Cedric and Mashawn Attempting to be Cell Mates

In the NFL today, running backs are a key position behind the QB. Every team wants that bulldoser or that roadrunner who will blow past defenders like hurricane winds through mud shacks. Teams make drastic trades, approach free agency aggressively, and find ways to manipulate the draft to get that perfect work horse. We've seen it over and over again. Mike Ditka traded his entire draft for Ricky Williams, The Broncos threw a lucrative contract to an inconsistent Travis Henry, the Falcons handed an unproven Michael Turner more money than I will ever see. Some deals are just plain stupid, others are major risks, and few are major successes. The point being, teams put a lot of effort into finding the guy who can take the work load off of the signal caller and make some plays. So why can't the players work for that multi-million dollar contract and conduct themselves as professionals?

We all know what happened with Ricky Williams, theres no need to rehash. But I want to take a look at 3 running backs that have jammed it into their teams rear end with selfish, unprofessional conduct and attitude. These are guys that were all taken in the first round and have hurt their teams by being a member.

Case in point, Travis Henry. Henry was drafted by the Bills 8 seasons ago and has only had 3 solid seasons, one of which he actually played all 16 games. He has a history of law run-ins and had a drug-test dispute with the NFL last season. He's been to 3 different teams now and searching for his 4th. Good luck. A terrible attitude and lack of professionalism have destroyed his career especially after being released from the Broncos for his "lack of commitment".

Next villian on the list, good ole' Cedric "The Bust" Benson. Benson was drafted 4th overall in the 2005 draft by the Chicago Bears. He never delivered. Injuries and poor play limited Benson and prompted the Bears to play other backs. In the Bears' 2006 season, Benson's carries slowly started to disinegrate as Thomas Jones' play making increased. The following year, the Bears' let Jones go in free agency and named Benson the starter. Once again, he did not deliver. These things happen, the transition from college to the pros is a large and challenging obstacle. But work hard, do your best, understand this is a PROFESSION now and not just a game. How does Benson train for his upcoming season (one that will truely determine his future as an NFL back)? He gets arrested on his boat for boating while intoxicated in April. He claims he wasn't and was beat by police, blah blah blah..the usual Rodney King story. While trying to clear his name, what does he do? He gets a DUI late last week. So, with the help of some rudimentary math, we come up with two alcohol related charges in a 3 month span. Thats how many I had when i was a TEENAGER. He may be innocent but he still has 2 confrontations with the police. So the Bears' do the logical thing and release Benson...goodluck finding a job Ced!

And last but not least, we have Marshawn "Run You Over" Lynch. Marshawn was a highly touted running back going into the 2007 draft coming out of California. The Buffalo Bill's took Lynch with the 12th overall pick, desperately needing a quality back. They got what they needed with Lynch rushing for 1,115 yards with 7 scores. Marshawn was relatively over-shadowed by another rookie running back, Adrian Peterson. Marshawn may not of had a year like AP, but he sure had a great year for a rookie running back. How does Marshawn train for his second year? He goes out and runs pedestrians over and drives away. Lets use common sense, you are a famous, well-paid NFL player. You hit someone. Stop, pullover, and assist the victim. Thats NOT what Marshawn did. Instead, he floored it home and acted like nothing happened. The next day, police knew it was Marshawn's car. The following day they say it was Marshawn driving. Good going, you are my new hero....just kidding!

What I'm trying to say is be professional. Earn your paycheck. TRY. If a team poorly scouts a guy based on talent, thats on them. But if a someone with potential throws it all away, its the players fault..no one else. I make a fraction of what the league minimum is and I conduct myself with the utmost professionalism and do my best for my money. My company didn't have to hire me, but they did. Return the favor. I also don't have millions of kids looking up to me, just one, my son. If I conduct my self in any other manner, then he will eventually too. Another kicker, Rodger Goodell has made it clear..all distractions will punished, just ask Pacman and Chris Henry. Why risk such a great profession, talent, and money? Here's the message....GROW UP.

Eagles Expierencing Problems with All-Pro Tackle

This Just In: Jon Runyan, the Eagles starting right tackle, has been excused from OTA's for 2-3 days for medical issues. The news was released just over an hour ago.

According to team officials, Runyan checked himself into a local hospital with what the AP explains as an "extremely jouvial/borderline ADHD behavior". The "injury" occured minutes after Jon recieved news that the New York Giant's DE, Michael Strahan was retiring after 14 seasons; a day Runyan has prayed for since becoming an Eagle before the 2000 season.

Strahan, a dominate force, has had a tremendous career with 7 pro bowls, a defensive MVP award, 2 championship appearances with one ring, 141.5 career sacks, and a single-season sack record with 22.5 (Thanks Brett). Knowing Strahan's ability after back to back seasons, 97 and 98, with 14 and 15 sacks, respectfully, the Eagles had to find a tackle that would hold down the trenches.

Runyan came in and has been a force to reckon with since joining the Eagles. He has also battled against the league's best for 19 games with no consistency. Runyan and Strahan may be the best player-to-player battle of the last decade so this "injury" comes with no surprise.

Though Jon has not answered any questions or returned any phone calls, we can just see how he is envisioning his next two years, Strahan free, as he continues his quest for the seat next to Michael in Canton. As an Eagles die-hard, thank god...but as a football enthusiast, my hat goes off to Mr.Strahan...its been entertaining. Now, lets pray they don't move Osi over.....