Undrafted Freak Athlete and Parcells Favorite Cody Pearcy Released by Atlanta

One of the best stories of the 2012 undrafted free agent class has been given his walking papers. Jay Adams of the Atlanta Falcons' official website reports that Cody Pearcy, the tiny (by NFL standards) wide receiver from the tiny (by any standard) Division III program Huntingdon was waived by the team today.

Even if Pearcy doesn't last in the NFL, the memory of his pro day workout will. He had a 4.31 40, a 44" vertical leap and a 3.76 short shuttle time. Frank Cooney of the Sports Xchange put those numbers in perspective:

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Since 2000, 4,638 players have been invited to the combine. Pearcy's 20-yard split and 20-yard shuttle times would tie for third best. His vertical jump would tie for sixth best and his 40-yard time would tie for 11th best.

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If that wasn't enough to give Pearcy national profile, NFL coaching legend Bill Parcells tabbed Pearcy as a sleeper on his ESPN Draft Confidential show. 

Pearcy went undrafted, which wasn't a shock because he's only 5'10", 161, which is considered too light to make it in the NFL by most standards. He was signed by the Falcons on April 30, and the destination seemed like a good one because the team had lost its return specialist, Eric Weems, in free agency to the Chicago Bears.

Pearcy's release is good news for James Rodgers, whose brother Jacquizz is in line to play a big role for the Falcons in his second season. Rodgers and current No. 3 wide receiver Harry Douglas are the best candidates on the roster to fill Weems' role.

We shouldn't shed a tear for Pearcy. Many players have overcome multiple releases to enjoy a long career in the NFL. This release makes the odds even longer for Pearcy, but that we even know his name means that Pearcy is used to overcoming them.