On Monday, the Washington Redskins parted ways with running back Clinton Portis after seven up-and-down years. Portis departs the nation’s capital just 648 yards shy of Hall of Famer John Riggins’ franchise record, and only 77 yards away from reaching the mythical 10,000 yard plateau for his career. Whether or not he’ll find an opportunity elsewhere to pad his stats before calling it a career remains to be seen. Considering Portis will turn 30 prior to the start of the 2011 season, the clock is definitely ticking on his career.
Following his release, Portis joined Mike Wise and Howard Kushner on 106.7 The Fan in D.C. to reflect on his career with the Redskins, to share the conversations he had with Dan Snyder and Mike Shanahan about the decision, and to express his appreciation to the ’Skins organization not only for the previous seven years, but also for providing him with the opportunity to try to find a situation around the league where he might be able to contribute.
(Transcription via: SportsRadioInterviews)
Are you ready to part ways with this franchise after Mike Shanahan made it evident the Redskins are looking for a running back at the NFL combine?
“You know I mean that’s for the organization. You know I think my time in Washington was great. I had an opportunity to play for Coach Shanahan, Coach Gibbs, play for Mr.Snyder, it was a wonderful opportunity. You know I think that song just made me realize what was going on. I think it was a decision that was best for the both of us, for myself and the organization and moving on. You know having the luxury to have that relationship and have that respect from Coach Shanahan or Mr.Snyder that they could have sat and held on and play around or wanted to re-negotiate. I think they gave me an opportunity to further my career and go somewhere I can help.”
Have you talked to Dan Snyder about the decision? How did the conversation go?
“I talk to Dan [Snyder] and Mike [Shanahan]. It was a tough conversation. The only other time I really heard or saw Mr.Snyder in an emotional situation you know was the time he knocked on the door and told me the late-and-great Sean T [Sean Taylor] you know had passed away. You know I think it was similar. The situation brought me back to that. You getting a phone call and having a conversation and than understanding what was really meant and what I really meant to their organization and to the Snyder family and being grateful for the opportunity that I had to be there.”