A native of Kingston, New York, Drake played one year of college football at Ulster County Community College before the program was disbanded.[1] He transferred to Hastings College, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II program, because he had some friends who attended the school.[1] As a junior, Drake recorded 48 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one blocked kick, and seven pass breakups.[2] As a senior, he recorded 32 solo tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and three pass breakups.[3] He was twice selected as a NAIA All-American.[1] Drake also played in the semi-professional Empire Football League.[4]
Professional career
Drake signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in April 1995.[5] He was waived in August and re-signed to the team's practice squad.[6][7] Drake was promoted to the active roster in late November.[8] He made his NFL debut on December 9 in a nationally televised game against the San Diego Chargers, recording a memorably "jarring" tackle of Andre Coleman on a kick return.[1][9][10] Drake played in two games as a rookie.[1]
In June 1997, Drake signed a three-year, $1.025 million extension with the Cardinals.[15] However, after losing strength in the left side of his body, he was diagnosed with spinal cord compression and underwent a season-ending surgery on August 26, 1997.[14][16] Drake was cleared for activity in April 1998.[16] He earned the starting spot at defensive left end ahead of the 1998 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, following an injury to Brad Ottis and a contract holdout by first-round draft pick Andre Wadsworth.[17][18] However, Drake developed a herniated disc in his back during the game and was forced to undergo surgery again, once again ending his season.[19]
After his release from prison in July 1999, Drake joined the Cardinals' training camp.[20] In the 1999 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, he sacked Doug Pederson and recovered a fumble.[21] However, Drake cracked a bone in his right thumb.[22] In week three against the San Francisco 49ers, he intercepted a tipped pass from Steve Young.[23] Drake started all 16 games and recorded 98 tackles.[24] He signed a one-year extension in May 2000.[25] Drake suffered a sprained right knee in a preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was subsequently placed on the injured reserve list.[26][27] He was released in early November after reaching an injury settlement.[28]
Personal life
Drake got married shortly after the conclusion of the 1996 season.[29] He was arrested twice in late 1997 and was charged with an aggravated Driving under the influence (DUI) felony in each instance.[30] After pleading no contest to both charges, Drake was sentenced to concurrent prison terms of four and six months.[31][32] His second child, a son, was born during his time in prison, and he was released in July 1999.[20]
