Thrift Spends Emotions Following Release : Linebacker to Try Out With Bears After He Forgives Charger Management
In the 24 hours after he was cut Tuesday by the Chargers, linebacker Cliff Thrift covered an emotional spectrum that ranged from shock to bitterness to euphoria.
By the time he had decided to try out for the Chicago Bears rather than opt for free agency, Thrift had forgiven Charger management for what he viewed as callousness in failing to level with him.
Cut along with him were tight end Ron Egloff, running back Jewerl Thomas, linebacker Ray Preston, and defensive backs Ken Greene, Bob Gregor, Reuben Henderson and Andre Young. Still another veteran, offensive lineman Chuck Loewen, was released Wednesday.
“I was hurt and bitter for a short time, and I didn’t get much sleep,” Thrift said. “But I know I gain nothing by holding a grudge.”
But, even as he put aside the initial anger he felt on being released, Thrift raised some pointed questions about the team’s direction and the future that only a couple of years ago seemed so bright.
“It’s almost a relief for me,” Thrift said when asked his reaction to being included in the purge.
“It’s not like it used to be here. In the years when we were winning, it was relaxed, a very good place to play. But after two losing seasons, the new owner (Alex Spanos) is trying to run the team like a business, and I’m not sure if it’s the right approach. There’s an awful lot of tension.”
Thrift discounted the notion that a country club atmosphere had pervaded the Chargers in their winning seasons. He was more emphatic in questioning the propriety of what he called a “pressure-cooker atmosphere.”
An uptight team is an unhappy team, Thrift suggested.
“When your job is on the line, it puts you in a vise, and that’s an uncomfortable feeling,” Thrift said.
“I always thought you got the best results from players who were having some fun along with doing their job. Guys are more prone to make mistakes and have injuries when the pressure is stepped up.
“And there’s no question the players have seen (coach) Don Coryell under tremendous strain and pressure. He’s dealt with it as best he could.”
Thrift stopped short of insinuating that Coryell was showing signs of cracking under the pressure, but he minced no words in describing the cold treatment he received from the head coach and his lieutenants when he was dropped from the team.
“I asked Coach Coryell and (linebacker coach) Chuck Weber, ‘Was it something I did?’ ” Thrift said. “They told me they liked my attitude, but they really couldn’t talk about things.
“Their jobs are on the line and they’re concerned about their futures, so they’re afraid to show emotion or offer reasons why a veteran is cut.”
Thrift, a six-year veteran, said he was stunned when he got the news that his services were no longer required.
“I had no clue, I was totally in the dark about what was happening,” the oft-injured linebacker said. “Everybody has been very close-mouthed. But I don’t think it takes a genius to realize they’re emphasizing youth and economics.
“They’re trying to sign Trumaine Johnson and Gary Anderson, and to do that they have to trim fat somewhere, so they get rid of veterans making decent money. This is a way to balance it out . . . I’m just surprised my name was included.”
Thrift’s role in 1984 was mainly as a special teams performer. He felt he had to play recklessly in order to get any time at linebacker. But it didn’t work out.
“I was playing kamikaze on the kickoff team, flying down the field trying to bulldoze people,” Thrift said. “It took its toll. I hurt my shoulder and I couldn’t perform as well as a linebacker. It was very frustrating.”
Thrift views his Charger career through the prism of injury, darkly. “There’s a ton of luck involved in football,” he said. “If you don’t get hurt, your chances to make a team are a whole lot better. You can work on your quickness or study your playbook if the coaches are unhappy, but there isn’t much you can do about getting hurt.”
Even if he’s healthy, Thrift knows he will not have an easy time making a place for himself on the roster of the Bears, one of football’s most fearsome defenses.
Of course, no player is going to say he doesn’t think he can make it, no matter what the odds.
“I have a new life with the Bears,” he said. “I talked to their front office, and they seemed glad to have me. It was great to hear someone wanted me. It’s been so long since I’ve been wanted by anyone.
“I’m as excited as I was as a rookie. I know the Bears have an awesome defense, but I’m going to bite and scratch and claw my way in. I have no questions about my own ability; I just have to prove to everyone else I can still play.”
The Chargers as a team are in much the same position. The doubters outnumber the believers these days.
Thrift was asked for his assessment of what has happened to the Chargers over the last few years. He answered in a guarded way, but one that seems to contain the essential elements.
“Injuries, losing valuable players and an overall decline in attitude resulting from the first two factors,” Thrift said.
Can the Chargers reach the playoffs? “They will need an awful lot of luck, and they’ll have to stay healthy,” he said. “I wish ‘em the best. I have an awful lot of friends here, and I’d love to play ‘em in the Super Bowl.”
Charger Notes
The Chargers announced the signing of last year’s leading rusher, Earnest Jackson, to a four-year contract. Jackson gained 1,179 yards and proved to be more than an adequate replacement for Chuck Muncie. . . . The Chargers also signed four drafted players, including offensive tackle Dan Remsberg, cornerback David King, tight end Bret Pearson and nose tackle Tony Simmons.