Koren Robinson listens to his own breath.
It’s quite a sound – lively, vibrant, healthy, sober.
“I take time every day just to hear myself breathe,” Robinson said last week while overlooking the calm Pacific Ocean off Ko Olina, Hawaii.
“It’s good to know I’m alive after everything I have been through.”
Wrapping up a week during which the NFL honors its stars at the Pro Bowl, Robinson is one of three players who will line up today counting their blessings. Nothing has been easy for Robinson, a speedy receiver and kick returner for Minnesota, or Tampa Bay punter Josh Bidwell or Jets cornerback Ty Law.
Robinson is playing in the Pro Bowl a year after dealing with his alcoholism and thoughts that his career was over. Bidwell is a survivor of testicular cancer, and Law is back in the NFL after missing the final 10 games of the 2004 season because of a serious knee injury.
“It’s always great to come back from something that you don’t know if you can,” Law said.
Indeed.
In a game in which the Mannings, Baileys and Alexanders shine, it’s players like Robinson, Bidwell and Law who will likely be enjoying the day the most.
“I thought I burnt all my NFL bridges,” said Robinson, who was cut by Seattle, which had used the ninth pick of the 2001 draft on him. “I was just trying to get back in the game, trying to get somebody to trust me after my rehab. My career and my life was on the line. …
“To know that I’m making it and being here in Hawaii, part of all this is overwhelming. Life can be really lovely.”
Denver
Don’t get too caught up in those rumors that the Broncos are interested in trading with Houston for the No. 1 overall pick. In an offseason that could include a major move – Terrell Owens or Ricky Williams – this is one blockbuster with little chance of developing.
The Broncos won’t have the salary cap room to absorb the top pick. Deals for players such as Owens or Williams would be easier to maneuver because of incentives.
The only reason the Houston rumor has gotten any legs is because of the relationship between the Broncos and new Texans coach Gary Kubiak. Look for the connection between Kubiak – who spent 11 seasons as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator – to continue simply because it’s easy.
Yes, Houston, perhaps unwilling to deal with the local backlash of taking Reggie Bush over Vince Young, may look to get a bundle in return for the top pick. But the Texans’ dance partner in all likelihood won’t be the Broncos.
Indianapolis
Running back Edgerrin James insisted this past week he could remain with the Colts.
James told reporters at the Pro Bowl he hasn’t totally made up his mind after saying recently his days with the Colts were over.
“If I was gone I wouldn’t have taken off this horseshoe and had a blank white helmet,” James said.
If James does leave, Denver could be a possibility. The Broncos are looking for a playmaker, but landing James could be tough financially.
Expect James to test the open market. If a major deal – James didn’t get many bites on the trade market last year – doesn’t develop, he could return to the Colts.
It may be the best for everyone. He’s a great complement to the Colts’ tremendous passing game and the vertical game assists James. So don’t be surprised if all parties decide Indy is the best place for James.
Oakland
The Raiders hiring of Art Shell could actually put the renegade team in good standing with the NFL. Long considered – much of it self fueled – an outlaw franchise that went against the league’s direction Oakland and owner Al Davis is sure to get appreciation from the NFL office for its commitment to Art Shell.
Shell was an administrator with the league, who is in charge of on-field discipline, and is highly respected by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Plus, with Shell being an African-American, Oakland deservedly will get credit for hiring Shell in a year in which minority hiring has inexplicably taken a step back. All seven of the first-time coaches hired this offseason are Caucasian.
Shell, of course, was the Raiders head coach in the early 1990s and his hiring will raise some eyebrows by a franchise that can’t get away from its past. The irony, of course, is a major part of Davis’ past is a poisoned relationship with the NFL. The reunion with Shell will help erase some bad blood.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
