On the comeback trail

Sporting News, The, Sept 9, 2005 by William Wagner

When the Redskins used the third pick of the 1994 draft on Heath Shuler, they thought he would put them back on top. Instead, the quarterback's three seasons in Washington, D.C., were a disheartening blur of hard knocks. It seemed only about one local resident enjoyed watching him play.

"I spoke to President Clinton," Shuler says, "and one of the first things he told me was, 'Well, Heath, when I was in office, I was so happy to see you sometimes on the front page of The Washington Post because that took the pressure off me.'"

By 1998, after an injury-marred stint with the Saints, Shuler was out of the NFL altogether. But he is no quitter. Now 33, Shuler is laying the groundwork for a triumphant return to the city that scorned him--this time as a representative from North Carolina's 11th Congressional District.

"This job overshadows any other thing I've been able to do." Shuler says. "I've always had the desire to help people the best I can. I felt this was a way to impact a lot of people."

Shuler is trying to emulate J.C. Watts, Steve Largent and Tom Osborne, who transitioned from football to Congress. There is, however, one notable difference: They are Republicans; Shuler is a Democrat.

"I'm the odd person," Shuler says with a laugh. "When you're in football and get into those upper levels of salary, you start thinking like a Republican. I was raised a Democrat, and I've always kept my feet grounded and realized the Democratic Party is here to help people who can't help themselves."

If Shuler wins the Democratic nomination, he will face an uphill fight in the November 2006 general election. The GOP incumbent, Rep. Charles Taylor. has held his seat since 1990.

Despite being a political novice. Shuler believes he has two advantages. The first is the weight his name carries in his native western North Carolina, where he led Swain County High School to three state titles before starring up the road at Tennessee. The second: "In football, it seemed like every waking moment involved getting ready for your opponent." he says. "This is very similar. I feel I'll outwork anything my opponent is able to bring forth."

And if Shuler does make it back to D.C.? Well, it couldn't possibly be any tougher than the first time around. Says Shuler, "I won't have to worry about people like Chester McGlockton chasing me down."