Given how the furniture business and the industry are changing, they could not pass on the opportunity, Eslinger said. Art Van Furniture is scheduled to open its 21,000-square-foot store in mid ...

Eslinger still believes there is a place for him in the pro game. He is now the backup to Browns starting center Hank Fraley . In Denver he was the understudy to five-time Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen.

Eslinger was never able to catch on in the NFL. After getting drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round in 2006, he had a career spanning from 2006-08, playing for the Browns and Texans.

Eslinger's size has held him back in the pros. He is listed at 6 foot 3 and 290 pounds. He said he will have to use his speed and intelligence to compensate for what he might give up to opposing ...