th season. I've worked hard; I think I've done everything I set out to accomplish. The hard work, sacrifice, dedication -- I committed myself to doing it the right way and playing it the right way. I've been blessed to play with some of the best players in the world and play against some of the best in the world. I think 15 years going strong I've held my own." While there have been players in the past who have retired only to end up regretting it soon after -- like McGinest's former teammate Junior Seau, who retired after a 16-year career only to sign four days later with the New England Patriots -- McGinest says he won't have any regrets about his decision after this season is over. "I won't, not at all," says McGinest. "The game's been good to me. It's been a lot of hard work but I understand that there comes a certain time when you have to go out with a bang and leave it like that." McGinest hopes to provide that bang this season by finishing out his career with one last playoff run. It seemed like an impossible ending to a career highlighted by three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots when two years ago when he signed with Cleveland for $12 million to reunite with head coach Romeo Crennel, his former defensive coordinator at New England. The Browns were coming off a 6-10 season in Crennel's first year on the job and McGinest would languish through a 4-12 campaign in his first season with the team. Last season, however, the Browns went 10-6, their best record since 1994, and missed the playoffs on a mere tiebreaker. "The guys on the team finally started believing in the team concept that it's not about one guy, it's not about 2-3 guys, it's about the whole 53-man roster," says McGinest, who has recorded 85 sacks and been named two Pro Bowls during his career. "If we're going to be good, we have to be good together and pitch in and work hard. I think we started coming together as a team and getting really close [after Week 1] with guys from all sides -- offense, defense, special teams -- complementing each other and we started to jell. We saw what could happen if we work together and play together. That was just the start for us." No matter what the Browns do this season, however, McGinest's career will forever be defined by his 12 seasons in New England, where he was the defensive cornerstone of three Super Bowl championship teams in four seasons. "I have no regrets about my 12 years there," says McGinest, who holds the record for most postseason sacks with 16 and the single-game record with 4.5 sacks in a 2006 wild card win over Jacksonville in what would prove to be his last game as a Patriot at Gillette Stadium. "I played in some of the biggest games in the world and won them. I've done everything a football player can do in a uniform. Some of the people I met, the ties I had to the community, the fans, the players -- I think I became a man there playing under some of the best coaches ever in [Bill] Parcells, [Bill] Belichick and [Pete] Carroll." Few players will have a more seamless transition into retirement than McGinest, whose portfolio of off-the-field endeavors is almost as impressive as his accomplishments on it. He is the CEO of 55 Entertainment, a "multifaceted entertainment company" which encompasses his charitable work, event planning and record label, 55 Records, which has a production deal with A&M/Interscope. He's a consultant with Premier Sports Management, where McGinest tries to "talk to cats and put them on the right road," a partner in Signature Collectibles, a sports memorabilia company where "we're trying to give players 50-50 memorabilia deals instead of 85-15," and has a franchise agreement to open three WingStop restaurants in Southern California. "I'm happy to say that I've been involved in a lot of things and have kept myself busy," says McGinest, whose past experience as a commentator on The NFL Network and ESPN will likely land him a television gig as well when he retires. "I've tried to do a lot of little things and also tried to give back and create opportunities for other people in my community to do good." McGinest commitment to his community was evident during his honorary day in Long Beach. While the day was meant as a tribute to McGinest, he used it as a vehicle for a day-long charitable tour funded by the Willie McGinest Foundation. He played video games with disabled children at Ability First, a hospital he's been visiting since high school when his mother worked there; donated three scholarships to college-bound students at his high school, Long Beach Poly; visited with kids at the Willie McGinest Freedom School, an educational program he started for the youth in his community; and took a group from a Boys and Girls Club as well as his Pop Warner team, the Long Beach Browns (formerly the Patriots), to GameWorks. "The day was supposed to be about me, but me being me, I wanted to change it and make it about giving back to the kids," says McGinest. "You always have to remember your foundation and your roots and where you're from so when the city decided to make a day for me and give me the key to the city it was an honor but I wanted to use it as a way to give back." As McGinest wraps up the end of his day, paper plates of chicken fingers and ravioli littered around the bowling alley like the remnants of a children's birthday party, he looks around the table at his family and the 50 or so children he's just unloaded on the nearby arcade and smiles contently. It's been a good day and an even better career. "I have no regrets or no qualms about my career," he says. "I've done everything a football player can do and I've done it more than once."
