As the 2012 NFL draft approached, Alabama running back Trent Richardson was viewed as a can’t miss prospect. Some said he was the best running back to come out of the college ranks in 15 years,
- who by then had run for more than 6,700 yards, 67 touchdowns and was about to embark on a campaign that would see him come close to breaking the single season rushing record - and why not…. in three years carrying the rock for the Tide, Richardson had amassed more than 3,000 yards rushing and scored 35 touchdowns, helping the program win two BCS National Championships.
Former Browns CEO Joe Banner (who did not join the team until October 2012, meaning he was not involved in the selection of Richardson) said the Browns traded him
. According to Banner, the inability to see where the running lane was going to be undermined the speed and power that Richardson possessed. Understanding blocking schemes and anticipating holes were not Richardson’s only problems.
As the third overall pick in 2012, Richardson received a guaranteed $20.5 million contract and then the leeches moved in. Richardson was spending thousands of dollars a week for box seats for family and friends. He would also constantly get calls from those same people asking for money to bail them out of various financial issues
.
Finally, as is the case for many NFL players, the injury bug bit. Richardson had his knee scoped during the offseason, and even though he was in the Ravens camp, he spent the entire time on the physically unable to perform list until he was released. Despite the issues that have derailed his career, Richardson could still play in the NFL again at some point. It’s not inconceivable - or unfamiliar for that matter - to imagine a good team like the
Patriots
or
Broncos
taking a chance on a guy like Richardson. Even Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh recently said the Ravens may
. Richardson certainly isn’t giving up on himself.