Carolina Panthers cornerback Robert McClain cut an odd figure this past fall at Gary Pirkle Park in suburban Atlanta, where the former Falcons defensive back worked on his backpedal among parents pushing jogging strollers and youth soccer teams beginning their practices.
McClain spent mornings working out on the artificial turf fields at the park, then would draw or paint during the afternoon while waiting for the phone to ring.
It rang a lot.
McClain worked out for 10 NFL teams over three months after he was released by New England on Sept. 5 as part of the Patriots’ final roster cuts.