Clinton Portis was right. His seven-year run in Washington officially ended Monday.
The move doesn’t come as a surprise, and was at least a year overdue -- no matter how much money he was guaranteed last year. Portis thanked Mike Shanahan and Dan Snyder in a statement released by the team, then reflected on his run.
“Being a Redskin was a special part of my life. Coming and being in that organization, I turned from a kid having fun to a man carrying responsibilities. I tried to put the world on my shoulders for Coach Gibbs and the Redskins fans,” Portis said.
That’s just what Portis did early in his Redskins career. His rugged, workmanlike play was always at odds with his flashy persona and occasional diva-like qualities off the field. After carrying the ball more than 325 times four times in five years, Portis’ body just broke down.
He’s only been healthy enough to play 13 games over the last two seasons. We’d guess Portis will only get offers for a low-cost deal to be a backup or third-down back type in 2011.