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Legend
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so sad to see him leave... so happy to see him go...
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Sure hope he stays on as a coach or consultant... his leadership abilities are amazing.
<><
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Willie has had a great career, and I think that he is making the right move in retiring. I would like for him to stay on in some way.
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Looks like he has plenty to keep him busy... As well spoken as Willie is i can see him being approached as a commentator. Good luck Willie.
nordawg
The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
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And the next head coach is ......
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McGinest and Jurevicius retiring after this season... I cannot think of a better way for them to go out than with a trip to, and one last win in, the Super Bowl. Those are two great careers ending on a high note... and it would preserve Joe's unprecedented streak of going to the Super Bowl with every team he has played on. 
Last edited by PrplPplEater; 05/07/08 09:43 AM.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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Quote:
Those are two great careers ending on a high note... and it would preserve Joe's unprecedented streak of going to the Super Bowl with every team he has played on.
Welp, Cleveland teams are well-known not to break a streak. 
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j/c
Willie was a great player and the consummate professional. I hope he can leave his career on a high note.
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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It was fun willie. I will always remember what you did for the patriots
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So.. He's decided to steal his paycheck for one more year..
SaintDawg™
Football, baseball, basketball, wine, women, walleye
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Quote:
McGinest and Jurevicius retiring after this season... I cannot think of a better way for them to go out than with a trip to, and one last win in, the Super Bowl.
Those are two great careers ending on a high note... and it would preserve Joe's unprecedented streak of going to the Super Bowl with every team he has played on.
That would be so sweet. What a way to go out, what a great gift to the fans that would be. 
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
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He and Andra Davis both took paycuts this year if i recall
"I don't remember any of my catches. I remember the drops." - Kellen Winslow II
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cheap shot.
He'll earn every penny of it. He may be getting older and slower but he still contributes on the field, the sidelines and in the locker room. You should appreciate that... it has had alot to do with turning this team around.
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Quote:
You should appreciate that... it has had alot to do with turning this team around.
Agreed- in spades. Noone can underestimate the impact veteran leadership has on a team like ours.... with so many young and green players.
Squad Veterans:
1. show them how to work in practice 2. show them how to play in games 3. show them how to conduct themselves in front of a camera 4. show them how to conduct themselves when the camera's turned off 5. show them how to handle a win 6. show them how to handle a loss 7. show them how to handle a season of adversity 8. show them how to handle a season of promise and progress... and possibly 9. show them how to play a postseason, when NONE of them have ever experienced it ...and perhaps most importantly: 10. show Manchildren how to be true Men in their new lives/jobs. (Even Twenty-Something multi-millionaires need mentors after they leave their fathers/uncles/grandfathers....)
The minute we limit ourselves to thinking that a Man's contribution to his community (In this case, Our Browns) is based solely on the visible "measurables" is the minute we choose to limit our communitiy's possibilities.
Simply put- you can't place a price tag on experience and maturity.
You wanna know how valuable WMcG has been to to this team? -Just ask Kam Wimbley. He'll set you straight in no time. After his rookie season, all he could talk about was how Willie helped to accelerate his learning curve, fill in technique gaps, and show him how to be a professional. There are probably any number of younger players who have benefitted from his presence here who will say the same thing- whether they play his position or not. As a casual fan on a message board I'll take Kamerion Wimbley's word over your smartass quip any day.
