January 20, 200719 yr http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2736354 CHICAGO -- Jeff Samardzija decided to give up football and stay with baseball. The former Notre Dame receiver, projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, agreed Friday to a $10 million, five-year contract to pitch for the Chicago Cubs. "Baseball is my first love. I played it my whole life," Samardzija said. A 21-year-old right-hander, Samardzija was the Cubs' fifth-round pick in last year's amateur draft and had a 2.70 ERA in seven starts for their Class A teams at Boise and Peoria. He returned to Notre Dame and helped the Irish make the Sugar Bowl, catching 78 passes for 1,017 yards as a senior. The Irish lost the game to LSU 41-14, but Samardzija did catch a TD pass. His deal includes a $2.5 million signing bonus and the Cubs hold options for a sixth and seventh seasons in 2012 and 2013. If the options are exercised, the deal would be worth $16.5 million over seven years. Samardzija's fastball was clocked at 97 mph last summer and Hendry said the Cubs project him one day to a be "high end starter." Samardzija, 21-6 in 50 college baseball games, said he spent 10 to 12 hours a day weighing the decision on which sport to pursue. His familiarity with the Cubs after his experience last summer was a major factor. "It's an excitement for baseball. If there is a sadness for leaving football, I'm making the decision at the wrong time or just the wrong decision in general," he said. He said Irish coach Charlie Weis was supportive when he told him he was turning to baseball. "He was excited. He wished me the best and he asked for Cubs tickets," Samardzija said.
January 20, 200719 yr IMO he wasn't that good at football. I thought he was very overrated. I disagree, now I dont think he would have been a #1 receiver in the NFL. But I think he could have been alot like TJ and been a very solid #2 receiver one day in the NFL. They both have great hands, run great routes, and are good running with the ball after they made the catch...
January 20, 200719 yr No suprise here, he already got a 250k signing bonus last season, now $8 million guaranteed, either guaranteed money or meeting Ray Lewis at the hash, easy decision.
January 20, 200719 yr Much easier on the body, more money etc. I disagree on his talent in the NFL. He was a nice big physical WR. I think he did what was best for him and that's cool. I enjoyed watching him at ND!
January 20, 200719 yr No suprise here, he already got a 250k signing bonus last season, now $8 million guaranteed, either guaranteed money or meeting Ray Lewis at the hash, easy decision. Got a $2.5 Mil signing bonus for this contract as well. I believe there is some kind of clause he asked them to put in there saying if he didnt fulfill his contract that he had to give back the signing bonus. Also there was a no trade clause put in there. So what round do you think he goes in the NFL Draft. I think he still gets picked.
January 20, 200719 yr Just found out per ESPN, if he plays football he owes the signing bonus plus a ton of extra money. Guess we'll see him in Wrigley in the next two or three years.
January 20, 200719 yr Got a $2.5 Mil signing bonus for this contract as well. I believe there is some kind of clause he asked them to put in there saying if he didnt fulfill his contract that he had to give back the signing bonus. Also there was a no trade clause put in there. So what round do you think he goes in the NFL Draft. I think he still gets picked. I say someone MAY take a chance on him in the 7th round in hopes that maybe he will change his mind and decide to play football...
January 20, 200719 yr I wouldn't waste the pick, for that type of money his cleats will only touch a diamond. Look no farther than Colston, you can find a player in the 7th round.
January 20, 200719 yr Longer career... Bigger money... Winters in the tropics... I love football 10X more than baseball, but given that choice, I'd probably choose baseball too...
January 20, 200719 yr Good for SHARK..he exploded on the national scene last year, and blossomed in the limelight for two seasons at The Univeristy of Notre Dame....make the Cubbies proud, and I am sorry that there is not a World Series in your future.
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