Bosworth Lets Deadline for NFL Draft Pass

Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth did not make contact with the NFL by Monday’s deadline and thus is ineligible for the April 28 draft, a league official said.

Joel Bussert, director of player personnel for the NFL, said shortly before his office closed that Bosworth had not submitted the required written statement saying he wished to be included in the regular draft.

“We don’t have anything, and it has to be in writing,” Bussert said. “A phone call would not be sufficient.”

Had he heard from Bosworth at all?

“No,” Bussert said.

Earlier Monday, Bosworth said he had not made up his mind. Efforts to reach him in Norman, Okla., and at his parents’ home in Irving, Tex., later in the day were unsuccessful.

Bosworth may now choose to enter a supplemental draft to be held later this year, or he can return to Oklahoma where he has one year of eligibility remaining.

If the two-time All-American returns to school, however, it likely won’t be to play football. Oklahoma Coach Barry Switzer has said Bosworth will not be back, and the linebacker has not taken part in spring drills.

Bosworth, 6-2 and 240 pounds, was expected to be one of the top five players drafted. His reluctance to enter the draft centered mainly on his wish not to play for the Indianapolis Colts or Buffalo Bills, who have the second and third picks.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who pick first, have already signed Miami quarterback Vinny Testaverde to a contract.

Bosworth has said he was interested in playing with the Philadelphia Eagles and their coach, Buddy Ryan.

“I think our situation would be very good for him,” said Joe Wooley, Eagles’ player personnel director. “We play a 4-3 defense, and that features the middle linebacker. With a 3-4 team, he’s just the other inside linebacker.”