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**RoyWilliams** · 08-09-2007, 09:15 AM

Shipp remains steady for Cards | EastValleyTribune.com

Quote:

He knows his role — have multiple roles. And perform them well.
That’s how a non-starter can survive in the NFL for a decade, maybe more.

Read Mike Tulumello's Bird Watching blog

And that’s how Marcel Shipp has become one of the Cardinals’ grand old men.

Shipp is starting his seventh season with the Cards, tying him for No. 2 in seniority with Adrian Wilson (punter Scott Player is starting his 10th season with the team).

And while it’s a bit of a stretch to attribute “loyalty” to any player or team when it comes to personnel matters in big-time sports, the Cards and Shipp seem at least within shouting distance.

Shipp never has quite been able to nail down the starting running back spot, having been shuffled aside for such luminaries as Emmitt Smith and Edgerrin James.

Yet, “He never complained or said a word,” running backs coach Maurice Carthon points out. “He worked his butt off.

“He’s been a consummate pro. Those are the guys you like to coach.”

And those are the guys you like to re-sign, as the Cardinals did, for a three-year extension, this past offseason.

But what was in it for Shipp, except more pine time?

After talking to the new coaching staff, “I thought it would be the best situation for me. I wanted to finish my career here.”

Maybe he’ll get a few more carries this season; he had just 17 last season behind James, who is striving to pile up carries and yards en route to his hoped-for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.

If not, Shipp will try to make his runs count. Last year, as a goal-line specialist, he ran for four touchdowns, including three in a single game — the Cards’ 34-20 win at St. Louis.

This year, he’s got a good shot again at carrying the mail at the goal line.

At the same time, he’s listed as the lead kick returner.

That’s a combination of skills few players can claim.

“He’s a versatile guy,” coach Ken Whisenhunt says. “That’s one of the reasons I was excited to get Marcel back.

“He embodies what we want on this team. He’s unselfish. He does whatever he’s asked.”

Whisenhunt says he listened to one of Shipp’s former college coaches at Massachusetts talk him up. So the new Cards coach tried to talk Shipp into staying.

“I told him I was impressed with his work ethic, with what a team player he was and especially what he did on special teams. Those kind of guys are valuable.

“I felt he was the kind of guy we wanted.”

Shipp says he’s always emphasized special teams.

“That’s how I made the team my rookie year (in 2001). I know the importance of special teams.”

He helped establish himself in the backfield in 2002 by rushing for 834 yards (a 4.4 average) and taking a screen pass 80 yards for a score.

But he didn’t shine as a starter. He started 11 games in both ’03 and ’05, averaging 3.6 and 2.9 yards, respectively.

He says he didn’t mind stepping to the background for Smith, saying, “I couldn’t believe I was going to play with Emmitt Smith. It was an honor to play with him.

“I fell back and waited my turn. It’s Emmitt Smith!”

Shipp says he’s not fazed by James’ big contract and Hall of Fame aspirations.

“I’ve played with a lot of great running backs. I know my role on the team. I go where I fit. I try to perfect my role so we can win on Sunday.”

Along the way, he’s tried to learn where he can.

From Smith, he learned to study opposing defenses. From James, “I learned how to take care of my body.

“Every running back I’ve played with brought something to the table that’s made my career longer.”

Among his other attributes, Shipp appears to be one of the most committed Cardinals in the community. Among his list of charitable work is a camp he hosts for underprivileged kids in Flagstaff on the day players report to training camp.

Says Shipp: “I love Arizona. This is where I started. I hope it’s where I finish.”

The feeling appears to be mutual.

**Professor** · 08-10-2007, 06:23 PM

Cards notebook: Shipp stoked about shot at returning kickoffs | EastValleyTribune.com

excerpt:

FLAGSTAFF - The release of the Cardinals’ initial depth chart on Monday had Marcel Shipp as the top kick returner, and he is excited about the prospect of remaining in that spot.

“Oh man, I was back there blocking for J.J. (Arrington) last year and now I might be able to get to take a couple back,” Shipp said Tuesday following the team’s practice at Northern Arizona University.

Shipp will get his first chance Saturday in the preseason opener at Oakland.

The depth chart is a bit misleading, though, as both Shipp and Arrington will be back to receive kickoffs, something coach Ken Whisenhunt pointed out.

“When (Shipp) is listed at returner, he and J.J. are both back there,” Whisenhunt said. “Marcel’s been here ... and I think he’s a very good special teams player.

Whisenhunt also noted Shipp’s ability to be a blocker if the ball is not kicked his way.

“That’s something I pride myself in,” Shipp said. “If the ball doesn’t come to me, J.J. can get behind me and get up field.”

And if Arrington has to be the blocker?

“He’ll get in somebody’s way. We watch each other’s back,” Shipp said.

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