Rocky McIntosh plans for life after football

With the owners’ lockout into its second month, there’s no telling when the NFL players will be back at work and since only so many hours can be spent at the gym, guys are finding all sorts of ways to keep busy.

Steelers receiver Hines Ward took a winning turn on “Dancing With The Stars,” while others took up pet projects.

For Gaffney’s Rocky McIntosh, the work stoppage is a time to plan for life after football.

“Of course, you have to stay in shape and do your regular routine, but right now it’s time to explore what I’ll do after football,” said McIntosh, in town last week for the graduation of his cousin, Tanasia Lattimore.

McIntosh, a second round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 2006, is going back to school, seeking a master’s degree from George Washington University in business.

The classes will start on June 20. McIntosh said he has an interest in commercial investments.

“It’s something I’ve been doing,” he said.

The time off also has given McIntosh more time to spend with his wife and two young kids.

The Redskins were the first team to organize players-only workouts. McIntosh said the Redskins have gathered four times for team workouts.
“We were really the first team to do it,” he said. “We had a lot of guys show up.”

But McIntosh admits he’s eager for the stoppage to be over and the real OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and mini camps to begin.

“I’ve enjoyed the time off,” he said. “But as it gets further the body is in the mode that it’s time to start playing.”

It’s still unclear what team McIntosh will be playing for in 2011. Last year, he signed a one-year tender offer with the Redskins and put up big numbers with 115 solo tackles and two sacks.

A year later, McIntosh and many other NFL players are stuck in an uncertain labor environment, not sure when he’ll be able to sign, and whether his free agency will be restricted or unrestricted.

McIntosh said he’d be happy to return to the Redskins - the only team he’s played for - and be a part of the rebuilding effort under coach Mike Shanahan. However, he’s open to moving to another team.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I’ve moved around all my life.”

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(gaffneyledger.com)