Parents' path lights way for Chuckwurah

The immigrants' son appreciates his opportunities with the Bucs.

By JOANNE KORTH
Published August 14, 2007

Bucs defensive end Patrick Chukwurah during morning practice at training camp.
	[Brain Cassela | Times]

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Patrick Chukwurah was 4 when his family left Nigeria for a better life in America. He was too young to understand hard work.

He learned quickly.

Chukwurah watched his parents toil at minimum-wage jobs to provide for a family of four in their new home near Dallas. His father, Chris, drove a taxi; his mother, Patricia, worked at restaurants and hotels. And while Chukwurah now enjoys the wealth of an NFL player, he continues to follow the example set by his parents.

"We didn't have a lot of money," Chukwurah said. "My parents were always busting their tails to keep clothes on our backs and food on the table, just like, I'm sure, 90 percent of America. You have to work to get where you want to go."

A sixth-year pro striving to become a starter, Chukwurah is competing for the right defensive end position in his first year with the Bucs. It is a cherished opportunity, one that has not come easily for the converted linebacker.

Then again, nothing has.

Chukwurah left Texas to play college football in Wyoming. A fifth-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2001, he started at linebacker as a rookie, but two years later was cut. In 2003, the Texans cut him cut in preseason and he was out of the league most of the season. He signed with the Broncos late that year, and was on the roster for two days before being cut again.

In 2004, the Broncos brought him back.

Finally, he stuck.

"We couldn't cut him," said Larry Coyer, the former Broncos defensive coordinator now in his first season coaching the Bucs defensive line. "He just wouldn't let it happen.

"It's been constant improvement each year. So, I think it's time for him. In his career, this is the time he needs to really blossom because he's worked hard, he knows what he's doing and he's not a young rookie anymore."

At 6 feet 1, 250 pounds, Chukwurah seems better suited to linebacker than end, but his muscular build and lightning first step prompted the Broncos to try him on the line last season. They discovered a natural pass rusher. Chukwurah became a situational player, recording 4.5 sacks off the bench.

He yearns to be an every-down player.

Chukwurah, who signed a five-year, $5.5-million contract, is competing with 12-year veteran Kevin Carter and rookie first-round pick Gaines Adams at right end. After releasing veteran Simeon Rice on July 26, the Bucs will have a new starter.

When the team released its first preseason depth chart last week, Chukwurah's name was at the top. But he refuses to get cozy with the notion of being a starter.

"I don't feel like I'm there," Chukwurah, 28, said. "I have to have that mind-set that I'm not there, so I can stay focused and stay on top. The worst thing I can do is get comfortable."

Carter started at right end in Friday's preseason opener against the Patriots, a last-minute change. Chukwurah played with the first-team defense on the second series.

"He's as hard working a guy as we've got," Coyer said. "He's very strong, very quick and he has great pride. That's what makes him tick; he's got great pride."

Coaches are still sorting out the personnel to get the four best pass rushers on the field together. After recording only 25 sacks last season, the Bucs are determined to improve.

Just like Chukwurah.

"You always have an opportunity anytime you're in the NFL," he said. "It's not always going to be the way you want it to be, but you have to stay on the grind.

"Hopefully, you'll get there."

Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com or 727 893-8810.

[Last modified August 13, 2007, 23:36:11]