Patriots Blog: Marquice Cole Knows Pressure Of Cut-Down Day
FOXBORO (CBS) -- Patriots cornerback Marquice Cole understands the stomach-churning feeling of cut day. Back in 2007, the Oakland Raiders signed him as an undrafted free agent and let him go. A year later, the Tennessee Titans did the same.
Cole knows from experience that these days are tough on those in the locker room.
"It's definitely a really tough day," he said. "I've been through the process of being [on a team] for training camp and getting released. Some guys, you become friends with them, and the reality of it is you may never see them again in your life. So it's definitely a tough day."
However, Cole has survived and he's trying to make another team, so his advice for players was very simple but should be taken to heart.
"Never give up, keep grinding," Cole said for players who get cut. "I've been through it a couple times, different times. It's the hardest part, but you've got to take the good with the bad. It might happen to some guys, and then you got to fight through it if this is what you really want to do. Go home, work hard, and wait for your next opportunity."
Welker Happy For Hernandez
Patriots third-year tight end Aaron Hernandez received a contract extension from the team today and, oddly enough, everybody wanted to talk to Wes Welker after news broke.
The Pats' longtime wide receiver has tried to get a new deal but is saddled with the franchise tag, but he said loves the fact that the Pats have taken care of Hernandez.
"It's good for him," Welker said. "I'm definitely happy for him. He's a great player and he's done a lot of great things for us. It's good to have him here."
Still, a little piece of Welker has to be saying," What about me?" When asked today if he thought a long-term deal for him was in the cards, Wes deferred the question.
"I think you have to ask Coach Belichick that," he said. "I'm just going out here and doing my job to the best of my ability, and let everything else take care of itself".
Wes missed the Patriots' last preseason game for what he called personal issues, but he said that he's ready to get out there on the field again.
"Yeah, absolutely," he said. "I look forward to being out there with the team, and looking forward to 2012."
Follow Levan Reid on CBSBostonsports.com and on Twitter @LevanReid all Patriots' season long!
