The former NFL third overall pick has an opportunity to revitalize his legacy, but this may be his final shot.
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) is a new football league that begins play right after the NFL’s Super Bowl. The goal? Provide an option for football year-round.
Courtesy: Patch
The new league is getting ready for its February 2019 launch and the AAF’s eight teams are filling out team rosters. And one of the AAF’s most notable players is former ‘Bama running back, Trent Richardson, who was picked up by the Birmingham Iron.
Richardson, the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, had a stellar career in college in Tuscaloosa. In three years, he ran for a whopping 3,130 yards and amassed 35 touchdowns.
Cleveland drafted Richardson, and the Browns were praised at the time for making that selection. Consider what Mike Mayock said: “Richardson might be the best non-quarterback in the draft. He won’t make it past 6 (draft order). He’s as close as I’ve seen to Adrian Peterson. He’s a three-down guy. He pass-protects. He’s a bear with the ball in his hands and he’s an adequate pass-catcher.”
But all that potential didn’t translate to NFL success. Richardson was a bust, even though (to be fair) he rushed for 950 yards and had 11 touchdowns during this rookie season.
That success captured interest. One of those teams, the Indianapolis Colts, traded for Richardson in exchange for a 2014 first round pick–a pick that turned out to be the infamous quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
After the trade, Richardson dropped off in virtually every rushing category, including a per carry NFL average that dipped below 3.5 ypc. The dramatic decrease in efficiency caused him to bounce around from team-to-team, including with the CFL’s Sasachantian Roughriders.
Richardson in the CFL (photo, AL.com)
His time in Canada wasn’t awful, but it was far from great. He was suspended because he didn’t show up for training camp on time. When he did tie up his laces–albeit in just four games–Richardson ran for 259 yards, two touchdowns, and had a 5.4 ypc average.
Now Richardson has yet another chance to redeem himself. But make no mistake about it: the AAF doesn’t just want to display has-beens on the field. The league’s motto proclaims that fans should expect talent, not just entertainment.
And Richardson has the opportunity to show that talent. And, if he becomes the focal point on the Iron’s offense, then expect NFL teams to come calling. That’s because the NFL is always in need of power backs.
This is a terrific opportunity, Trent Richardson, probably your last chance to make a mark in the pros.
Don’t ruin it!
