Though the Scott Brumfield saga hasn't quite reached a happy ending, Friday promised a new beginning.
The offensive lineman, who suffered a frightening spinal injury in a game at Baltimore last Nov. 3, agreed to a two-year contract with the Bengals.
Brumfield's professional football career appeared to be in limbo since the injury. Not only did he face rigorous physical therapy after being partially paralyzed, but as an unrestricted free agent, he lacked the security of a contract.
But Bengals General Manager Mike Brown always indicated that he'd welcome back Brumfield if he chose to return to football.
''We're very pleased that he'll be able to play again, and we wanted him to do it with us,'' Brown said of Brumfield, who received medical clearance to play on April 10.
''We're delighted with the way it has turned out for Scott. He has gone through an ordeal. We watched him fight throughout the difficulty he had and his spirits never sagged.''
Brumfield will attempt to take the next giant step in his comeback when the Bengals begin mini-camp May 2.
''If you never believed in miracles before, you better start believing now,'' said Harold Lewis, Brumfield's agent. Lewis praised the Bengals for fairness in contract talks.
''I've done a thousand contracts and this is one that will always sit in my mind,'' Lewis said. ''Mike Brown made it clear to me how much he wanted Scott back.''
Brumfield, who Lewis said was vacationing near his Utah home, could not immediately be reached for comment.
