Detroit cut him in late August, convinced he couldn’t help a struggling defense. So safety Vernon Fox headed to Washington, carrying the label of Special Teams Guy.
He was a late pickup, just another player plucked from the scrap heap. And not one expected to help what was thought to be a top defense.
Now he’s replaced a $10 million bonus player (safety Adam Archuleta) and might get his first start in Washington. Not to mention his first start since 2003.
“When you’re unsuccessful, they try different things,” Fox said. “Right now my number is called.”
If safety Troy Vincent’s strained left hamstring does not heal (he did not practice Wednesday), Fox will take his place in the starting lineup against Carolina on Sunday. Just as he did when Vincent got hurt against Tampa Bay last Sunday.
What Fox appreciates is the opportunity to prove he’s more than just a special teamer. That’s been his primary role since joining the league in 2002 as an undrafted free agent from Fresno State.
“It’s kept me in the league,” he said.
Assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams sees more in him, saying, “He’s a really tough and strong active player in the box.”
Fox is anxious for an increased opportunity. That hasn’t always happened.
“There were times [the label] was a knock against me,” he said. “There were times going into camp where they told me I had to prove to be more than a special teams player, but I didn’t always have the opportunity. It was hard. But it’s gotten me to this point. I’ve been given the opportunity; now I have to take advantage.”
