http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/spo...116056459.html
Sack star Hunt flies off to Eagles
Bombers in mourning as he follows dream
By: Ed Tait
Posted: 02/12/2011 1:00 AM
THIS one stings. Winnipeg Blue Bomber GM Joe Mack is man enough to admit that. It stings like getting kicked in the nether regions and stomped on while curled up in the fetal position.
And so on a day in which the Bombers announced the signings of four players, including prospective free agents Dorian Smith and Jon Oosterhuis, it is the departure of gifted defensive end Phillip Hunt to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles that dominated discussions on Maroons Road Friday.
And you can bet those discussions were sprinkled with enough curse words to make a Hell's Angel blush.
"It hurts. I'll probably cry all weekend... and I'm not being facetious," said Mack of Hunt's exit. "Phillip's a great guy. He played every down. He played his heart out and you could make the case he was as valuable as any defensive player in the league this year. So sure it hurts. It'll be tough to replace him.
"We were real aggressive to try and sign him before he left and it was touch and go. We had a very attractive, lucrative offer on the table for him.
"As much as we hate to lose him, I wish the best for him and his family."
Hunt, who led the CFL with 16 sacks last season, signed with the Eagles after working out for five NFL teams, including Minnesota, Cleveland, Houston and New England. Although the looming NFL labour war was a concern and he wouldn't reveal the size of his signing bonus, Hunt said it was ultimately the opportunity that mattered most.
"This is something I've thought about my whole life," Hunt said when reached by the Free Press Friday after taking his physical with the Eagles. "I've always had dreams and aspirations to play in the NFL and it's finally come true. I'm really not focusing on the money. This is a great opportunity for me to take care of my family and support them.
"I appreciate the opportunity the Bombers gave me and the opportunity that's in front of me right now with the Eagles. I'm just so excited."
Bombers in mourning as he follows dream
By: Ed Tait
Posted: 02/12/2011 1:00 AM
THIS one stings. Winnipeg Blue Bomber GM Joe Mack is man enough to admit that. It stings like getting kicked in the nether regions and stomped on while curled up in the fetal position.
And so on a day in which the Bombers announced the signings of four players, including prospective free agents Dorian Smith and Jon Oosterhuis, it is the departure of gifted defensive end Phillip Hunt to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles that dominated discussions on Maroons Road Friday.
And you can bet those discussions were sprinkled with enough curse words to make a Hell's Angel blush.
"It hurts. I'll probably cry all weekend... and I'm not being facetious," said Mack of Hunt's exit. "Phillip's a great guy. He played every down. He played his heart out and you could make the case he was as valuable as any defensive player in the league this year. So sure it hurts. It'll be tough to replace him.
"We were real aggressive to try and sign him before he left and it was touch and go. We had a very attractive, lucrative offer on the table for him.
"As much as we hate to lose him, I wish the best for him and his family."
Hunt, who led the CFL with 16 sacks last season, signed with the Eagles after working out for five NFL teams, including Minnesota, Cleveland, Houston and New England. Although the looming NFL labour war was a concern and he wouldn't reveal the size of his signing bonus, Hunt said it was ultimately the opportunity that mattered most.
"This is something I've thought about my whole life," Hunt said when reached by the Free Press Friday after taking his physical with the Eagles. "I've always had dreams and aspirations to play in the NFL and it's finally come true. I'm really not focusing on the money. This is a great opportunity for me to take care of my family and support them.
"I appreciate the opportunity the Bombers gave me and the opportunity that's in front of me right now with the Eagles. I'm just so excited."
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