Jerry Drake (American football)

Last updated
Jerry Drake
No. 76
Position: Defensive end/Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1969-07-09) July 9, 1969 (age 54)
Kingston, New York
Career information
College: Ulster County CC
Hastings College
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • WLAF sacks leader (1996)
Career NFL statistics
Tackles:55
Sacks:1
Interceptions:1
Player stats at NFL.com

Jerry Drake (born July 9, 1969) is a former professional American football defensive lineman who spent six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He played college football at Hastings College.

Contents

College career

A native of Kingston, New York, Drake played one year of college football at Ulster County Community College before the program was disbanded. [1] He transferred to Hastings College, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II program, because he had some friends who attended the school. [1] As a junior, Drake recorded 48 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one blocked kick, and seven pass breakups. [2] As a senior, he recorded 32 solo tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and three pass breakups. [3] He was twice selected as a NAIA All-American. [1] Drake also played in the semi-professional Empire Football League. [4]

Professional career

Drake signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in April 1995. [5] He was waived in August and re-signed to the team's practice squad. [6] [7] Drake was promoted to the active roster in late November. [8] He made his NFL debut on December 9 in a nationally televised game against the San Diego Chargers, recording a memorably "jarring" tackle of Andre Coleman on a kick return. [1] [9] [10] Drake played in two games as a rookie. [1]

Drake was allocated to the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football (WLAF) in February 1996. [11] He finished the 1996 WLAF season with a league-leading eight sacks. [12] [13] Drake re-joined the Cardinals for the 1996 season and recorded 14 tackles, mostly on special teams, in 11 games played. [13] [14]

In June 1997, Drake signed a three-year, $1.025 million extension with the Cardinals. [15] However, after losing strength in the left side of his body, he was diagnosed with spinal cord compression and underwent a season-ending surgery on August 26, 1997. [14] [16] Drake was cleared for activity in April 1998. [16] He earned the starting spot at defensive left end ahead of the 1998 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, following an injury to Brad Ottis and a contract holdout by first-round draft pick Andre Wadsworth. [17] [18] However, Drake developed a herniated disc in his back during the game and was forced to undergo surgery again, once again ending his season. [19]

After his release from prison in July 1999, Drake joined the Cardinals' training camp. [20] In the 1999 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, he sacked Doug Pederson and recovered a fumble. [21] However, Drake cracked a bone in his right thumb. [22] In week three against the San Francisco 49ers, he intercepted a tipped pass from Steve Young. [23] Drake started all 16 games and recorded 98 tackles. [24] He signed a one-year extension in May 2000. [25] Drake suffered a sprained right knee in a preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was subsequently placed on the injured reserve list. [26] [27] He was released in early November after reaching an injury settlement. [28]

Personal life

Drake got married shortly after the conclusion of the 1996 season. [29] He was arrested twice in late 1997 and was charged with an aggravated Driving under the influence (DUI) felony in each instance. [30] After pleading no contest to both charges, Drake was sentenced to concurrent prison terms of four and six months. [31] [32] His second child, a son, was born during his time in prison, and he was released in July 1999. [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Rolen</span> American baseball player (born 1975)

Scott Bruce Rolen is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cincinnati Reds from 1996 to 2012.

Daniel Lee Dierdorf is an American sportscaster and former professional football player. He played 13 seasons (1971–1983) as an offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL).

Russell Morgan Davis is a former American football defensive tackle. He played college football at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Chicago Bears selected Davis in the second round and 49th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, and Davis played the 1999 season for the Bears. Davis then played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2000 to 2005, the Seattle Seahawks in 2006, and the New York Giants in 2007 and won the Super Bowl XLII title with the Giants that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royce Clayton</span> American baseball player (born 1970)

Royce Spencer Clayton is an American former professional baseball shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox between 1991 and 2007.

Michael Edward Zordich is a former American football defensive back and is a defensive backs coach for the Central Michigan. He played college football at Penn State. He was drafted in the ninth round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Levi Brown (offensive tackle)</span> American football player (born 1984)

Levi James Brown III is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals fifth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.

James Elbert Robbins was an American professional football player who was an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) from 1982 to 1993.

William James Atessis is a former American football player who played on two NCAA national championship teams at the University of Texas. One of the most honored and productive defensive ends in NCAA history, he was a three-year starter and was a second-team All-American as a junior and a consensus All-American as a senior. He currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Antone Eugene Davis is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle and guard in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons during the 1990s. He played one year of football for Peach County High School in Fort Valley, Georgia, and was recruited out of high school by the Tennessee Military Institute, for whom he played one year of college football. He earned a full scholarship to play for the Tennessee Volunteers the following year and started at left guard during his sophomore year in 1988. He was moved to right offensive tackle before his junior year and earned unanimous All-American honors as a senior in 1990. He finished as a finalist for the 1990 Outland Trophy as well, and was drafted by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles as the eighth overall selection in the 1991 NFL Draft.

Matt Joyce is a former American football guard and tackle in the National Football League for the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions. He played college football at the University of Richmond.

Ethan Barbier Brooks is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Williams College.

Kevin Sargent is a former American football Offensive tackle in the National Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1992. He played college football at Eastern Washington.

Stephen Gregory White was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL). He was later a football blogger for SB Nation.

Harold Goodwin is an American football coach who is the assistant head coach and run game coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears.

Matthew Herbert Dorsett was an American football cornerback in the National Football League. Dorsett signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers. Dorsett was highly touted for his bump and run coverage abilities. Dorsett garnered the nickname "Baby Time" for his tenacious bump and run coverage.

James Ramsey Dardar is a former National Football League (NFL) defensive lineman. He appeared in 16 NFL games, all for the 1984 St. Louis Cardinals, and he spent brief periods on the rosters of the New York Giants and Houston Oilers.

