Ryan Kerrigan departed the Washington Football Team the same way he spent 10 years – with class.
"I'll never be able to sum up what these past 10 years have meant to me in an Instagram post," wrote Kerrigan, "but what I can say is that they have been some of the best of my life. I hope you had as much fun watching me as I did playing for you. Thank you, Washington, for everything. -HBK"
The pass rusher signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. Kerrigan could have been bitter over leaving Washington, feeling a decade of steady playmaking earned him an extra year, but really that was last year. The team wants to get younger and has talent galore at Kerrigan's position.
Still, it's never easy to see a first-round pick leave, especially to an NFC East rival. Kerrigan isn't heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, nor was he the dominant player during his era. But, Kerrigan was a very good player who grabbed sacks in bunches.
Related
Indeed, Kerrigan leaves as the team's official sack leader with 95½. I have a slight problem with the designation because Dexter Manley's 91 career sacks doesn't include the six from his rookie year when the NFL didn't acknowledge individual sacks. But, we all know Manley finished with 97. Yet, Kerrigan will sit atop the list. It's a minor dispute that doesn't disparage Kerrigan, though.
Kerrigan never lost his awe-shucks Indiana roots after arriving in 2011. He's a can-do guy, someone with humble demeanor and hard work ethic. Whether it was coach Mike Shanahan, Jay Gruden, Bill Callahan or Ron Rivera saying run through that wall, Kerrigan grabbed his helmet and played hard.
Last season must have been tough on Kerrigan. He lost his starting job as the team shifted from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and moved Kerrigan closer to the line. Kerrigan started only once, but still managed 5½ sacks. He never complained, never lost that team spirit. After the playoff loss in January, Kerrigan later returned to the field when everyone was gone to say goodbye with one long look.
Could Washington have found Kerrigan a role for another year? Certainly, but it's not what either wanted. Washington's retooling a defense that could be one of the NFL's elite. Kerrigan wants to play more minutes. The Eagles can use him regularly.
Still, it will be a bittersweet moment when Washington plays Philadelphia this season and Kerrigan is on the other sideline. That's the NFL way anymore, where few players are lucky to play long careers in one city. Kerrigan now sees the ugly business side of the sport, but most likely he's the same person. Good for him.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
Related
Related
