Professor

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3808121

Walker's deal banks on healthy raise
By Joseph Sanchez
Denver Post Staff Writer

About a month ago, wide receiver Javon Walker had a second surgery on his right knee, which had sidelined him for most of the 2005 season after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the first game.

Wednesday, the former Green Bay Packers star signed a one-year, $2.15 million deal with the Broncos that could extend to six years and in excess of $42 million if he returns to his Pro Bowl form of 2004. Should Walker play out the length of the contract, it would be unprecedented for a receiver coming off major knee surgery.

Naturally, the question on just about everybody's mind when the Broncos acquired Walker for a second-round draft pick April 29 came up again during his introductory press conference Wednesday at the club's Dove Valley headquarters.

Is this guy damaged goods?

"No," Walker said. "That (second surgery) was just to check and see if everything was healing correctly. Obviously, Denver wouldn't have given up a second-round pick without knowing that teams of medical doctors from each and every team knew that I would be ready for training camp."

After blowing out his knee in Green Bay's season opener at Detroit, Walker had reconstructive surgery in early October. Another minor procedure was performed on his knee last month, but subsequent exams left the Broncos' medical team satisfied Walker would be near full recovery when training camp opens in late July.

"They just went in there and did a little clean-up," Walker's agent, Kennard Mc- Guire, said of the second knee surgery. "(The Broncos' doctors) passed him, so there's no problem at all."

Walker said Broncos fans need not be concerned about his health.

"Not at all," said Walker. "They have yet to see what I'm about to do on that football field. The same player that I was in Green Bay is the same player they're going to see in Denver, even better. So I'm excited about giving these fans what they've been looking for, and that's lining up with Rod Smith and going to the Super Bowl."

The $42 million contract includes a five- year, $40 million extension starting in 2007, McGuire said. Included is a $1 million "good faith" roster bonus the Broncos added to his $1.15 million salary for 2006. The $2.15 million represents the guaranteed portion of the contract. The extension includes more than $15 million in nonguaranteed club option bonuses, starting in 2007.

Walker said he is limited to straight-ahead running. "I feel good," he said. "I'm obviously taking time with it, but when I get to full speed ahead, I'll know."

stormdriver

Sounds like we got rid of him at exactly the right time. NO WAY he comes back as good as he was...

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Idaho Vandals Fan
Green Bay Packers Fan

MattP

Your going to eat those words

stormdriver

Funny, I bet you never thought so highly of Walker before he got injured, and more importantly, before he was on your team. Face it: an injury like that does not heal overnight. He will play again, and he may do well, but he will never be able to be as fast or as agile as he was. It's medically impossible.

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Green Bay Packers Fan

Professor

storm, you are right on, he could even make some plays, but you and everyone else will always say, what could have been.

Professor

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...728633,00.html

SURPRISE APPEARANCE: The Broncos were going through their warm-up period when Javon Walker decided the time was right to catch a few passes.

The receiver hasn't begun to make cuts on his surgically repaired right knee. But because he already is doing straight-ahead running, he figured there was no harm.

"I kind of snuck that in on my own," he said. "But, obviously, since I'm sprinting, I can do that."

The team wants Walker to be fully recovered by the July 28 start of on-field workouts for training camp, though he wants to participate in some drills during a minicamp three weeks before. Walker said he has full range of motion in the knee and isn't worried he'll have difficulty getting his wind back for two-a-days.

"Believe me, they've been figuring out a way to get me in shape," he said.

Rookie receiver Domenik Hixon, who missed passing camp while recovering from surgery on his left foot, is expected back for the second week of team camp, which begins Wednesday and continues through June 8.

chris_36824

Javon Walker in my opinion will still be a good reciever.. his knee is a problem, but after it heals he will be able to get back on track and put up some good numbers...

Professor

this is definitely good news for bronco fans, he is running straight and hopefully will be cutting soon.