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Concordia wide receiver signs with Redskins
Published Monday, April 27, 2009
Through seven rounds and two days of the NFL Draft, Concordia wide receiver John Halman’s name was not called.
Don’t worry about him though. He’ll be just fine.
The Washington Redskins signed Halman to a three-year free agent contract that gave him a small signing bonus and guarantees the league minimum — $285,000 — his first season. Two more years at the league minimum will net him a combined $795,000.
“Coming from a small school, everybody’s going to be like, ‘who is this guy,’” said Halman. “I’m going to go in there with an open mindset. I think I can go in there and make the team and contribute right off the bat.”
Halman is the second player that Concordia has put into the NFL ranks in the program’s four-year existence. Titus Ryan was the first to pull off the feat in 2006.
Halman had 40 catches this year for 1,470 yards (a whopping 36.75 yards per catch) and 20 touchdowns. Concordia coach Shepherd Skanes said Halman was the third free agent taken after narrowly missing the cut. Halman received a call from Washington just before the Redskins selected Nevada’s Marko Mitchell with the 247th overall pick.
Despite his stats, Halman was a veritable unknown before the last two weeks. His name began making the rounds, and his stock skyrocketed, culminating with a Green Bay Packers Website writer tabbing him as the sleeper pick of the draft.
“John can stretch the field. He’s going to bring competitiveness, a hard nose to the game,” said Skanes. “He’s going to be an all-around ballplayer for them. Those are the kinds of athletes you don’t want to let go.”
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Comments
Posted by MintJulep (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations, that is quite a feat! I wish you the very best.
MJ
Posted by Walrus (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is a tribute to Mr. Halman however, the NFL doesn't work that way.
The ONLY thing that's gauranteed in the NFL is the bonus. The rest is just on paper. That's why the contracts are so big for the big players laden with bonuses because it could all end tomorrow and the contracts protect the league, not the player.
I think if he makes the 53-man roster he then gets the league minimum provided he doesn't get cut during the season... if he does, I think that number gets reduced but am not sure.
The other option is he catches on as a practice squad player for a decent wage - but well south of the $253,000.
It is amazing that someone who played at Concordia is knocking on the door of the NFL. I hope he makes it, along with Michael Johnson. Anybody know if Ben is still in the Seahawks organization? I know they were high on him before he got hurt last year.
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