Randall Cunningham: 'Mariota Kind Of Leader Philly Wants'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Do the Eagles need a mobile quarterback? Is Nick Foles good enough? Should they sell the farm to get Marcus Mariota? Those are the questions being asked heading into the 2015 NFL Draft.
One quarterback that we all can agree on, in his prime, who would run Chip Kelly's offense brilliantly is former Eagles great and one of the best NFL rushing quarterback's ever, Randall Cunningham. Cunningham was on Comcast SportsNet's Philly Sports Talk with Michael Barkann Thursday evening, and talked about Mariota.
"I think he's gonna do great and whatever it takes," Cunningham said. "Nothing against Sanchez and the quarterbacks there, but if they team back together somehow, some way, Chip gets his boy with him there. Whether through trade or whatever it takes, and they protect that kid, he is the kind of leader you want in Philadelphia. He is not a talker, he's not gonna get in trouble, he's not gonna cause problems, he's gonna develop unity. If you saw what happened when he got hurt, his offensive lineman got very emotional and got personal fouls because they loved that quarterback so much. They loved Marcus.
"When you look up in the stadium and you see his parents, they're not drinking beers and acting crazy," Cunningham continued. "They're respectable people. That's what you're going to get out of this kid. Whatever team gets him, it's gonna be great. I'd love to see him land in Philadelphia."
Cunningham is promoting his personal memorabilia Super Bowl XLIX Live Auction.
The auction preview exhibition kicks off Saturday January 24th through Sunday February 1st where fans will have the ability to peruse Cunningham's collection along with over 500 additional football pieces available. The live auction begins Saturday, January 31st at 12:00pm MST.
Cunningham, best known for his revolutionary play as quarterback, played in the NFL for 16 years, accumulating 29,979 yards and rushing for another 4,929 yards -- making him the all-time rushing leader at his position at the time of his retirement. The sale of his memorabilia will benefit Cunningham's work with the Remnant Youth in Nevada whose mission is the improvement of the lives of young people within the community. Funds will be dedicated to Remnant's current endeavors including the construction of a significant youth gym and recreational training center.
"I'm looking forward to the auction of my memorabilia. It will truly help me to make a difference in the community. My Eagles jerseys are treasured items and the sale of them will truly help others to get what they need to make it in life," Cunningham states. "My time in the NFL was awesome, but now it is time to take what was poured into me in Philly, Minnesota, Dallas and Baltimore, and give back to the fans. Being a pastor now, I understand the importance of being involved with the lives of others. At Remnant, we are doing our best to show kids how to be the best, and bless the nations through our lives."
Cunningham's collection includes the following iconic items from his illustrious career and his personal NFL collectables:
Bert Bell Most Valuable Player Awards for years 1988, 1990, and 1998 (Est. $10,000-$20,000 each)
NFL Miller Lite Player of the Year award (Est. $20,000-$40,000)
1992 Reggie White Philadelphia Eagles game worn jersey (Est. $10,000-$20,000)
Randall Cunningham game worn Philadelphia Eagles helmet c.1985-95 (Est. $3,000-$5,000)
Original Randall Cunningham painting by Ernie Barnes (Est. $40,000-$60,000)
1994 Deion Sanders game worn San Francisco 49ers jersey (Est. $3,000-$5,000)
Several Randall Cunningham game worn uniforms c.1980-90s (Est. $1,000-$5,000 each)
David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions, notes, "Randall Cunningham remains to date one of the most iconic players from the era in which he played. His unique style of play revolutionized the modern quarterback position influencing many of today's elite players. We are thrilled to have been selected to represent Randall with this special offering and applaud his work to enrich the lives of young people through his Remnant Youth projects."
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