An Open Apology to Derrick Ward

Dear Derrick,

OK, first let me start with the gifts:

• Chocolate covered cashews from Harry and David's (Ahmad told me they were your favorite.)
• An "Ottawa University Alumni" sweatshirt
• An "I rushed for 800 yards as a backup and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" t-shirt.

I hope you like those gifts, Derrick. No hard feelings, OK? I'm sorry for never having enough confidence in you. I'm sorry for all those weeks of saying "Why isn't Bradshaw getting the ball?", when you were doing the job just fine.

Derrick, did you know that our birthdays are just a few days apart? Also, according to your profile, you live in Weehawken. I was born in Weehawken! So see, we're practically ... well, we're practically something, I guess.

I promise I will never ever doubt your ability again, Derrick. I no longer care that you were a Jet castoff; I won't let that cloud my judgment anymore. Besides, what do they know, they're the Jets!

I own an Ahmad Bradshaw jersey, but if they ever make one of yours, or if you have an extra one that you would want to give to a fellow "Weehawken-ite", I would wear it proudly.

So again, I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and not hold a grudge as tightly as you hold a football.

And by the way, I can't help but notice that you are a free agent after the season, and let me just say this: If you decide to re-sign with the Giants, there are plenty more cashews from where those came from.

Sincerely

Jim