I believe that both Savage and Crennel knew exactly what they were getting when they hired Willie McGinest. I also believe that he hasn't disappointed them for one minute during his tenure.
Truth be told... I hope he remains "true to type"... and blows off a lucrative NFLNetwork studio gig for a spot on our coaching staff. He's been touted by many players in the league as a gifted natural teacher- and Kam's & DQ's praise helps to validate that claim.
Just because something/someone is old doesn't make it/him junk.
I never thought I'd say this to any fellow Dawg, but shame on you, Saint- you know better than this. It's beneath you.
[/rant] Clemdawg
"too many notes, not enough music-"
#GMStong
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Quote:
So.. He's decided to steal his paycheck for one more year..
Dont discount the importance of veteran leadership, Willie has played a integral role in this teams development.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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most already do.....
those only judge contribution by tackles and sacks....
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Mixed for me. He has been a great piece of puzzle as we got healed. It is time for him to go, but we will be out a leader. Skills are slipping some. I would have liked to see a few more games and more impact on the turf from him but he is a keeper. If he is willing to stay on, then use him for a couple years. Good luck this year, but we need a more mobile stud in there. 
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
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Legend
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Quote:
most already do.....
those only judge contribution by tackles and sacks....
and those that only look at that and still discount his value haven't been actually paying attention, they only look at the "shiny" numbers like sacks.
Flat out undeniable... our run D was MUCH better when he was in and not one of our linebackers had more batted balls. He's lost a step, but he's still one helluva valuable player.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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I agree. I worry about our run stopping ability if he's gone. Peek sure wasn't great against it. i doubt that Orr could be. A ton of good pass rushers don't help against the run, but hopefully the new line will help.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
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Willie's been a class act. I say we send him out with a ring!
![[Linked Image from members.cox.net]](http://members.cox.net/flyinc5/smallsigpics/frcburnout.gif) AL 29 76 14 R_K
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I'd like to see us sign him on as a coach. He's had a great career, although I can't wait until he's off the field.
Great guy, somehow we gotta keep him around Berea.
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j/c
Yes, his leadership and influence on the young guys is important.
But, does he still have it on the field?? Is he a 'lock' to make the roster this year?? I'm not so sure that he isn't given his retirement a bit earlier then planned. JMO.
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I'm just going to come out and say it. There is zero chance Willie doesn't make the team. He is our best runn stuffing OLB by far and we have almost zero depth at OLB. He can still contribute.
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WM has always been a great guy. Solid human being...Great player at every level, in his day!  IMO, he should have retired before the 2007 season. Calling it quits has to be one of the toughest decisions you ever make... If you quit when you still have it do you regret that for the rest of your life? Maybe not... If you hang on to long and make them escort you out do you regret that too? Or do you go out swinging until you can't swing anymore...? To each their own... Glad it's not me... 
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Anyone wanna bet he retires as a Patriot?
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Quote:
Anyone wanna bet he retires as a Patriot?
Maybe, he's definitely the poster boy toady spokesman for damage control to mitigate the fallout from Cheatergate: Willie McG on Patriots Cam
I like the guy, but was this really necessary? It gives me the heebie jeebies to be honest about it. 
