Chad Rinehart is a pretty laid back kind of guy for someone who stands
six-foot-five-inches tall and weighs 315 pounds. For the past four
years, he’s played left tackle for the University of Northern Iowa
football team with a quiet intensity. On NFL draft weekend at the end
of April, it’s no surprise that he carried himself with the same
low-key demeanor and total lack of outward edginess. It was just a
waiting game, one that he was somewhat certain would turn out in his
favor.
Cedar Valley Athlete magazine spent April 27, the
second day of the draft, with Rinehart and his parents, Marty and
Gayle, at their home in Boone, Iowa. It wasn’t a big gathering – no
other family members which includes an older and younger sister to Chad
were in attendance, no neighbors. Chad was reasonably sure his name
wouldn’t be called until at least the third round, which began at 9
a.m. on the second day. Various “experts” and draft sites had predicted
he could be drafted anywhere from the third to seventh round.
He spent the Saturday before in Cedar Falls
watching the first half of UNI’s Spring Game, and doing what he’s done
since graduating in December with a degree in Sports Psychology –
working out. He didn’t arrive at his parents’ house until just after 9
a.m. on Sunday. “I got a late start,” he said.
Mom and Dad already had the television turned to ESPN’s draft
coverage. They had watched all day Saturday, also, with Mom writing
down each selection made as it was announced. Somewhat surprisingly,
numerous offensive tackles were drafted on the first day, perhaps more
so than in previous years, but just one offensive guard. Rinehart was
being looked at as a guard or possible right tackle in the pro ranks.
The morning ticked by uneventfully,
with Mom still noting each selection, occasionally looking up a name in
a national draft publication. Dad and Chad sat on the other sofa
reading the morning’s newspaper, glancing up once in awhile at the
television and discussing the most recent pick. The house otherwise was
relatively quiet.
>Rinehart said he had talked to just
about every team the few days leading up to the draft, giving them all
his phone numbers. He had spoken most with the Seattle Seahawks and the
Detroit Lions the week of the invitation-only NFL Combine held Feb.
20-26 in Indianapolis. He wasn’t totally pleased with his performance
there, stating he had a hamstring injury and couldn’t run as much as he
wanted to. During UNI’s Pro Day held in March, he ran a 5.2 40 and
scored 35 of 42 on the intelligence-rating Wonderlic Test.
About 10:40 a.m., the Washington
Redskins came up on the screen as “On the Clock”. Rinehart’s cell phone
rang, but no one was there. Immediately thereafter, the phone rang in
the kitchen. Rinehart ran to answer, and Mom and Dad perked up, looking
at which team was set to make its selection.
“Absolutely. Sounds good,” Rinehart said on the phone. He then whispered to his parents, “Washington.
“I’m
really excited,” he said. Mom screams excitedly in the background as
Chad’s name appears on television. By the end of the phone
conversation, he had spoken with the Redskins’ team owner and offensive
line coach.
By 10:45 a.m., the wait was over. He
was the 96th pick overall. “I’m relieved,” Rinehart said. “I thought I
was going to be sitting around for a little while. I never really
talked to the ‘Skins that much. They said they saw me in the Senior
Bowl (Jan. 26) and I guess that’s when they decided.” “I have two brothers who live in the Washington area,” Mom said.
The phone rang several more times.
Family and friends called to congratulate the Rineharts, while Chad’s
cell phone continued ringing. He first spoke with members of the
Washington media. “I guess my (best memory of football) was getting to
be the first (UNI) team to play in the national championship,” he said
on the conference call. “I started every game at left tackle but I
think I’ll be a guard or right tackle, a lot of teams were saying…I
know Washington has a history of having a great offensive line and I
know about the ‘Hogs’…I talked to Derrick Frost (UNI grad and ‘Skins’
punter) a few times. He had graduated before I got (to UNI)…I’m
definitely glad to be picked in the third (round) and know where I’m
going already…I’m a physical guy and a leader for our team. Throughout
my career I did everything I could to help the team win. I put the team
ahead of myself…I was pretty surprised when (Washington) called. I
talked to them a little at the Combine and talked to a couple guys at
the Senior Bowl, but other than that I didn’t have that much contact
with them…I went down to the Senior Bowl and played guard for the first
time. Through the week I got more comfortable with it. I played tackle
in college so I feel I’m pretty versatile…No. 1, I’m pretty physical, I
like to go out and hit guys. I have intelligence and my awareness on
the field stands out.”
Team representatives then called
several times lining up Rinehart’s trip to the mini-camp which began
the following Thursday. His agent, Leo Goeas of Domann & Pittman of
Colorado Springs, Co. called.
Rinehart becomes the fourth highest
Panther picked in the NFL draft behind offensive lineman Brad Meester
(Jacksonville Jaguars, 2nd round, 60th pick, 2000), defensive lineman
James Jones (Cleveland Browns, 3rd round, 57th pick, 1991) and wide
receiver Dedric Ward (New York Jets, 3rd round, 88th pick). He was the
eighth pick and first offensive lineman taken from the FCS (Football
Championship) division in 2008.
Rinehart said it didn’t matter which
team drafted him. “This has been a dream of mine since starting to play
sports, I guess…Today is my biggest day of my athletic career, just
topping the national championship game.”
He says his Sports Psychology major
has helped him throughout his college career. “I’ve learned how to make
myself mentally stronger and it’s helped with visualization and
goal-setting…Going through college I just decided I didn’t want to have
any regrets with my playing and training. I did everything I could to
have the opportunity. So there really was nothing to be worried about.
I’m absolutely confident in my own skills.”
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