Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has hinted that he will enter April’s NFL Draft. The announcement comes as Bradford is having season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder, courtesy of the famed Dr. James Andrews.
Last season’s Heisman-winning quarterback hurt his right shoulder two different times this season. The first time occurred in the first half of the team’s first game against BYU, with the most recent injury taking place against the rival Texas Longhorns on Oct. 10.
After passing up on the opportunity to possibly be the No. 1 overall pick in the last NFL Draft, Bradford will test his chances and hope somebody will take a gamble on the Sooners’ gunslinger.
Bradford will make a formal announcement Monday at a news conference.
“I dreamed about coming to Oklahoma my whole life,” Bradford said Sunday. “That’s the reason I came back for this season. And I came back to play, not sit on the bench. That’s the reason I tried to play after the injury. I’m very disappointed that it didn’t work out differently.
“Under these circumstances, and after talking to several people, this is the right thing for me to do at this point.”
Bradford’s current rehab process is expected to be four to six months, just in time for April’s draft if everything goes well, with Bradford telling the press that he’s up to the challenge.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is truly grateful for the contributions Bradford has made to the University of Oklahoma.
“We want Sam to pursue the best option for his recovery and future,” Stoops said in a statement. “We obviously feel this is best for his long-range future. Sam has led us to two Big 12 championships and an appearance in the national title game, and has demonstrated uncommon leadership skills. He is an absolute role model as a student-athlete and loyal teammate.”
Bradford passed for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns last season, leading his team to the national championship game. The Sooners lost to the Florida Gators 24-14, but Bradford quickly decided he would return for his junior season and try to get back into the title game.
Bradford is currently the Sooners’ all-time leading passer, surpassing Heisman winner and former Oklahoma quarterback Jason White.
Our Take
Bradford will be the player many, many football fans, general managers and coaches will keep an eye on. After passing up on the opportunity to possibly be a top-five pick in last April’s draft, teams will have to take a risk on Bradford and hope he fully recovers from his shoulder issues. It will be something to watch for the next few seasons.
