Marinelli Recalls Coaching Lost DE

The disappearance of two NFL Players, Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper and free agent defensive end Corey Smith, along with two former college football players off the coast of Florida has left the NFL community reeling. One of the college football players, Nick Schuyler, was found alive, but the search has been suspended as the three others are still missing. The tragedy is a little more personal for Bears defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, who coached Smith both at Tampa Bay and Detroit.

Marinelli said, “Corey Smith is a very special guy to me. He is a cornerstone of what this league is about: toughness, effort and team. Corey is as tough as any guy I ever coached. He earned his way into the NFL, along with the respect of his teammates and coaches. He is a humble man who works.  As a coach, you couldn’t ask for more than what Corey brings to a team.  And as an individual, he is the type of person you want your kids to emulate.  My thoughts and prayers have been with all three missing men and their families. “

The boat left on Saturday morning for a fishing trip and the weather led to the boat capsizing later that day. An extensive search was launched, but the three still haven’t been found.

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