Running backs can wear down quickly in the NFL, but the most talented running back to enter the league in years says he can’t let that fact change his physical running style.
Browns rookie Trent Richardson said on NFL Network’s Total Access that he won’t avoid contact and will continue to run through tackles, and he thinks he can do that as a workhorse back for a 16-game season.
“I’m not going to change my game,” Richardson said. “That’s who I am. That’s how I got here, that’s how I made the progress to be who I am today. So when it comes down to it, I’m still going to do what I do. I have a lot of pride in my football and the football skills God blessed me with. I’m just here to make a big difference on this team, so I’m trying to get everybody on the same page.”
Richardson said staying healthy in the NFL will be more about what he does off the field than avoiding contact on the field.
“Just make sure I stay in that training room as far a recovery-wise and make sure I’m eating the right stuff, taking care of my body,” Richardson said. “Really outside of the game just make sure I’m staying on schedule; keeping progress, building on and staying in the weight room.”
The Browns didn’t draft Richardson wanting to change his running style, but they did draft Richardson hoping he’ll stay healthy enough to carry the load for several years. They’ll have to hope taking care of himself off the field will be enough to allow him to keep up his physical style on the field.