Clinton Portis, once the face of the Redskins, is now their latest victim. As expected, they released Portis on Monday, ending a seven-year association filled with lots of rushing yards and not enough wins.
Portis was due to make approximately $8 million this season, which played a role in his release. He’s also turning 30 in September and has played in only 13 games combined the past two years because of injuries.
Portis said on 106.7 The Fan that the Redskins offered to restructure his contract, but he did not want to return unless he was going to be the primary runner.
“It’s hard … to accept not being the go-to guy or not being the man after carrying the organization for so long,” Portis said. “There’s no need to try and hold on and stick around when we can part ways on good terms.”
He exits Washington as the franchise’s second all-time leading rusher with 6,824 yards — trailing only Hall of Famer John Riggins. He ranks 26th in NFL history with 9,923 yards rushing.
“I’ve known Clinton since he entered the [NFL] and will always respect the competitive drive, intensity and passion that he brought to the organization every day,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said in a statement.
Portis was one of the most outspoken Redskins during his tenure, drawing attention with his antics (dressing up in 2005) and his words. But even he tired of the drama that has surrounded the franchise during his time.
“That’s one of the big reasons I’m feeling that my time is up in DC,” he said, “the drama and the issues with the back and forth with teammates. I would love to go to a team that’s already bonded and I can come in and help and I don’t have to be the spotlight or center of attention. I can just come in and play.”
He also said he could have returned to break Riggins’ rushing record (7,472), if that’s all that mattered to him.
“If John Riggins is the only name you can say did more than me as a Redskins running back,” he said. “That’s great company to be in and I’m OK with that.”