Kevin Michael Jordan is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for one season in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, receiving All-American honors as a junior in 1994. He played professionally for the Arizona Cardinals and was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. After trying out with the Denver Broncos, he became a chaplain for UCLA sports teams as well as the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 1966 Arizona State Sun Devils football team was an American football team that represented Arizona State University in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) during the 1966 NCAA University Division football season. In their ninth season under head coach Frank Kush, the Sun Devils compiled a 5–5 record, and were outscored 174 to 166.

James Ray Fuller is an American football coach and former defensive back who is currently the head coach of the Carolina Cobras of the National Arena League (NAL). He played college football at Walla Walla CC and Portland State before being selected in the 8th round of the 1992 NFL Draft; he went on to play three seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles while also spending time in the World League of American Football (WLAF) for the Scottish Claymores and Arena Football League (AFL) for the Portland Forest Dragons. He later served as a coach for the Forest Dragons, Bakersfield Blitz, Philadelphia Soul, Dallas Desperados, Dallas Vigilantes, Richmond Raiders, Maine Mammoths, and Jacksonville Sharks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paris Johnson Jr.</span> American football player (born 2001)

Paris Johnson Jr. is an American football offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State and was selected by the Cardinals sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson Jr. is the son of football player and coach Paris Johnson.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Schoenfeld, Steve (June 23, 1996). "A lot at steak for Cards' Drake". The Arizona Republic . p. C5. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  2. ↑ Kisicki, Tom (August 28, 1994). "Hastings' Drake Plans To Punish NIAC QBs". Omaha World-Herald . p. 43R. Retrieved August 14, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ Merrill, Elizabeth (December 7, 1994). "Midland Lutheran Dominates All-NAIA Selections". Omaha World-Herald . p. 33. Retrieved August 14, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ "EFL Stars to Face Top Camp Players". The Scranton Times . March 17, 1997. p. 21. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Schoenfeld, Steve (April 28, 1995). "3 veteran starters to miss minicamp because of injuries". The Arizona Republic . p. C2. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Magruder, Jack (August 22, 1995). "Cecil released by Browns 1 day before workouts against Cards (II)". Arizona Daily Star . p. 4D. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ "Cards' salary cap a snug fit". The Arizona Republic . August 31, 1995. p. D6. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ McManaman, Bob (November 23, 1995). "Besides promotion, Case likely to play against Falcons". The Arizona Republic . p. C12. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ "Ryan's deck of Cards needs reshuffling of ailing defense". The Arizona Republic . December 10, 1995. p. C11. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "Chargers come back on Cardinals". News & Record . December 10, 1995. p. C8. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Two Ex-Huskers on WLAF rosters". Lincoln Journal Star . February 20, 1996. p. 4C. Retrieved August 15, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ Halling, Nick (June 17, 1996). "Monarchs dodge poorhouse". The Independent . p. S14. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 Schoenfeld, Steve (December 21, 1996). "World League, anyone? Team has its candidates". The Arizona Republic . p. C12. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  14. 1 2 Cox, Shawn (August 7, 1997). "Cardinals lose 2 defensive linemen". The Arizona Republic . p. D3. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ Schoenfeld, Steve (June 12, 1997). "All defensive linemen in fold after Drake signs 3-year deal". The Arizona Republic . p. D2. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  16. 1 2 Zuckerman, Mark (August 5, 1998). "Drake's battle to start 1 of many challenges (II)". The Arizona Republic . p. C3. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ Shappell, Lee (August 27, 1998). "For now, Cards' Drake is the end of the story". The Arizona Republic . p. C10. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  18. ↑ Shappell, Lee (September 4, 1998). "Drake eager to show he can get job done". The Arizona Republic . p. C15. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  19. ↑ Schoenfeld, Steve (September 30, 1998). "Clement plans to return this season". The Arizona Republic . p. C2. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  20. 1 2 Somers, Kent (July 24, 1999). "Lineman's 2nd chance to toe line (I)". The Arizona Republic . p. C1. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  21. ↑ Shappell, Lee (September 13, 1999). "Just call Rice the end-all". The Arizona Republic . p. C9. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  22. ↑ Tyers, Tim (September 14, 1999). "Question for Cardinals: Is there life after Eagles?". The Arizona Republic . p. C7. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  23. ↑ Walsh, Chris (September 28, 1999). "Familiar story haunts Arizona (II)". Tucson Citizen . p. 2D. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  24. ↑ Schoenfeld, Steve (April 26, 2000). "Unsigned lineman will attend minicamp". The Arizona Republic . p. C3. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  25. ↑ "Transactions". The Arizona Republic . May 25, 2000. p. C14. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  26. ↑ "Turf ticks off Cardinals". Arizona Daily Sun . August 20, 2000. p. B2. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  27. ↑ Shappell, Lee (August 28, 2000). "Cards cut Devlin for cap room". The Arizona Republic . p. C1. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  28. ↑ Tyers, Tim (November 7, 2000). "Vote's in: Williams ties mark (II)". The Arizona Republic . p. C5. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  29. ↑ Clancy, Michael; Tropiano, Dolores (February 26, 1997). "Bush makes Pointe: No broccoli". The Arizona Republic . p. B6. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  30. ↑ Sherwood, Robbie (September 11, 1998). "Drake faces felony DUI charges". The Arizona Republic . p. C1. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  31. ↑ Morales, Javier (January 7, 1999). "Trestman began his career as a coach with the Vikings". Arizona Daily Star . p. D7. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  32. ↑ Somers, Kent (July 24, 1999). "Lineman's 2nd chance to toe line (II)". The Arizona Republic . p. C9. Retrieved August 16, 2023– via Newspapers.com.


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.