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Chukwurah Keeps The Pressure On Oppossing Quarterbacks

August 23, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Florida Tuskers News Release


ORLANDO, FL - MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010-Let's face it, a big chunk of the United Football League's stars have similar stories. They may have been salary cap casualties in the NFL, had been drafted or signed by a team that did not have a strong need at that position or had a bad training camp because of injuries or other factors and were never given a second chance.

Most of these players have come to the UFL for another chance to keep playing or simply to improve their skills and try to work their way onto an NFL roster.

One of those guys is Florida Tuskers standout defensive end Patrick Chukwurah, who has spent eight seasons in the NFL.

Just 31-years-old, not many would consider Chukwurah as a guy that is too old for the NFL. But he is certainly a player that fits into one of the categories above and is certainly a player with the talent and desire to eventually return to the NFL.

"It's always been my goal to get back in the NFL," Chukwurah said. "In my experience playing in the pros I've learned you only control what you can control. So right now my focus is to be the best I can be in the UFL and hopefully good things happen."

A fifth round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2001, Chukwurah is in his second season with the Tuskers after he spent time with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

At 6'1 with a solidly built 250 pounds, the former Wyoming Cowboy certainly looks the part of a defensive end with a motor.

"I really try to mix up my workouts because if you do the same thing over and over your body gets used to it and you don't see the results," he said of his body that looks liked it was ripped from the cover of "Muscle and Fitness" magazine.

Chukwurah was a three-year starter at Wyoming where he played in 45 games. He finished his career with 245 tackles and 27 sacks. As a senior, he made First-Team All-Mountain West with 100 tackles and seven sacks.

While sacking the opposing quarterback is the goal, Chukwurah said punishing the passer gives him joy. "Sacking the quarterback really never gets old for me," Chukwurah said. "There's a lot of things that you do in football that get pretty routine, but sacking the quarterback is like getting a gift every time."

A former quarterback himself, Tuskers head coach Jay Gruden knows a thing or two about taking some punishment from big defensive linemen. He describes Chukwurah as a relentless pass rusher with a motor that never stops.

"He's a very talented pass rusher," Gruden said. "Not only can he turn it on at defensive end, but he's also one of our best if not the best special teams player on our team."

The Nigerian born player is one of just 21 guys returning to the Tuskers this season. Chukwurah had three sacks for the Tuskers last year and is hoping to see consistency from himself as well as his teammates.

"We need to come out here and practice hard every day," he said. "I really want to keep my motor running and set a good example for everybody else to work hard. Some guys lead through words, but I prefer doing it with my actions."

Last season, Chukwurah's actions helped the Tuskers to an undefeated regular season. This time, the Tuskers are hoping to bring home the UFL championship.

Monday Training Camp Notes: After getting Sunday off, the Tuskers returned to the practice field today and were led through a fast-paced workout by Florida coaches...after practicing for a full week when the heat index topped 100 degrees each day, the players got a little break on Monday with a slight breeze and overcast skies..."We got a little break with the weather today and combined with having yesterday off it appeared we had better energy today," Head Coach Jay Gruden said...Tuskers second string quarterback Chris Greisen, did not practice for a second day with a leg injury, giving rookie Matt Grothe the majority of snaps at back-up QB..."Matt has made a lot of progress over the last week and this certainly has been an opportunity for him to get more work in," Gruden added. "This has been a great learning experience for him."...Cornerback Fahkir Brown was moved from the team's 70-man active camp roster and placed on the "refused to report" list over the weekend...Player Personnel Director Bret Munsey said he hopes to have Brown back in camp in a few days.



United Football League Stories from August 23, 2010


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