I remember back in 2002, when a University of Miami player with a funny name was designated the new “it” running back for the Denver Broncos. Terrell Davis had called it a career, after 3 injury filled seasons and the Broncos were in need of an explosive running back. Clinton was drafted in the 2nd round after guys like Willie Green, TJ Duckett, and DeShaun Foster. Greatness was expected out of him as he lined up for a typical Mike Shanahan running back oriented offense.
He went out and exceeded everyone’s expectations. In his rookie year, he rushed for 1508 yards and 15 TDs and was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the year. His second year was more of the same as he rushed for 1591 yards and 14 TDs. That year he was elected to his first Pro Bowl. Then the Broncos did the unthinkable, they traded Portis, a game changing running back for a shut down corner in Champ Bailey.
Portis went on to have four 1200+ yard rushing seasons out of five before this season started. THe only season he didn’t finish with over 1200 yards rushing was in 2006 when he had over 500 yards rushing and 7 TDs in just seven starts. This season he was at just shy of 500 yards rushing on the season, when he was hit in a helmet to helmet contact that caused him to have a concussion and vision problems. He sat out for the last few weeks, but yesterday he was place on the injured reserve list, which ends his season.
In a press conference held yesterday, when asked about his future, Clinton seemed unsure of what would be next for him. Obviously he is going to try to get better, but concussions aren’t like a pulled muscle or even a broken bone. Sometimes you can’t heal from a concussion, and Clinton understands that. He reflected on his eight year career and had no regrets about how things went. If he does retire, he will finish just shy of 10000 yards rushing and 73 TDs. Not bad for a mid second round pick.
As to how the hobby has responded this year, although he is considered a fan favorite, his autographed cards can be had in most cases for between $5 – $15. Even the card pictured below (from this year’s UD Black) can be had for under $20. It’s a positively great deal for one of the league’s most enigmatic players. If Clinton isn’t in your collection and you are a football fan, now is the time to rectify that. Portis has had himself a great career and if this is the end of it, he should have no regrets.
