By PFC Chargers team writer: Robert Murdock
The Chargers have officially announced the release of wide receiver Eric Parker. Parker had undergone surgery to repair a cracked bone in his right big toe last August after having injured it in a 2007 mini-camp session. When it had become apparent that the injury was not going to heal as quickly as anticipated, Parker was placed on Injured Reserve for the remainder of the season, and the Chargers acquired Chris Chambers in a mid-season trade with Miami . This acquisition, as well as the strong late season performances by Vincent Jackson, along with the tremendous potential and upside displayed by 2007 draft picks Craig “Buster” Davis , and Legedu Naanee, certainly contributed to the Chargers having made the decision to move on without Parker.
Having fully recovered according to his agent, the Chargers had made attempts to trade Parker before veterans report to training camp. When no trade materialized, the Chargers made the decision to release him at a time which is beneficial to both Parker and the Chargers organization. “It gives him an opportunity to get with someone” said Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner. “We obviously had talked to different teams to see if there was an interest, and looking at our situation, eventually they know this is going to happen.” “ Now I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity to go play somewhere else.”
Before his toe injury had occurred, Parker had made a name for himself as a clutch, hardworking receiver, who showed exceptional toughness and reliability especially on third downs. In fact, thanks to the many 3rd & long situations Parker had aided in “bailing” the Chargers out of, he was presented by his former teammates with the nickname “The Bondsman”. Parker is also largely credited with playing an integral role in the Chargers’ transition from a cellar-dwelling laughingstock, to a serious contender, and eventually one of the NFL’s elite. Parker went un-drafted out of Tennessee due to many experts having at one time considered him to be too small, and not fast enough to be a major contributor, however he proved them all wrong utilizing hard work, surgically precise route running, and big heart.
Several teams such as the Browns, Bengals, Jets and Ravens have been rumored to have expressed interest in the seven year pro.
1 response so far ↓
1 jackfrost // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Parker was a great player for the Chargers and I’ll miss him.
Had the unfortunate “Shocker” against the Pats in the playoffs a few years back, but that shouldn’t tarnish his achievements in a Chargers Jersey………..was a Clutch reciever when it mattered many, many times over and that will be my lasting memory of EP.
Wish him luck where ever he ends up, if the injury has in fact healed, he’ll provide some team with a great player.
Thanks for the effort EP……………you’ll be missed.
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