Boot Camp—and Moving On

This chapter describes how Bob Thomas acknowledged the inevitability of Rolf Benirschke returning at some point to compete for his old job. Although the San Diego Chargers' long-time kicker was indeed on his way back, the team still expressed an interest in negotiating a new deal with Thomas. But in deference to Benirschke, Thomas declined the team's qualifying offer and requested his release. It was time for Thomas to head back to the western suburbs of Chicago and resume his law work with the Callahan firm, while also keeping in shape in the hope that another chance would come. The chapter then recounts how Thomas landed at the New York Giants' training camp facilities at Pace University. It also looks at how Thomas became a circuit court judge.