Rolando McClain is joining the Dallas Cowboys to get his life back in order
OXNARD, Calif. - Rolando McClain decided to return to the NFL because his life wasn't going down the right path.
"I had to get a foundation, a structure of what I wanted to do as a father," he said Saturday after his first practice, a morning walk-through special teams session."That was the most important thing, the family structure."
McClain traveled with the team to training camp on Tuesday, however, he headed back to his hometown of Decatur, Ala. on Thursday to attend a court date. McClain was found guilty of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct from an incident that occurred in April 2013. McClain said he was"very surprised" with the outcome, so he is appealing the conviction.
The Cowboys traded for the former first-round pick earlier this month. McClain officially retired last season.
"When you're away from the game, you realize how much you miss it," McClain said."I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity and be the best that I can be."
How has the 25-year-old stayed in shape?
"Do you have kids? I have a three-year-old and two year-old," McClain said."That's how I stayed in shape."
He also worked out at the University of Alabama, the school where he earned All-American honors and helped the Crimson Tide win the national title in 2009.
"It's a great opportunity," he said."You don't get this many chances in the NFL. I'm going to try to make this team and be the best I can be."
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