Thursday, July 8, 1999

Gouveia waiting
for call to extend
his career

The Chargers have decided
not to re-sign the Waianae native,
a 13-year NFL veteran

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Waianae native Kurt Gouveia, a starter at middle linebacker for the San Diego Chargers the last three seasons, will not be re-signed by the club, and the 34-year-old National Football League veteran' s future is uncertain.

"I would love to have played another year or two with the Chargers but apparently they took another direction," said Gouveia this morning from his home in San Diego.

"I spoke with other teams but they drafted linebackers and they say they are OK. But I'm just waiting by the phone, staying optimistic. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll get a job."

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Gouveia was the longest-serving veteran among active players with Hawaii ties in the NFL. He has played 13 seasons with three teams and won two Super Bowl rings with the Washington Redskins (1988 and 1992).

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Gouveia's fate with the Chargers was sealed in the spring when the club signed free agent linebacker Eric Hill. Gouveia, who was an unrestricted free agent, reportedly was asking for at least $1 million. He rejected San Diego's offer of $600,000.

"When they signed Hill, I knew that was it," said Gouveia.

"Kurt is a very valuable guy," said Rainbows head coach June Jones, who was head coach of the Chargers last season. "He is one of the smartest guys out there. He's a great competitor and leader. I tried to get him to come over here and coach with me but he said he wanted to play some more. He's a football player. You can't have too many Kurt Gouveia's around."