Three former University of Hawaii football players received reminders in recent days that the National Football League is a cold business.
The San Diego Chargers cut defensive end Travis LaBoy, the Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Brashton Satele and the Washington Redskins waived nose tackle Vaughn Meatoga.
It was the fourth time LaBoy was cut during an eight-year NFL career. Satele had been waived twice previously by the New York Jets. Meatoga was in the first weekend of his NFL career.
“It wasn’t the right fit,” said Michael Hoffman, Meatoga’s agent. “We don’t know for sure, but I’m confident he will (sign) somewhere else. Sometimes it’s a game of musical chairs. Vaughn has more than enough ability to make it in the NFL. I’m focusing on the next scenario. Hopefully, it’s the right situation.”
There was more-hopeful news for two other former Warriors this past weekend.
Wideout Royce Pollard did well enough in his tryout with the New York Jets to receive a free-agent contract. Linebacker Corey Paredes, who had signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings last week, was asked to return for this weekend’s organized team activities.
“I feel blessed,” said Pollard, who was invited to audition during the Jets’ rookie mini-camp this past weekend.
Pollard did not have a drop during passing drills or his turn as a punt returner Friday. The next day, he was offered a contract.
“It took a little bit off my shoulders,” Pollard said. “At the same time, I felt it was only the first step in making the final roster. It gave me faith they have a lot of faith in me and like my ability to play.”
Pollard and second-round pick Stephen Hill were the only Jets to catch touchdown passes in the three days of practices. Pollard had a 55-yard scoring catch.
Pollard said he is learning to adjust to the Jets’ pass routes. He said he will consult with Davone Bess, a former UH receiver who plays for the Miami Dolphins. The Jets’ offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano, was the Dolphins’ head coach last year.
Pollard said he worked only with the rookie quarterbacks.
The Jets’ organized team activities begin this weekend. Before leaving for San Diego for a few days, Pollard was approached by Sparano.
“He tapped me on the shoulder, shook my hand, said, ‘uh-huh,’ and walked away,” Pollard recalled. “That was cool. He has some confidence in me. I don’t want to disappoint him.”
Paredes was pleased to pass the first phase. He thought he would compete against Solomon Elimimian, a former UH middle linebacker, but Elimimian worked out at weakside linebacker and Paredes was used in the middle. The competition expands this Sunday when the veterans report for OTAs.
“You’d better know what you’re doing,” Paredes said of the NFL’s intensity. “It seems there’s more urgency than in college. They’ve got million-dollar players in the NFL. They don’t like it when guys mess up.”
Paredes said he was impressed with the amenities at the Vikings’ practice facility.
“Everything was free,” Paredes said, adding, “There was plenty of soap in the showers.”