*(Editor's Note: This is the first of a new series blog from Kelsey Charles, the host of the DallasCowboys.com daily podcast the "Lunch Break." In today's debut post, Kelsey gives her unique take why fans shouldn't freak out on the recent release of backup quarterback Kyle Orton.) *
I know, I know. You're all freaking out and honestly, I was too at first. Who is going to be the backup quarterback?! Tony Romo has had three back surgeries and is definitely no spring chicken. Trust me, you are preaching to the choir. But I'm not worrying about the release of Kyle Orton and neither should you. And here's why:
- Leadership
While Kyle Orton did a great job filling in for Romo during the Eagles game last year, he took the off season to take whatever leadership he showed in that game and completely negate it. I mean the guy literally paid almost $25,000 a day just to miss mini-camp practice. Talk about commitment. I also find it hard to believe that he would be welcomed back with open arms by his teammates who have been showing up and putting in the time, while he has been shelling out money not to join them. Who wants to follow a leader like that? I mean, there are literally signs posted all over the locker room at Valley Ranch talking about how it is a privilege and an honor to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Obviously Orton did not share the sentiment. And you know what I have to say to that? BYE FELICIA.
- *Extra Beds *
I have one word for you: Rollaway. Now training camp is not a glamorous thing. When I tell people I spend six weeks in California for work every summer I always get eye rolls and the, "Wow your life must really suck" comments. Don't get me wrong, I love camp. It's a blast and California is awesome, but it is definitely not the Four Seasons. With Orton's release, another room has been freed up which means one less person on a rollaway bed. Maybe that's what Orton was planning all along. He knew that there were people with less than desirable sleeping arrangements at camp, so he was just trying to do his part! We should send him a thank you note. That was awful nice of him to do.
- That Hair Though…
If you know me at all, you're probably well aware of the fact that I am a proponent of the long hair trend, but Mr. Orton took that to a whole different level and not in a good way. His hair, although long, just didn't quite fit the bill. I feel like he thought he was channeling Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, but in reality he looked a lot more like Iggy Pop. Great in theory, but execution? Not so much. 4. Weeden's Athleticism
I know what you're thinking: "This girl is completely off her rocker." Not that you'd be far off in that assessment, but that's a different story. But now that Orton is gone, that gives Brandon Weeden a chance to step up and be the No. 2 behind Tony Romo and let's face it, that's an extremely important spot on this team right now. While Kyle Orton has previous experience as a starter in the NFL, so does Brandon Weeden. But what Brandon Weeden has that Kyle Orton does not, is high-level experience in more than one sport. Before going to Oklahoma State to play football, Weeden was drafted by the New York Yankees and served as a pitcher in the minor leagues for five years. Not too shabby. But wait! There's more. The guy has one hell of a golf swing too. You should've seen him at the sponsor golf tournament a few weeks ago. Back in college, he even managed to walk on to OSU's golf team and they are definitely not half bad. So basically Brandon Weeden can play football, baseball AND golf, while Kyle Orton just plays one sport (not including flip cup). Therefore, Brandon Weeden is a better athlete. If P, then Q. My high school algebra teacher would be proud. [embedded_ad]
- Fratters Beware
Speaking of flip cup, we all know that Kyle Orton likes to party. If you somehow missed that memo, just Google him. Not that I'm opposed to having a good time, but this guy is like the frat boy of the NFL (behind Gronkowski and Manziel of course). And where there's frat boys, you know there's going to be lots of neon and horrible 80's music. That's why we should all be thankful for Kyle Orton's release- NO MORE FRAT PARTIES. Seriously. Flock of Seagulls on repeat? Not necessary.
Now this is not to say that I think Kyle Orton is a bad guy. He's not. And furthermore, very few people even truly know the entire situation at hand.
All I'm saying is – after missing the entire offseason – he might have better luck hitting the streets than hitting the field. That is, if he would have even bothered to show up.
