Tuesday, July 28, 1998

Mills complements Irvin, and Cowboys

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Soft-spoken and reserved, receiver Ernie Mills has already proven to be the perfect complement to Michael Irvin.

He talks barely above a whisper and admits that he's "not an outgoing big-personality guy" but rather a "fit-in type" - both stark contrasts to the exuberant Irvin.

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to decide how Mills fits opposite Irvin in the starting lineup. Mills, a seven-year veteran, is vying with former special-teams star Billy Davis for the No. 2 receiver spot.

True to his persona, Mills views the position battle with little fanfare.

A year removed from thoughts of retirement during an forgettable stint in Carolina, Mills said all he wants is an opportunity to contribute.

"Being the No. 2 receiver was not my goal coming in," Mills said. "If it happens fine, but I learned my lesson last year. You can start and not get the ball thrown your way. My thing is when I get an opportunity. I want to make the most of it. I want to make plays."

Mills rarely played in Carolina last season. After opening the season as the starter, he was made inactive for six games and caught only 11 passes.

The former Florida standout - who caught 127 passes for 2,003 yards during the previous six seasons in Pittsburgh - said he thought about quitting during the middle of the season.

"I almost thought about not playing anymore," Mills said. "The first time I was inactive, I just went home and didn't talk to anybody. I turned the phone off. The only time I'd ever been inactive before it was because I was hurt. I got real down."

But instead of giving up, Mills turned to the film room. There were questions about whether Mills had fully recovered from a knee injury he sustained in the 1995 Super Bowl against the Cowboys, but he came to the conclusion that he still had the ability to play.

Mills said he went back and practiced as hard as he could. Even though his playing time didn't increase, he said he wasn't going to let the slights by the Carolina coaching staff affect his work ethic.

"I don't know why I didn't play," Mills said. "They just said they were doing some things and trying some things. I could have ranted and raved. But I'm not that type of player."

Cowboys coach Chan Gailey, formerly the Steelers' wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator, certainly remembered what type of player Mills was in Pittsburgh. Gailey didn't hesitate in making Mills the first significant addition of his tenure, signing the free-agent receiver 15 days after being hired to coach the Cowboys.

Though not as fast as he used to be, Mills has done nothing to change Gailey's impression the first two weeks of training camp. He has been the most consistent receiver in practice and has shown hands that rival Irvin's.

"He reminds me exactly of what left Pittsburgh," Gailey said. "He's come in and played well so far. That's good enough for me. I don't know what happened there (Carolina). But everybody probably has a year in their life they'd like to forget."

"Ernie and I have been through a lot of wars together," Gailey added. "I've seen him make a lot of big plays in big games."

Gailey's hiring made the Cowboys attractive to the receiver as well. Mills had been contacted by a few teams after the season, but this was the best fit.

"I couldn't have asked for a better situation," Mills said. "It's hard changing teams. When you have knowledge of the offense, you can go right in and give 100 percent effort. And however things fall, they fall."

Mills has already made a significant contribution to the team with his knowledge of the offense. Quarterback Troy Aikman said Mills is like an extra coach on the field, proving helpful to the receivers and the quarterbacks.

"He's been helpful for the receivers and great for me," Aikman said. "There have been times when I've asked him what the receivers are trying to get accomplished on certain things. Plus, he's just a good guy. I've enjoyed the time I've played with him."

That knowledge, Gailey's faith in him, the growing comfort level with Aikman and his superb practice performances have many onlookers believing Mills will win the starting job opposite Irvin.

Just don't expect any end-zone dances.

(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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