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
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McGinest ready for final season Steve King, Staff Writer 05.14.2008 Timing is everything, and so it is, too, with Willie McGinest's impending retirement. The 36-year-old outside linebacker, getting ready to begin his third season with the Browns and his 15th overall in the NFL, met with the media Wednesday for the first time since announcing last week that 2008 will be his last year. Speaking after the second of the team's 12 practices as part of its organized team activities (OTAs), he said simply, "It's just time." He added, "Like LaDainian Tomlinson said, you've just got to know when it's time to go. You don't want to play too long -- past the time where you're still able to contribute. It's been 15 years. I've played with some of the best players in the game, against some of the best players, and for some of the best coaches. "It's just time." McGinest has one year left on the three-year deal he signed with the Browns in 2006 after being released by the New England Patriots. Still, he could have foregone the 2008 season and retired now, and in fact admitted he thought about it. But his loyalty to his good friend, Browns head coach Romeo Crennel -- one of those aforementioned "best coaches" for whom McGinest has played -- lured him back. Counting the time in Cleveland, the two have been together for 10 seasons. Included were two stints with the Patriots, from 1994-96 -- McGinest's first three seasons -- when Crennel was defensive line coach, and from 2001-04 when Crennel was defensive coordinator. The Pats went to four Super Bowls, winning three of them, during that time. Now they're trying to repeat some of that with the Browns. "We're trying to do some special things here in Cleveland," McGinest said. "They've brought in a lot of guys (especially on defense) in the offseason. They're doing a lot of things to try to help us win." Crennel was just 10-22 in his first two years with the Browns as he and general manager Phil Savage worked to rebuild the club. But the team turned it around in 2007, going 10-6. However, the Browns still failed to make the playoffs, leaving unfinished business. Now, with a team that is already being hyped as one of the league's best this year, McGinest wants to give it one more shot to see if he can help deliver for himself, and for Crennel, a season that's even better than the one in 2007. This could be Crennel's chance to really make his mark as a head coach, and McGinest wants to do all he can to make sure it happens. McGinest explained, "I told Romeo, 'I want to win here. I want to help this team do what it's capable of doing." And what is that? "I said to the other guys, 'We look good on paper, but it doesn't matter until you do it on the field and prove it,' " McGinest said. "I like our chances. I'm confident that we're going to play well. But I'm not going to make any predictions that we're going to the Super Bowl." McGinest doesn't want to make a big deal out of his retirement. He's a team-first player, and too much rhetoric about him takes away from what the Browns are trying to accomplish this year. "I really haven't talked about it before, and I really didn't want to talk about it now with you guys (the media). But they (the Browns) wanted me to," he said. "I don't need a big celebration game. There's not going to be any farewell tour." Maybe not. But they're should be because McGinest, even though only 20 percent of his career will have been spent here, could be the next Brown to go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He certainly has all the pre-requisites in that he's played on championship teams, he's played well in big games and he's done the one thing a member of the defensive front seven has to do to get recognized -- that is, he's been a sack artist. With 85 career sacks, he's been one of the top pass rushers of his era. Now he's got one last chance to add an exclamation point to it all. He said he's in great shape physically, and the Browns, with five scheduled prime-time national TV appearances (there could be even more down the stretch with the NFL's flex schedule), will allow him the opportunity to shine in the national spotlight for what he hopes will be a playoff team. "The Browns haven't had this type of schedule in a long time," McGinest said. "We wanted these games, and we got them. We deserved it, we earned it -- it wasn't handed to us -- but now we have to be prove we're worthy of it by winning the big games. And that starts with Dallas (in the season opener)." His final season opener. Enough of that. "I'm not through yet," he said. "I've got one year left, and we expect to do big things here." At some point, though, it will end, and it will be time for McGinest to move on with his life, to concentrate on his business, "55 Entertainment", full-time. "I know I'll miss the camaraderie you have in football," he said. "I talked to Andre Tippett (his former teammate with the Patriots, and the franchise's great pass-rushing linebacker before McGinest arrived), and he says that's what he misses. "And there's also the thing where players get on a regimen and schedule. It will be hard to break that, too. "But I'll be fine with it." Sure he will. He already has peace of mind about his career. "If you accomplish everything a football player can accomplish, and you've worked hard for everything you've got, why would you regret your decision to retire?" McGinest said. Like McGinest, Crennel doesn't want to talk about the linebacker's retirement, and in fact refuses to do so at this time. "The year's not over yet," the coach said. "We'll talk about that at the end of the year." Indeed, with 16 games to play and a postseason berth to pursue, it's just not the right time. Home Page
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg) "I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski "Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield #gmstrong
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Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum McGinest will retire after 2008
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