Defensive end/linebacker Bertrand Berry speaks with the media Wednesday.
FLAGSTAFF -- Yes, Bertrand Berry didn't attend any of the organized team activities this offseason. No, Berry insisted, it wasn't because he was – or is – unhappy with his contract.
"Rest. I just needed rest," Berry said during a good-natured media session Wednesday as the Cardinals checked in for training camp. "People have all kind of theories of why I wasn't there, I was upset about this that, or the other. It was just rest. As I said at the end of the season, I'm not a spring chicken, I'm a summer duck. So you have to treat your body accordingly. You can't do everything going on out there. You have to pick and choose your spots."
Berry, a free agent, re-signed with the Cards for a one-year contract worth $1 million.
Berry said his time away was just to relax and "recharge the batteries." Making it clear he didn't really want to be leaving his family for camp, he joked that he gets comfortable enough at home that he has a nice chair that "has my butt prints on it."
Asked specifically about his contract being the issue, Berry was blunt.
"It had nothing to do with the contract at all," Berry said. "I have always maintained I wanted to finish my career as a Cardinal and I am excited to be here. I am excited about the season.
STRANDED? CALL TRIPLE Q
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin showed up a little later than he was planning, but he had a good reason. Linebacker Ali Highsmith, who was driving up with college teammate Early Doucet, said his car "just started sputtering, and wouldn't go faster than 20 miles an hour" somewhere near Happy Valley Road and I-17. Luckily, they watched Boldin zoom by and quickly called him for a ride. Boldin turned around to play taxi.
"Q's a lifesaver," Doucet said.
Boldin wasn't talking Wednesday, although he did chuckle when the idea of "Triple A Q service" was mentioned.
CARDS ARE HEALTHY
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said no player will be sidelined to begin practice Friday after everyone on the roster got through physicals. Tight end Stephen Spach will likely be limited to one practice a day coming off his major knee surgery in February, although the Cards only have six days where there are two practices. Whisenhunt said defensive end Kenny Iwebema, who had surgery to remove a benign tumor in the offseason, will be monitored closely after sitting out most of the offseason.
EXTRA POINTS
Whisenhunt said he was encouraged by the weight of defensive tackle Alan Branch, who showed up around 332 pounds, lower than his target weight. Branch is facing a crucial camp after a disappointing 2008 season. …
Whisenhunt talked about the special pillow he always has to bring to camp to get a good night's sleep. "It's kind of like a blanky," Whisenhunt said with a grin. "But don't tell anybody." He also jumped into quarterback Kurt Warner's press conference as a "media member." "What do you think about the run test?" Whisenhunt asked. "Is it an accurate depiction …" before Warner finished the sentence, "of whether you can play football or not?" Warner shook his head. "I don't think it has anything to do with it." …
Warner, on Thursday's upcoming run test: "For the guys out of shape, it's a
great* test. For the guys who have been working really hard and who are old, I think you know what they bring to the table." Nonetheless, Whisenhunt said Warner will still have to run the test.
Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 7/29/09.
