Former Hog Tight End Finally Finds Road to Redemption

TAMPA, Fla. – Simply over 4 months in the past on the Outback Bowl in Tampa, the Arkansas soccer program was formally deemed revived from near-death expertise that was the Chad Morris years after a win over Penn State lifted the Hogs into the High 25 following a 9-4 season.

Now, one other soccer revival thought left useless within the ashes of that point in Razorback historical past has discovered life in Tampa with the spectacular return of record-holding tight finish Cheyenne O’Grady’s popping out celebration as a part of the USFL. 

For Arkansas followers, final weekend was most likely the primary time they’ve seen O’Grady since his notorious mid-season “mutual” dismissal on the settlement of Morris.

For individuals who missed it, O’Grady’s return to the gridiron was nothing wanting dominating, paying homage to his time as a promising future NFL expertise with prolific scoring potential. O’Grady was named Offensive Participant of the Recreation after knocking down a league-leading eight receptions because the Bandits took down the Pittsburg Maulers, 17-3. 

It has been an extended, however seemingly crucial highway for O’Grady to get thus far. There had been whispers of points main as much as his departure from the workforce that raised concern, however when Morris, who desperately wanted something to interrupt his method, requested the varsity’s landing chief for tight ends to depart the workforce, it was trigger for concern. 

A coach letting a star participant who’s a senior go in that scenario raises the sort of considerations that make individuals fear one thing legal or tragic might be within the playing cards within the subsequent few years for that athlete. NFL groups hinted they felt the identical method as O’Grady, as soon as thought-about among the many greatest SEC tight ends, went undrafted. 

He bought a short crack in Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent that lasted a few preseason video games, however regardless of having gone on a PR tour making an attempt to say the suitable issues about making immature errors, there was simply an excessive amount of progress available. 

There was a short trace of alternative with the Dallas Cowboys not lengthy after following an damage to tight finish Blake Jarwin, however not even Jerry Jones, who has a delicate spot in his coronary heart for troubled athletes and Arkansas Razorbacks, noticed sufficient change in O’Grady to tackle the chance. 

The dream appeared over. 

Life took O’Grady to some odd jobs, together with time working at an area Lowe’s. Because the world he admittedly thought ought to bend to his will as an athlete did precisely the other, the issues he wanted to be ready for a possibility that perceived to by no means come made their method into his life. 

O’Grady started working with youth round Northwest Arkansas, serving to them be taught the sport whereas additionally basking of their love for it. He started to seek out and share his pleasure on social media when mother and father let him know concerning the distinction he was making. 

He additionally developed a ardour for God alongside the journey. With it got here a number of daring Tweets as he inspired others, in his personal O’Grady method, to seek out the peace in being saved.

All alongside the way in which, he stored in form simply in case the God he had discovered noticed match to open an unexpected door. 

There had been numerous buzz surrounding the XFL. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had bought the league and was within the midst of working a deal to workforce up with the Canadian Soccer League to hitch forces in a potential spring reboot. The upper profile meant the league grabbed all of the skilled headlines outdoors the NFL. 

Nevertheless, a closing deal could not be reached, and the rebirth of the XFL bought pushed again one other season. Whereas it was typically ignored prior, the USFL stepped into the void left by its potential rival league’s delayed begin. 

Despite the fact that there wasn’t as a lot fanfare, and all of the groups had been going to play in Birmingham to assist get by for the primary 12 months, the USFL had one factor going for it – a TV take care of two networks. That was all it took to lend legitimacy to the league. 

As soon as a brief dispute over the league’s identify was settled, the spring league with all the chances in opposition to it was set to interrupt out. It was the break O’Grady wanted, and he was lastly able to rise to the event. 

He needed to wait till Day 2 of the USFL draft the place tight ends could be drafted as a place group within the thirty fourth spherical, however his day lastly got here as he bought the decision from Tampa Bay. 

Fortune smiled much more in his favor as he was paired with former Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, who had wowed NFL scouts throughout his quick stint with the XFL earlier than it folded within the face of the COVID pandemic. 

Three performs in, O’Grady, as soon as once more carrying crimson and white, streaked straight down the sphere, snatched a fast go, cradling it in opposition to his hulking body, and rumbled his method by defenders as if it had been nonetheless 2019. It was a scene that may repeat itself seven extra instances as he turned a dependable security internet for Ta’amu. 

Every time a play wanted to be made, it appeared just like the outdated O’Grady. Nevertheless, there was one thing in the way in which he carried himself after every play that hinted that the now 25-year outdated might have lastly grown up simply sufficient to be taught what it means to be knowledgeable. 

He nonetheless has 9 extra video games to show it, together with a sport Sunday at 2 p.m. in opposition to. New Orleans Breakers workforce that options Arkansas State broad receiver Jonathan Adams. Nevertheless, if he can hold it collectively, 2022 might function the story of two Razorback comeback tales.

RAZORBACKS MAKE TOP FIVE OF FIVE-STAR RUNNING BACK IN FLORIDA

HOGS LOSE WR COMMIT AFTER MORE OFFERS COME IN

HOGS EVEN SERIES AGAINST AGGIES

POSSIBLE TRADES MIGHT AFFECT WHERE TREYLON BURKS IS PICKED IN NFL DRAFT

HOGS DROP FIRST GAME OF SERIES AGAINST TEXAS A&M AS BATS GO SILENT

HOW TO WATCH HOGS-AGGIES SERIES THIS WEEKEND

COACHES HAVE TO FILL ROSTER, BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE CAST ASIDE?

ATMOSPHERE CHANGE AT BAUM-WALKER OUTSIDE OF PLAYERS’ CONTROL

MEMBER OF WALTON FAMILY PUTS IN BID TO BUY BRONCOS

• Return to allHogs residence web page.

• Need to take part on the dialogue? Click on right here to develop into a member of the allHOGS message board group immediately!

• Comply with allHOGS on Twitter and Fb.