Donovan McNabb was surprised when Vikings coach Leslie Frazier announced that rookie Christian Ponder will get the starting nod Sunday. The 34-year-old quarterback still feels he has a lot of football left in him. But would anyone be surprised if McNabb has thrown his last pass in the NFL? In the last two years, McNabb led the Redskins and Vikings to a combined 6-13 record as a starter. After he struggled in Washington last season, there was little interest in acquiring the six-time Pro Bowl passer. The Redskins settled for a sixth-round pick in 2012 and a conditional sixth-rounder in 2013 from Minnesota.
Throughout his career, McNabb has received unfair criticism from fans, players, media and Rush Limbaugh.
During his prime, McNabb was the face of the most consistent NFC franchise in a sport that celebrates parity. Much like the Bills of the early ’90s, the Eagles’ success was often overshadowed by the absence of a Super Bowl victory. But making four consecutive conference championship games is a feat that should be celebrated, and McNabb was the main reason Philadelphia kept making those playoff runs.
But McNabb has lost the swagger that once made him one of the most enjoyable players to watch. That big grin has turned into more of a grimace.
Whenever he has faced adversity, McNabb always has taken the high road. After his second benching in two years, he should bow out graciously again.
The next team that McNabb should join is of the broadcast variety.
– Jeffrey Tomik
