Former Dallas Cowboys Rolando McClain is planning a return to football following NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this week having lifted a seven-year suspension - and the all-time great University of Alabama star has the vocal support of his all-time great coach.
"I am pleased to and happy to see Rolando reinstated by the NFL,'' Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban tells CowboysSI.com in a 1-on-1 visit. "We're excited to see what he can accomplish with another opportunity.”
Part of the backing from Saban - busy readying No. 4-ranked 'Bama for its final-four bowl game against No. 1 Michigan - is about a shared history.
“Rolando McClain was an integral part of helping build a championship program at The University of Alabama,'' tells us. "He was a tremendous leader and an outstanding football player for our program.''
But part of this is also personal; Saban has in the past said McClain is among his all-time favorite football players and all-time favorite people. ... and sources tell CowboysSI.com that Alabama has been helpful in guiding McClain toward this possible comeback - even though he's 34 and has been away from the game while working to overcome behavioral and drug-related issues.
"I'm still 'me' in every way; I laugh (at the skepticism),'' McClain tells CowboysSI.com in our exclusive in-depth interview. "I'm ready for the NFL now. Like riding a bike! Football is life. I love the game.''
McClain was taken No. 8 overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Raiders before being waived for off-field issues.
The linebacker at one point announced his retirement in 2013, but then signed with the Cowboys in 2014. McClain had a successful stint in Dallas over two seasons before his third year was once again derailed by off-season issues, this time drug-related.
McClain spent three seasons at Alabama from 2007-2009. Along with helping Alabama to a national title, McClain was a unanimous All-American, won the Butkus Award and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
An NFL source tells us that the Cowboys are not interested in another go-'round with McClain. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that if given a chance, he can reclaim the glory he experienced at 'Bama, in Oakland, and in Dallas.
"I never planned to not return to football," McClain says.
Our Fish Podcast and our Fish Report digs in to the details of McClain's challenges ... and the Cowboys' view on them, in addition to all the latest news as Dallas readies for its Sunday game at the Buffalo Bills. Listen and watch and welcome, Cowboys Nation!
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