World Bowl MVP performance puts running back on NFL radarBy Anthony HanshewThe Herald-Dispatch HUNTINGTON -- Butchie Wallace's parting words spoke volumes about a young man's perseverance and character.A 15-minute phone interview with the World Bowl MVP and recent Atlanta Falcons signee was coming to a close. Wallace spoke at length about his time in NFL Europe, the most special moments in his football career and his future in the National Football League. Finally, the sports writer let Wallace, who had arrived in Atlanta just 20 minutes earlier for mini-camp, off the hook."Anything else you'd like to add?" the reporter asked.Normally at this point, the athlete or coach in question politely says 'no' and is happy to hang up, especially when the reporter calls late on a Sunday afternoon.Wallace, however, had more to say."Just to let people know that hard work pays off," Wallace said. "Believe in yourself, or no one else will. I did and the best is yet to come."Wallace, Marshall University's No. 7 all-time running back in career rushing yards (2,694), had reason for self-doubt. Following one year on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, he was released eight games into his second season.In addition, Wallace was dealing with "personal issues with a female," he said, compounding an already uncertain time."It wasn't good," Wallace said. "It was depressing because it was the first time I couldn't play since I was nine, and I had always been the star."Being young and having to go through those things, you learn from it. You learn from everything."Wallace turned a corner when he signed with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe. He wasn't starting, but the opportunity outweighed the Canadian Football League, which he'd been considering.Most Marshall fans already know the storybook ending. Wallace's carries increased as the season progressed, and he capped his overseas run with a 143-yard, MVP performance in last week's World Bowl victory.Five days later, Wallace was back in the NFL."That is definitely something I'll cherish forever," Wallace said of taking the postgame podium as MVP. "My last great football moment was when my parents were at my first game of my senior year at Marshall (in 2003). They had been divorced and this was the first time both had seen a game of mine together."This was another favorite time, going through what I went through, being on the practice squad for two years and being released. I was thinking about going to Canada."I didn't know where my career was going."NFL Europe cleared the picture, although Wallace had to earn his championship game spotlight. For much of the season, he ran behind Roger Robinson, who set a new NFL Europe single-season rushing record with 1,087.Wallace clearly was more productive down the stretch, however, rushing for three touchdowns in his final two games and dominating the World Bowl's second half."The nicest compliment came from the head coach (Mike Jones) who said if he would've had Butchie all year, he would have broken the record and then some," said Wallace's agent, Harold Lewis.Wallace enters Falcons camp with realistic expectations. With veterans Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett heading the running back depth chart, Wallace realizes carries will be limited. After signing a two-year, $650,000 contract, however, he is confident in securing a roster spot, mostly because of his special teams abilities."I understand now that the NFL is a business and if something happens, I'll be OK," said Wallace, who received a congratulations call Saturday night from his former Marshall quarterback, Byron Leftwich."I'm definitely happy to be here and I think people will definitely see me on Sundays here."
