Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The splash Terrell Owens made when he signed with the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League was not lost on the IFL’s Chicago Slaughter, who have extended an offer to Randy Moss.
The 35-year-old Moss announced on Monday that he wants to return to football after retiring on Aug. 1, but the football he wants to play is in the NFL. That didn’t stop Slaughter general manager and president Jeff Sedivy from announcing on the team website that he’s extending an offer to the former All-Pro receiver.
“Seeing the splash that T.O. made going to the Allen, Texas, team, it would be a coup for us to get Randy,” Slaughter coach and former Chicago Bearsdefensive tackle Steve McMichael said by phone Thursday.
McMichael believes Moss can be successful in the IFL for two reasons, including the dimensions of the field.
“Guys who are workout fiends — and Randy was, that’s one of the reasons he was so good, they don’t quit doing that,” McMichael said. “Their routine is they get up in the morning, brush their teeth and work out. So he’s in shape.
“And it’s only a 50-yard field, baby. It’s not like he has to run all over creation. It’s like playing halfcourt basketball.”
IFL players make approximately $300 per game, although compensation packages reportedly can be arranged. While Owens may have needed the money, there’s no indication Moss’ motivation is based on anything other than wanting to play football again.
“I wanna play football,” Moss said Monday on UStream. “Your boy is going to come back here and play some football, so I’m really excited. I had some things I had to adjust in my life.”
While McMichael admitted the Slaughter’s offer was a combination of seeking publicity and a sincere attempt to improve the football team, Sedivy chose to emphasize the football aspect in a statement on the team’s website.
“We’ve been looking for another receiver that can separate themselves from the cover guys in this league,” he said. “Moss would be a perfect fit.”
But he may still be a good fit for NFL teams. Moss caught just five TD passes while bouncing around three teams in 2010, but he caught 13 TDs with the New England Patriots in 2009.
While Owens, who also is co-owner of the Wranglers, didn’t appear to generate any interest among NFL teams, Moss’ agent Joel Segal told ProFootballTalk.com that he’s received calls from three NFL teams since Moss announced his interest in returning and he expects to speak to more teams at next week’s scouting combine.
–ESPN