I have to give Omar Gaither a lot of credit for standing there and answering the those soul searching questions from the local media, yesterday.
They were tough questions about his lack of size and inability to deal with big physical running attacks.
I’ve never known a linebacker who liked to have his aggressiveness or toughness questioned, despite the fact that all players have limitations.
The questions which Gaither answered were centered around the return of veteran middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter who was sitting just two stalls down and talking to another group of reporters.
The Trotter signing will mean Gaither’s playing time will be cut in half. It could be a good move for the team but it’s not a good move for Omar personally. He’ll likely be off the field on first and second down, then come on the field for third down and passing situations.
He didn’t blame anybody or point fingers at the coaching staff, he admitted that he did have limitations.
The middle linebacker manned up and talked about his respect for Trotter and how he wasn’t going to let this move by the coaching staff dampen his desire and attitude.
He talked about how Trotter had taught him the ropes when he first came to the Eagles. He said he welcomed the return of a quality football player and competitor like Trotter.
Many times I’ve seen players pout about a move like this. The fact that Gaither’s not going that route is good for the football team. This took courage, humility and maturity on Omar’s part and his teammates know it.
I will always respect Gaither as a person for the way he has dealt with the way the Eagles coaching staff has moved him back and forth. Because of his actions he can look his teammates in the face and ask them to put the team first.
Omar talked about the fact that he’s never been the ideal linebacker. Gaither isn’t very big at 6’1″ 230 pounds. He’s not that fast, running the forty yard dash in the 4.75 range.
He has had to fight his way through high school and at the University of Tennessee. Gaither said he hadn’t been given anything in high school or college so there’s no reason he would given anything now.
He’s made it the NFL because of this desire and football savvy. He’s a smart player and always well prepared. He can’t just lineup and get the job done based solely on physical ability.
He works hard and he works smart and would be a good coach if he decides to go that way.
