COME BACK IN BLACK
June 27, 2004 -- ALAMEDA, Calif. - Kerry Collins may not have mastered the Raiders' offense yet, but he certainly has the wardrobe down. Sitting on a park bench outside the team's offices, Collins sports a black hat, black T-shirt and black shorts.
It's not quite an Al Davis jump suit, but Collins' wardrobe gives an indication how well he has adapted to his new surroundings. Two months after being released by the Giants, the 31-year-old quarterback is upbeat and content in a new role on a new team on the other coast.
"You know, sometimes there's nothing like a new start," Collins said. "I certainly feel rejuvenated out here. It's a big move for [my family] and there's a lot of new things for us, but I'm really happy I came out here."
The process of getting to Oakland has been a whirlwind for Collins. After the Giants traded for Eli Manning this draft day, the team asked Collins to restructure his contract. When he refused, he was released. Collins began to search for a new job, and a month later signed a three-year, $16.8 million contract with the Raiders.
When he looks back on the eventful time, Collins shakes his head.
"You don't ever know what's around the next corner," he said.
For Collins, the road began to take twists and turns on draft day. Collins was at home in Basking Ridge, N.J., watching the draft when the Giants made the deal for his successor. He had heard rumors for weeks but nothing from the team, leaving him a sliver of hope they would go another direction with the draft pick.
"I was disappointed," Collins said. "I was angry. I was resentful at times because I've got a lot of pride. I'm proud of what I did there. I'm proud of what we accomplished as a football team when I was there. They bring somebody else in and feel that they can do a better job than you can - it stings your pride."
Collins knew the Giants wanted him to restructure his contract and lower his $8.95 million salary-cap figure. Rather than wait to hear from the team, Collins went to Giants Stadium two days after the draft to talk to general manager Ernie Accorsi.
"He wanted me to restructure my deal, to make it more cap-friendly, so they could sign the new quarterback, you know what I mean?" said Collins, his voice rising in disbelief. "Well, you know what? No. No. Not going to happen.
"I really wasn't interested in helping them out too much at that point."
Two days later, on April 28, his five-year stint with the Giants was over. Collins and his agent, David Dunn, began searching for a new team, but the timing was less than perfect. Most teams had settled on a quarterback situation. A few offered the chance to play one year as a backup, after which he'd be forced to test free agency. Collins hoped for stability.
Then, the Raiders came calling. Collins visited Oakland and walked away impressed with new coach Norv Turner, owner Davis and the long-term opportunities for him there. Many people wondered why Collins would choose a team with an established starter, 2002 MVP Rich Gannon. But 38-year-old Gannon has only one year left on his contract, and most in the organization feel this is his last go-round with the team, giving Collins a year to learn the system before taking the reins in 2005.
The quarterbacks must get through this season first and all the controversy questions that go with it. The duo and Turner spent plenty of time at a minicamp last week downplaying the rivalry.
"There is no controversy," Collins said.
Added Gannon, "You guys are trying to create something more than there really is."
Collins is deferring to Gannon, yet he also is quick to point out he still considers himself a starting quarterback. He said if there had been a team that offered him a starting job, he would be there instead of in Oakland.
"It's tough when people ask me, 'Well, why would you want to be the backup?'" Collins said. "Well, I don't want to be a backup, but this is the best situation for me for a lot of reasons. That's what I have to look at."
Under Turner, the Raiders plan to throw deep often. It's an offensive philosophy Collins is unfamiliar with. After signing on May 24, Collins returned to New Jersey but was back in California a week later. He has been here since, learning everything from terminology to philosophy.
He's gotten to know his new teammates at two OTAs (organized team activities) and at last week's minicamp. He split reps with Gannon, working with the second team. Most of the practices were mundane, but one throw, a 55-yard strike to Ronald Curry, drew cheers from teammates. Collins has impressed his coaches with how quickly he's picked up the offense, and Davis "loves" him, according to a member of the team's front office.
"The first day we had a camp and had a 7-on-7 period, one of the veteran DBs came over to me and said, 'Have you guys been meeting with him since January? He looks pretty sharp,'" Turner said. "The veteran guys pick this stuff up quick. He knows how to get ready. I don't think the system is an issue. I don't think managing the game is an issue. I think, right now, it's getting comfortable with the guys he's playing with."
Collins also is getting comfortable in his new surroundings. He and his wife, Brooke, have been house hunting in the Bay Area. For now, Collins is living in a hotel.
Collins said he holds no grudge toward the Giants. He said he has not spoken to any of his former teammates but they are in his thoughts. He did place a call to Jesse Palmer after "The Bachelor" aired but has not gotten a call back.
"I don't want the 'Good Morning America' version," Collins said. "I want what really happened."
Collins said he remains grateful to the Giants for signing him in 1999 when he had been labeled everything from a quitter to a racist. Shortly after the team cut him, he went to Wellington Mara's office to thank the owner for taking a chance on him.
That's in Collins' rearview mirror now. He's eager to get started with his new team, even if it means holding a clipboard for a year.
"Regardless of how it all went down, I couldn't be any happier," he said. "I know I'm not starting here and all that, but, God, I feel refreshed, and I'm excited about football. Sometimes you get in a rut when you're somewhere for a long time. This change has been great for me."
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