Late last April, James Mungro went through the same routine that many former Syracuse football players will go through this weekend. He sat and watched the NFL Draft, waiting for his phone to ring or to hear his name called.

It never happened.

Mungro watched former SU teammates Dwight Freeney (Indianapolis) and Kyle Johnson (Carolina) get drafted.

‘I was disappointed,’ Mungro said. ‘But when God closes one door, another one opens.’

That’s exactly what happened. During the summer, Mungro got a call from the Detroit Lions. They guaranteed nothing but offered him an invitation to training camp. He took the opportunity and made the most of it, leading the Lions in several preseason rushing categories.

Before the Lions’ last preseason game, Mungro was told he had made the team. The next day, five minutes before the deadline for teams to set their opening-week roster, Detroit released Mungro.

‘The players in Detroit supported me,’ Mungro said. ‘James Stewart taught me a lot about the game. I still appreciate the Lions for giving me the opportunity.’

Once again, another door quickly opened for Mungro, yielding an opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts. He knew before the Lions cut him that the Colts were interested in him. With Freeney and former Orangemen Marvin Harrison and Qadry Ismail already wearing the Colts’ uniform, Mungro felt comfortable right away.

Behind star running back Edgerrin James, Mungro expected little playing time. Then, his big break came. James missed two weeks with a partially torn right hamstring.

After not playing all season, Mungro rushed for 60 yards on 16 carries in a 23-15 loss to Tennessee on Nov. 3. He found himself in a perfect situation, playing behind quarterback Peyton Manning.

‘Peyton always makes the right decisions,’ Mungro said. ‘He’s a fun guy and works very hard. A little more than a year ago, R.J. Anderson was my quarterback, and now it’s Peyton Manning.’

The next week, Mungro got his first start and led the Colts to a 35-13 win over Philadelphia. He rushed for 114 yards and his first two career touchdowns.

‘I just wanted to make the best of the opportunity,’ Mungro said. ‘(James) gave me a lot of support and leadership. He’s one of the best in the NFL.’

James returned the next week, but Mungro continued to see limited action the rest of the season. He finished his rookie year with 97 rushes for 336 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 81 yards.

Entering this season, Mungro again knows nothing is guaranteed. He returns to a crowded backfield that includes James and Dominic Rhodes, who set an NFL record for an undrafted rookie by rushing for 1,104 yards two seasons ago.

‘I’m looking to compete for the job,’ Mungro said. ‘I just want to help this team win, even if it’s on special teams.’

One thing Mungro realizes is the hard work it takes to get to the NFL. He said he’s gotten stronger since he left Syracuse. He also said he warns players at Syracuse now that the NFL is a different lifestyle.

‘It’s not really a crazy lifestyle,’ Mungro said. ‘I’m working very hard. It’s not about being down on Marshall Street to hang out every night.’

Published on April 24, 2003 at 12:00 pm