Phillip Daniels boasted a few days before training camp that, thanks to a return to powerlifting, he was as strong as ever. He awaited the chance to show how it could help the Redskins.
But they had a different plan, releasing the 38-year-old Daniels with six other players this morning.
“Yeah it came out of nowhere,” he said. “I’m surprised. I spent the offseason working hard to get back and play. That’s the sad part about it; this is the best I felt in my whole career. In the 3-4, you need big strong guys. That’s the kind of guy you want in that system. If I was 10 years younger it wouldn’t be an issue.
“I was ready to go. It came as a shock.”
Daniels said coach Mike Shanahan told him they wanted younger players, the same message they gave 34-year-old Casey Rabach.
“I did tell coach Shanahan that I hate that the age issue is a deciding factor,” Daniels said. “But I know there is no young guy that can give you what I gave you as a backup, give you what I gave you in goal-line and short yardage. People on the field didn’t think I was 38… But I just want what’s best for the Redskins. It’s the nature of the business.
“All I did was lead and show guys the right way. I hate that I won’t be around to [lead] anymore.”
Daniels said his seven-year tenure was “rocky.” But he said he wants to keep playing.
“I’m not done,” he said. “I have too much left in the tank. I did a great job backing up last year. My teammates said I could be a starter. I can be on another team and help them out.”
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