Daunte Culpepper's Golden Grin Does Not Land Him a Job in '08

For all of Daunte Culpepper's stature last season—the possible savior of the Oakland Raiders' offense—his play was marginal. His best day came against the worst team in the NFL last season (Miami).

No one was impressed with QB Josh McCown either, but he was rewarded with a $6 million, two-year contract by the Dolphins, who see him as an upgrade to John Beck (who? Exactly).

Pep's problem is his ego. While he does have medical concerns, he has all the physical tools to be a solid veteran-backup in the league. He would have been perfect in this role to JaMarcus Russell, but Pep's ego cannot withstand that notion, at least not while he still thinks he's a starter.

Daunte blew a good chance to be a backup in Green Bay in '08 by declining their offer. He probably would have gotten a chance to be starter once Aaron Rodgers got hurt or played himself out of the job.

Pep can't handle the inevitable slide players endure as their age diminishes their skills. It happens to the very best, and while Pep's best years are behind him, he is a fool for throwing away a chance to continue to be on an NFL roster.

The fact is, teams need strong backup QBs who will inevitably get in the game. Why should he care that he is not named "starter"?

I lost respect for Pep a long time ago for various reasons, primarily his arrogance and foolish decisions. For instance, foot racing Stanford Routt during a Raiders' practice and damaging a quad muscle as a result. That's just brilliant Pep, have a foot race with a world-class track athlete.

Or how about stomping his feet and protesting like a baby when Trent Green was brought in to compete for the Miami job with him in '06?

Bottom line is: Pep is just like so many other pro athletes who think they really are worth more than they are, based on contracts earned for past achievements when their bodies were younger and more capable.

Pep is still gifted with an NFL arm and other physical attributes, which make him serviceable. If he would just lower his expectations a bit, he would land himself a gig in no time.