James Allen's rap career lasted all of 2 weeks

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Ex-Texan Allen having change of heart

Allen's retirement lasts just two weeks

By JOSEPH DUARTE

Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

Two weeks after announcing his retirement, former Texans running back James Allen is singing a different tune.

 

Allen, who abruptly ended his five-year pro career to pursue interests in the music industry, has reconsidered and wants to play in the NFL this season, his agent, Steve Mandell, said Sunday.

 

"He wants to be playing football," Mandell said. "At the time, he looked at his life and made a difficult decision. He's had a quick time to think about what he's doing, and the situation has changed for him when thinking about not playing football. Sometimes it takes being on the outside looking in, especially when you're a young man."

 

Allen, 28, informed Texans coach Dom Capers of his decision to retire on Aug. 10, saying he felt the timing was right to walk away from the NFL and concentrate on a music career. Allen, an aspiring rap artist who performs under the name Mersilis, did an internship at Houston-based Music World -- home of Destiny's Child -- and wants to release a CD.

 

Allen contacted the Texans last week about his desire to come back in Houston or with another team this season.

 

Allen is currently on the reserved-retired list, but the Texans own his rights because here-signed during the offseason.

 

General manager Charley Casserly was noncommittal about Allen, and Capers said the team had to focus on running backs who have been competing for roster spots since Allen left.

 

"Our total focus has been on the guys that we have here, trying to get them developed and going," Capers said. "When something like that happens, you kind of close that chapter and look to move on. That's where our energy and focus has really been."

 

Because they own Allen's rights, the Texans can decide his fate. If he does not return to the team, the Texans could opt to release or trade Allen. There is also the matter of a $200,000 signing bonus -- part of the one-year deal he signed in May -- that Allen has yet to repay.

 

Mandell said he hoped to know more about Allen's status for this season "within the next few days" while reiterating his client's desire to rejoin the Texans.

 

"It's not an open-and-shut case on either side," Mandell said. "James knew telling the Texans (that he was retiring) could have certain ramifications to it. When he changed his mind, he immediately contacted them and told them about his change of heart.

 

"We don't know if he'll be there (playing with the Texans). Any number of things can happen. I do know James wants to come back. No matter what happens, there are no hard feelings on his part. If the situation is right, he'll play again. If not, he'll certainly be OK."

 

Allen, who attended Saturday's preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at Reliant Stadium, was unavailable for comment.

 

"I believe that all things must come to an end, but at every ending there is a new beginning," Allen said in a brief statement at the time of his retirement. "I feel like it is time for me to move on to pursue other passions."

 

Allen entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signed by the Oilers in the offseason before the team moved from Houston to Tennessee. He spent time on Philadelphia's practice squad before four seasons with Chicago. With the Bears, Allen rushed for a career-high 1,120 yards in 2000 but lost his starting job to Anthony Thomas the following season.

 

"James is a young man that feels he has a lot of time left in the sport," Mandell said. "It's important to note that James has tremendous loyal passion for the Texans. He likes playing there. He likes the fans, management and coaching staff."

 

Allen played in all 16 games for the Texans in 2002, starting the first five before losing his job to rookie Jonathan Wells. Allen finished second on the team with 519 rushing yards and 47 receptions.

 

He became a free agent after the 2002 season and drew interest from the Giants before re-signing with the Texans for one year and $730,000.

 

Allen was among a handful of running backs vying for roster spots at the beginning of training camp.

 

"When he was here, he was in the thick of things," Casserly said. "The others passed him along the way when he was not here."

 

Along with Stacey Mack, who signed as a free agent to be the featured back, the Texans have been encouraged by the progress of rookie Tony Hollings in his recovery from knee surgery and the return of rookie Domanick Davis this past week from a broken right hand.

 

The team must also decide where Wells, who is out with a toe injury, fits into their plans.

 

Capers stresses accountability to his players, and the message could be compromised if Allen is allowed to return.

 

The team has a sign in the locker room that says: "Deeds not words." Another in the weight room says: "Earn the right to be special."

 

"It came as a surprise," Capers said about Allen. "After visiting with James, I mentioned how much respect I have for him. I certainly honor his decision.

 

"I certainly didn't hold anything against James. When he came, I thought that's what he thought was best for him. I think he was very honest and forthright."

 

I find this funny, although I didn't expect it to take 2 weeks given that a few teams are looking desperate for backups and the Texans could likely trade him..