It has been long said that for a quarterback to excel in the NFL, he must have the quality of poise in abundance.
Poise in the huddle, poise in the pocket, poise on third down and poise in a game's waning moments.
Based on the way he handled himself on Draft Day, with his disappointment mounting and his dreams being twisted and warped by the minute, recent Notre Dame alum Brady Quinn showed he has poise aplenty. In many ways, the 6-4, 232-pound heartthrob QB was poise personified.
While many on the scene were losing their heads over Quinn's freefall in Round 1, Brady was dripping with maturity. He remained cool and collected amidst what had to be a disheartening and totally unexpected turn of events.
Despite the hurt and the understandable dejection he was experiencing, Quinn hung tough and stayed strong. He firmly held onto his belief that it would all work out in his best interest. He may have been a bit bowed but he was nowhere near broken or defeated.
And ultimately, the dream-turned-nightmare reverted back to a dream in the end. The product of Dublin, Ohio, the fresh-faced kid who proudly dawned a Cleveland Browns' jersey while growing up, was coming home after all.
After Cleveland G.M. Phil Savage unsuccessfully negotiated with a multitude of teams in order to move up in the Draft to snare the still available Irish star, Savage was finally able to strike a deal with colorful Jerry Jones of the Cowboys at pick 22. Good thing too! Word had it that the Chiefs were about to pounce on Quinn with the next choice while simultaneously, Baltimore was feverishly trying to cut a deal themselves to acquire the services of the suddenly coveted Brady.
Life in the NFL is kind of funny that way. One minute your incidental and neglected, then the next your being lusted after like a Hooters' waitress. On Draft Day, Brady Quinn knew the feeling of each experience. He had lived life from both sides.
No one could possibly argue that Quinn had turned out to be the focal point and lightening rod of the Draft's first day. He was the centerpiece story. His predicament provided the most drama and created the most scrutiny.
As it was, much of the pre-Draft attention was riveted on him because he was the record-setting glamour boy from the Golden Dome and there was genuine intrigue as to where he might land.
Oakland was a possibility although a longshot at best based on reliable reports that the Raiders were thoroughly enamored with LSU QB JaMarcus Russell. The Lions, in need of a young stud behind center, could have bit on Brady. Cleveland, picking third, was seemingly poised-there's that word again-to make Quinn's life long dream come true. Minnesota and Miami were also bereft of notable talent at QB and it seemed implausible that Quinn would get past the Dolphins' selection at No. 9.
Quinn was convinced that he'd had a great visit and positive interaction with Miami's new Head Coach, offensive-minded Cam Cameron. Brady thought a rapport had been established and a mutual interest had been confirmed. Quinn was confident the Dolphins wouldn't pass on him if he were still on the board.
But when Miami laughingly overreached and selected Ohio State receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr., Quinn's heretofore brave face betrayed him a bit. His expression was one of surprise and bewilderment. Confusion too. He seemed to be somewhat at a loss to explain what was happening to him.
Yet, when interviewed about how he was slipping, Quinn was the picture of composure. He talked about the inherent serendipity of the Draft and how he was more concerned with what his family was feeling rather than himself. He calmly dealt with the likelihood that he was quickly becoming a cruel victim of circumstance. Like a QB sidestepping a fierce blitz, Quinn stayed relaxed and waited for something to develop.
Quinn is not only an accomplished football player but he's exceedingly bright and he was well aware of the fact that once Miami gave him the cold shoulder, none of the next 13 teams had a pressing need at QB. Waiting to hear his name called was, in all probability, going to be a long, drawn-out process.
When it became apparent he wouldn't be selected for awhile, Quinn and his family left the table they had occupied backstage at Radio City Music Hall and retired to a suite offered to them by new NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Credit Goodell for having the sensitivity to sense the increasing unease the Quinn clan was feeling and for providing them a sanctuary out of the prying eyes of the media. Though the situation was hardly embarrassing or humiliating as some in the press had ludicrously claimed, it nonetheless was an awkward and uncomfortable circumstance and giving Quinn some quiet time to reflect seemed wise.
Finally, after 4 hours and 15 minutes of waiting and having many of his hopes dashed, Quinn's ordeal ended when the Browns' relentless efforts paid off. Savage's diligent legwork allowed Cleveland to get Quinn's notable arm.
As his name was announced, perhaps the loudest cheer of the Draft rang out. The fans at Radio City had begun to identify with Quinn and his very public trial by fire.
When Quinn arrived onstage, his eyes went skyward and a look of obvious relief swept over him. When he posed with a Browns' jersey, that winning smile returned although it wasn't nearly dynamic as those he had flashed earlier in the day. Given all that he had to endure, Quinn had held up surprisingly well but there is no doubt that the experience took it's toll.
At the start of the Draft, Quinn had looked totally GQ, fittingly decked out in a brown pinstriped suit and his flowing locks teased to perfection. By day's end, Quinn still looked sharp but resembled a model who had gone through an exhausting photo shoot. He seemed at peace with the final outcome but was clearly drained as a result of what befell him.
Yet, all's well that ends well. Quinn landed exactly where he wanted. And if he becomes that standout pro that Irish coach Charlie Weis envisions, then Quinn will eventually make up all the money he lost by tumbling down in the Draft, speculated to be in the neighborhood of 17 million dollars.
What's more, Quinn's ultra competitive instincts will be stoked even further. For when fall camp arrives, Quinn figures to be more motivated then he's ever been. He'll be carrying a chip on his shoulder the size of the football he'll be throwing. He'll be intent on showing everyone, from the Raiders on down, that they committed a monumental error by not selecting him. It'll be his consuming mission to, "Go out and prove everyone wrong,” as his now ex-coach Weis told him to do. He'll be driven to make those who rejected him pay a steep price for years to come.
But one thing's for sure. Based on the manner in which he handled himself on Draft Day, Brady Quinn doesn't figure to get too flustered by virtually anything a pro defense can throw at him. And why's that?
Because as he clearly demonstrated in New York, he's already got the poise of a winner.