Gurley turns down Vikings to stay on Packers practice squad

[sheepshead]

Packer People

[jdrats]

I don't think it's crazy at all. There was an article earlier this year about how impresed the coaching staff has been with Gurley and how far he has come. If he has a reasonable expectation of making the roster next year I can certainly understand not throwing it away for three weeks with the Vikings. Further, he could very well be next-man-up if there are any more injuries to Packer WRs. Most players never have a chance to play for a top-flight organization like the current Packers, and if he leaves, that chance might never come again. Factor in a chance to contribute to a Superbowl contender either in practice or possibly even on the field, and it seems pretty reasonable to me to stand pat.

[MadScientist]

this is one of those heart-warming stories, I know. but the fans in this thread are putting sentiment ahead of clear thought.

I've never heard of any practice squad player turning down a roster spot. that's crazy.

Matt Hasslebeck did. He was on the Packers PS for a year, and the Bears came calling, even saying he would start. Instead he stayed with the Packers, because he didn't want to leave a good learning environment for the mess that was the Bears.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/09/...ractice-squad/

[MJZiggy]

I don't think it's crazy at all. There was an article earlier this year about how impresed the coaching staff has been with Gurley and how far he has come. If he has a reasonable expectation of making the roster next year I can certainly understand not throwing it away for three weeks with the Vikings. Further, he could very well be next-man-up if there are any more injuries to Packer WRs. Most players never have a chance to play for a top-flight organization like the current Packers, and if he leaves, that chance might never come again. Factor in a chance to contribute to a Superbowl contender either in practice or possibly even on the field, and it seems pretty reasonable to me to stand pat.

They did give him a raise too, so you don't know how much less money he's making than a Vikings receiver.

[HarveyWallbangers]

yes, and every practice squad player gets a turkey at christmas time.

This was Gurley's shot to get on an active roster. He's not Jerry Rice, who knows if he'll get another opportunity. Guys like him come and go at receiver position.

Actually, I think you can pay PS players varying salaries. I thought I read that when Harrell was promoted from the PS his salary only doubled. Maybe they have something similar with Gurley. Six games at a certain salary is equivalent to three games at double that salary. Plus, he has a shot at a Super Bowl ring and can get better coaching. He might not be as dumb as you think.

Here's the note on Harrell's contract:

Harrell got other practice squad offers but accepted a souped-up practice squad salary of $12,500 per week from the Packers. Now that he's on the 53-man roster his pay increases to $22,059 per week.

Harrell was getting paid around $200,000 sitting on the PS (not counting playoff money).

[jdrats]

"...the grass isn’t going to be greener on the other side. So just learning and taking it one day at a time, my opportunity is going to come.”

This seems like a very mature statement to me. I have a lot of respect for his decision.

[Upnorth]

Gotta say, can't argue with Gurley on this one. I'm sure his dream is to play on a Professional Football team, so why in the world would he go to the Vikings?!

Its funny because its true.

[Pugger]

Gotta say, can't argue with Gurley on this one. I'm sure his dream is to play on a Professional Football team, so why in the world would he go to the Vikings?!

[Harlan Huckleby]

Matt Hasslebeck did. He was on the Packers PS for a year, and the Bears came calling, even saying he would start. Instead he stayed with the Packers, because he didn't want to leave a good learning environment for the mess that was the Bears.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/09/...ractice-squad/

OK, Hasslebeck was QB on fast-track rise. Hurley is a scrub, and only the third-best scrub to be cut by Packers last summer.

How all you sentimentalists can't see that Hurley has better opportunities to stick on Vikes thin roster is beyond me.

I guess there must be more to this story than we know.

[RashanGary]

OK, Hasslebeck was QB on fast-track rise. Hurley is a scrub, and only the third-best scrub to be cut by Packers last summer.

How all you sentimentalists can't see that Hurley has better opportunities to stick on Vikes thin roster is beyond me.

I guess there must be more to this story than we know.

You've just jumped the shark.

[mission]

OK, Hasslebeck was QB on fast-track rise. Hurley is a scrub, and only the third-best scrub to be cut by Packers last summer.

How all you sentimentalists can't see that Hurley has better opportunities to stick on Vikes thin roster is beyond me.

I guess there must be more to this story than we know.

No player on the PS is on the fast-track rise. We know everything we need to know about the story and most of us get it. You're factoring your perception of his chances on sticking with the Packers. Calling him a scrub -- which he might be, but we don't really know -- is keeping you from getting it.

It's like this is his make or break moment and he turned it down. The kid is making informed decisions with the leadership of his agent. He gets it. He's not just hoping some day the Packers give him a shot; he has all the information at his disposal as well as his own perception on how he's developing with the team and where they see him in the future. They were willing to give him a raise to stick around. Most people here tell their boss they're going to leave for more money, their boss will say "ok, good luck" ... not, "oh please, here's more we want you to stay, you're important here".

Plus, he plays WR and has a quarterback named Aaron Rodgers. Your career projection is probably higher on this side of the fence even if it has to start later.

[Joemailman]

OK, Hasslebeck was QB on fast-track rise. Hurley is a scrub, and only the third-best scrub to be cut by Packers last summer.

How all you sentimentalists can't see that Hurley has better opportunities to stick on Vikes thin roster is beyond me.

I guess there must be more to this story than we know.

I'm guessing he doesn't think much of the Vikings organization. They haven't exactly been a model of stability the last couple of years.

[gbgary]

there's a roster spot about to open on the bears.

LOL!!

[Tarlam!]

Plus, he plays WR and has a quarterback named Aaron Rodgers. Your career projection is probably higher on this side of the fence even if it has to start later.

THIS!

Plus, he saw Iinley get IRed and 27 other guys last year. We hear the verbage about Jennings, but if one more WR goes down, he's getting promoted. There is no shame in being the 6th best WR on this team. He is increasing his value by staying put. And, it is a Packer Person statement which, as an NFL owner, I love to hear!

Harlan, you are just pulling everyone's chain on this thread.

[KYPack]

THIS!

Plus, he saw Iinley get IRed and 27 other guys last year. We hear the verbage about Jennings, but if one more WR goes down, he's getting promoted. There is no shame in being the 6th best WR on this team. He is increasing his value by staying put. And, it is a Packer Person statement which, as an NFL owner, I love to hear!

Harlan, you are just pulling everyone's chain on this thread.

I'm sure that's the case.

Also, I call bullshit. If the Vikes promoted him to their active roster, he'd be on a regular season roster for 3 games. That means you get a whole season credit towards your pension.

There is NO WAY a scrubeenie like Gurley could turn that down. TT, God, Murphy or somebody has had to make this kid some kind of assurances. Just upping his PS salary would not compensate him sufficently. One qualifying season for the NFL pension plan and 3 full game checks at the NFL minimum is worth a lot more than a bump to his PS check.