NFL Center Cory Withrow Now a Free Agent, Accepting Offers

Football Pro Confirms He's Not on the San Diego Chargers' Injured Reserve List, Is 100 Percent Rehabilitated From Injury and Is Seeking a Signing Deal for 2008 Season and Beyond


SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - October 23, 2008) - NFL Center Cory Withrow has never been more ready, willing and able to play pro football, and is actively seeking a signing deal to commence as early as this season. That's the announcement coming out of Withrow's camp on the heels of his injury settlement release from the San Diego Chargers earlier this season.

"The injury to Cory's hamstring proved to be minor and inconsequential, having completely healed quicker than anticipated," said Chris Murray, Withrow's agent at Imani Sports. "He's maintained a vigorous daily training regimen since his release, and has never been more ready to play pro football -- both physically and mentally. Accordingly, we intend to get Cory settled onto another NFL team in short order -- one that will benefit from his strength, skill, experience and passion for the game."

Withrow started his professional football career with the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to the 2007 season, the Chargers signed him to a three-year contract, during which he played backup for Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick, "because they believed the veteran could provide good depth and step in to help in a pinch," notes the Chargers organization in Withrow's team bio published online at http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/cory-withrow.htm. "It took just a few months for the move to payoff... his veteran presence benefited many of the Chargers' young linemen."

"When Hardwick went down with a foot injury in Week 6 of the '07 season against Oakland, Withrow stepped in and helped pave the way for a four-touchdown day by LaDainian Tomlinson," boasts the Chargers' organization. "Withrow started a total of four games while Hardwick was sidelined and provided the Chargers with what they'd hoped for when they resigned him."

"There's no doubt that Cory is a league asset who will quickly prove his worth to the team wise and opportunistic enough to pick him up," adds Murray. "Although we've been in contact with several NFL teams that now have him on a short list, I welcome and will continue to entertain other inquiries. I look forward to announcing a signing deal for Cory in the near future."

Reputed for being both a physical player and a strategist, Cory saw fit to attend the NFL's Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. During this intensive three-day program, Withrow and other NFL players, including then teammate Marques Harris, learned how to best evaluate and articulate business opportunities in general, and in the sports industry specifically. Cory intends to leverage this experience, along with his quick wit, charisma and aptitude for public speaking, into a radio and/or television broadcasting career when he ultimately retires from the game.

Prior to going pro, Withrow played college football at Washington State University after walking on as a freshman in 1994. There he started every game at right guard in 1995 and 1996. During his senior year as offensive captain, he started in 34 straight games and was honored as All-Pac-10 second team. He was also named Offensive Lineman of the Game vs. USC (8/13), Illinois (9/20) and Arizona (10/25).

Withrow has been actively engaged in community service projects throughout his professional football career, which have benefitted both children and the elderly. In 2003, he launched the "Cory's Kids" initiative in conjunction with the Fairview-University Children's Hospital in Minnesota.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Chris Murray Imani Sports (763) 390-6600 (612) 597-7667