Josh Heupel's future in the NFL

(Norman-AP) -- Is Josh Heupel ready to hang up his cleats? <br><br>It's been just 18 months since Heupel led the Oklahoma Sooners to the Orange Bowl and a national championship. But instead of getting

Sunday, July 7th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Is Josh Heupel ready to hang up his cleats?

It's been just 18 months since Heupel led the Oklahoma Sooners to the Orange Bowl and a national championship. But instead of getting ready for an NFL training camp, Heupel is back on campus, pushing iron and taking classes.

Heupel was cut by the Green Bay Packers last month -- his second release in less than a year. Now, his future as a professional football player hinges on his left wrist, which still hasn't recovered from surgery last October.

Heupel is hopeful that his wrist will heal by autumn so he can pursue an NFL career. If it doesn't, Heupel says he'll go into coaching.

Heupel is scheduled to graduate from OU later this summer with a marketing degree.