Article published Jul 1, 2004 Big man in Berlin Dante Ellington spent the spring in NFL Europe, chasing his dream of playing in the NFL
By Jeff McIntyre Assistant Sports Editor Dante Ellington recently experienced the rare feat of winning a professional football championship. - Ellington, a former Colbert County and Alabama offensive lineman, recently completed the 2004 season with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe. The Thunder defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 30-24 in World Bowl XII on June 12. "Anytime you win a championship it is nice," Ellington said. "We got a championship ring and watch for winning. The only bad thing was there is no big bonus like they get for winning the Super Bowl. But it gave us more exposure, and you have more people talking about you." Ellington left Alabama a year early, but he did not earn an NFL roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was sent to NFL Europe this spring to hone his skills, and he said he enjoyed playing overseas. "It was very different playing in a foreign country," he said. "We had nine national players on our team, so I got to meet a lot of different people. We had some guides to help us, but it was hard to find your way around when you only know a few words of the language. "The football was also different. We played in the old Olympic stadium that held close to 9-0,000 and our average attendance was probably around 15,000. It was a fun experience for me, but I was definitely ready to come back home." Ellington was released by the Eagles in the final cut before the start of the 2003 NFL season. When another NFL team did not sign him, the Eagles allocated Ellington to the European league. After missing the past two football seasons, Ellington said playing in Europe was very beneficial for him. "I gave it my all while I was over there," Ellington said. "I was there to work hard and get better. "It was not a vacation. I wanted to get some experience and improve as a player, and I feel that I did just that." Since returning to the states, Ellington has spent most of his time in Orlando, Fla., where he works out daily to prepare for his second NFL training camp with the Eagles, which begins July 27. Ellington said he is much better prepared for training camp this year. After being declared academically ineligible for the 2002 season at Alabama, Ellington decided to apply for the 2003 NFL Draft. When he wasn't drafted, Ellington signed as a free agent with the Eagles. He had not played football, however, in nearly two years when he went to camp with the Eagles this past July. "I had got myself in good shape, but there is no substitute for the experience of playing football," he said. "That is something that I didn't have last year. "I feel like playing in Europe helped get the rust off my game. Our offensive line coach in Philadelphia said he saw some immediate results. Getting all of those reps has made me a better player." Ellington said has trimmed down to 330 pounds on his 6-foot-6 frame. He said the combination of being in better shape and the added experience of playing in Europe should enhance his chances of sticking in the NFL. "I'm definitely much more confident coming into this training camp," he said. "I'm stronger. I'm in better shape and I know the plays better, so I feel all of those factors will increase my chances. "I'll be on the second-team going into camp, so it is my spot to hold on to. I feel like I proved in Europe that I could still be the player I used to be. Now, I'm looking forward to proving myself in the NFL." Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
