Gerald McCoy has a new outlook on being an NFL player. The former Pro Bowl defensive lineman said he’s never taken playing in the NFL for granted, but after sitting out a year due to injury, he has a newfound appreciation for being part of a team.
“I’m extremely excited to be up here,” McCoy said to open his first press conference as a Raider. “I’ve been out of football for a year.”
Many thought McCoy might never play again. McCoy was a bit worried he would get another opportunity. But it was never his intention for 2019 to be his last.
“The goal always was to come back,” McCoy continued. “Immediately as soon as I got hurt, especially with a leg injury, 32 years old, been in the league 11 years, people immediately assume, D tackle, that he’s older, knee injury, will he be able to come back? I love when people count me out. I’m from the Southside of Oklahoma City, 405. There’s not many people that do what I’ve done. I’m not talking about success in football, I’m talking about lasting this long in the NFL. I’ve been a fighter my whole life, so it was nothing but another fight to me.”
The thing is, though, about being at his age and having been out of football for a year. It’s no easy thing. The Raiders say he stayed in shape while he was away, but football shape is a whole other thing. And as great as he once was, nothing is a given.
During his year away, McCoy said he was steady watching film. His intention was to stay up on the league to stay ready for his opportunity. In his tape viewing, he noticed a few things his friends around the league were doing on which he, in his veteran wisdom, could offer some tips.
That openness and eagerness to offer instruction to his fellow lineman continued when he joined the Raiders. Right from the first moment, McCoy stepped on the field, he was offering instruction to his linemates. Then when team sessions start, he stays on the sideline, watching some of these young linemen work.
“I will be on the field at some point,” McCoy said. “And whatever reps they give me, I’m going to give this team everything I have, but right now, since I’m not practicing — I do individuals, get my reps, working day-by-day to get back in — my job is to be a coach right now. Every phase that I’m in, I’ll be doing that.”
The veteran DT says he sees “so much want-to” in this group which is made up primarily of guys the Raiders are taking a flyer on this season. He added that he sees “very explosive players and guys that just need to fine-tune some things.” And McCoy is taking it upon himself to be the person to help them do that.
“Just teaching guys how to be pros,” McCoy added. “I always say there’s a difference between being a professional and being a pro. When you get drafted, or whether you’re undrafted or whatever, once you sign a contract, you’re a professional. It doesn’t make you a pro. Being a pro is how you approach every day. How you prepare. How you watch film. What do you do when times get tough on the field. What are you eating? How are you learning to be successful in this league. That’s what I believe is being a pro. And not all professionals know how to be pros. My experience can help a lot of the young guys and even some of the experienced guys. Teach them how to really be a pro, more than just a professional football player.”
Coaches find this veteran experience to be quite valuable above and beyond what these veterans can do on the field. But make no mistake, the Raiders didn’t sign McCoy to be a coach. If he is to make this team, he will need to perform on the field. But there’s still time for him to get there.
“Right now I’m coaching, getting my feet back under me, and then when they say ‘Hey, Gerald, it’s time to get reps’ then I’ll be a player-coach. Then step-by-step, when it’s opening week, now it’s go time.”