Former No. 13 overall pick defensive lineman Adam Carriker hasn’t been on an NFL roster since he was released by the Redskins last March. He hasn’t played in a game since Week 2 of the 2012 season. But Carriker wants another shot.
After tearing his quad twice and requiring three separate surgeries, Carriker, the Rams’ first-round pick in 2007, still has a burning desire to play again now that he’s finally healthy after suffering multiple setbacks that included atrophy in his leg.
“When I go to bed at night, I think about a few things,” the 30-year-old told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “My family, the Lord, and I think about football. I wish I could turn this off — this thing right here.”
Carriker was pointing at his heart. He was a participant in the Veteran Combine on Sunday in Arizona, along with fellow 2007 first-round picks defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson and quarterback Brady Quinn and dozens of others. Carriker has long been strong as an ox, and he put it on display by bench-pressing 225 pounds 40 times.
“I know I can still play,” Carriker continued. “I’d be surprised if nobody calls. But if nobody calls, like I said, I’ve got a family, I’ve got a degree, and I can move on. But that day’s just not here for me yet.”
The Veteran Combine provides an opportunity for aging players like Carriker to possibly get back into the league or fall out of it for good. Most will be part of the latter group.