Atkinson signs deal with Pack

By Richard Brack     Apr 23, 2002

Algie Atkinson’s disappointment didn’t last long.

Atkinson, Kansas University’s senior linebacker, wasn’t selected in the NFL draft over the weekend, but the free agent signed a two-year contract with the Green Bay Packers on Monday.

“They showed a lot of interest in me before the draft,” Atkinson said. “The Packers called me during the sixth round and told me they wanted me, but they needed to draft a guard. I would have liked to have been drafted.”

Atkinson’s agent also was contacted by the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, but Atkinson opted to sign with the Packers.

“Green Bay seemed like the best place for me to have a chance to make the team,” Atkinson said of the Packers, who have lost linebackers to injuries and free agency.

Green Bay also is relatively close to his family’s home in Skokie, Ill.

“It’s about a three-hour drive, so my parents can come see me play,” he said in a phone interview Monday from Chicago.

Atkinson, who made 71 tackles, including 11 sacks, as a senior, will report to mini-camp Thursday. His contract is contingent on making the team.

“You have to go out and prove yourself,” said Atkinson, who declined to discuss his salary.

Atkinson (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) said two other Jayhawks defensive backs Jamarei Bryant (5-11, 190) and Andrew Davison (5-11, 185) were expected to sign free-agent contracts. Davison was negotiating with the New York Jets, and Bryant was talking to the Buffalo Bills.

Davison led KU with three interceptions and 12 pass break ups and also made 51 tackles last season. Bryant had one interception, broke up five passes and made 85 tackles. Neither player could be reached for comment.

Atkinson signs deal with Pack

By Richard Brack     Apr 23, 2002

Algie Atkinson’s disappointment didn’t last long.

Atkinson, Kansas University’s senior linebacker, wasn’t selected in the NFL draft over the weekend, but the free agent signed a two-year contract with the Green Bay Packers on Monday.

“They showed a lot of interest in me before the draft,” Atkinson said. “The Packers called me during the sixth round and told me they wanted me, but they needed to draft a guard. I would have liked to have been drafted.”

Atkinson’s agent also was contacted by the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, but Atkinson opted to sign with the Packers.

“Green Bay seemed like the best place for me to have a chance to make the team,” Atkinson said of the Packers, who have lost linebackers to injuries and free agency.

Green Bay also is relatively close to his family’s home in Skokie, Ill.

“It’s about a three-hour drive, so my parents can come see me play,” he said in a phone interview Monday from Chicago.

Atkinson, who made 71 tackles, including 11 sacks, as a senior, will report to mini-camp Thursday. His contract is contingent on making the team.

“You have to go out and prove yourself,” said Atkinson, who declined to discuss his salary.

Atkinson (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) said two other Jayhawks defensive backs Jamarei Bryant (5-11, 190) and Andrew Davison (5-11, 185) were expected to sign free-agent contracts. Davison was negotiating with the New York Jets, and Bryant was talking to the Buffalo Bills.

Davison led KU with three interceptions and 12 pass break ups and also made 51 tackles last season. Bryant had one interception, broke up five passes and made 85 tackles. Neither player could be reached for comment.

Atkinson signs deal with Pack

By Richard Brack     Apr 23, 2002

Algie Atkinson’s disappointment didn’t last long.

Atkinson, Kansas University’s senior linebacker, wasn’t selected in the NFL draft over the weekend, but the free agent signed a two-year contract with the Green Bay Packers on Monday.

“They showed a lot of interest in me before the draft,” Atkinson said. “The Packers called me during the sixth round and told me they wanted me, but they needed to draft a guard. I would have liked to have been drafted.”

Atkinson’s agent also was contacted by the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, but Atkinson opted to sign with the Packers.

“Green Bay seemed like the best place for me to have a chance to make the team,” Atkinson said of the Packers, who have lost linebackers to injuries and free agency.

Green Bay also is relatively close to his family’s home in Skokie, Ill.

“It’s about a three-hour drive, so my parents can come see me play,” he said in a phone interview Monday from Chicago.

Atkinson, who made 71 tackles, including 11 sacks, as a senior, will report to mini-camp Thursday. His contract is contingent on making the team.

“You have to go out and prove yourself,” said Atkinson, who declined to discuss his salary.

Atkinson (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) said two other Jayhawks defensive backs Jamarei Bryant (5-11, 190) and Andrew Davison (5-11, 185) were expected to sign free-agent contracts. Davison was negotiating with the New York Jets, and Bryant was talking to the Buffalo Bills.

Davison led KU with three interceptions and 12 pass break ups and also made 51 tackles last season. Bryant had one interception, broke up five passes and made 85 tackles. Neither player could be reached for comment.

Atkinson signs deal with Pack

By Richard Brack     Apr 23, 2002

Algie Atkinson’s disappointment didn’t last long.

Atkinson, Kansas University’s senior linebacker, wasn’t selected in the NFL draft over the weekend, but the free agent signed a two-year contract with the Green Bay Packers on Monday.

“They showed a lot of interest in me before the draft,” Atkinson said. “The Packers called me during the sixth round and told me they wanted me, but they needed to draft a guard. I would have liked to have been drafted.”

Atkinson’s agent also was contacted by the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, but Atkinson opted to sign with the Packers.

“Green Bay seemed like the best place for me to have a chance to make the team,” Atkinson said of the Packers, who have lost linebackers to injuries and free agency.

Green Bay also is relatively close to his family’s home in Skokie, Ill.

“It’s about a three-hour drive, so my parents can come see me play,” he said in a phone interview Monday from Chicago.

Atkinson, who made 71 tackles, including 11 sacks, as a senior, will report to mini-camp Thursday. His contract is contingent on making the team.

“You have to go out and prove yourself,” said Atkinson, who declined to discuss his salary.

Atkinson (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) said two other Jayhawks defensive backs Jamarei Bryant (5-11, 190) and Andrew Davison (5-11, 185) were expected to sign free-agent contracts. Davison was negotiating with the New York Jets, and Bryant was talking to the Buffalo Bills.

Davison led KU with three interceptions and 12 pass break ups and also made 51 tackles last season. Bryant had one interception, broke up five passes and made 85 tackles. Neither player could be reached for comment.

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