TK Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=36071 For Portis, New Role Is 'Big Man Football' By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com June 2, 2008 Just in case you were wondering, Clinton Portis is still a free spirit. Sure, Portis may not dress up in goofy costumes or embody characters such as "Southeast Jerome" or "Sheriff Gonna Getcha" anymore. But--surprise, surprise--Portis was spotted in the audience of the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Portis...At the Country Music Awards? "It was actually a great event," Portis said. "Why not broaden my horizons?" For Portis, it was an evening away from Redskins Park, where he has been a regular attendee of the team's off-season strength and conditioning program. Clinton Portis (Don Wright Photo) He told Redskins.com TV's Larry Michael recently that team officials have asked him to be more of a leader this offseason. Even with Joe Gibbs as head coach and a dominant figure in the Redskins' landscape the last few years, Portis has been a face of the franchise since he arrived in Washington via trade with the Denver Broncos in 2004. He has rushed for 4,616 yards and 34 touchdowns in his four seasons with the club, placing him fourth-best in franchise history. The only question? Which of Portis's many faces would show up on a given day. Now it appears team officials want Portis's own face to be front and center. "They spoke to me about being a front man for the organization, after all of the changes on the coaching staff," he said. "They wanted me to be around Redskins Park [in the offseason] and try to encourage players to buy into the system." It's an interesting turn for the free-spirited Portis, who turns 27 on Sept. 1. It's safe to say that he would rather be relaxing at South Beach than working out in Ashburn, Va. Portis has seen the benefits as he gets to know new head coach Jim Zorn and appreciate how younger teammates look up to him, even with his occasional silliness. "For me to give up the offseason, I really didn't want to do it," he admitted. "But the more I've been here, the more I appreciate [team officials] pulling me aside." Said Zorn: "Clinton likes to be cool. He's a cool guy. He's just being himself. The thing I appreciate about him is that he is here. He's not just participating. He's showing the younger guys what to do. "I pointed him out in a team meeting. When you watch him play, he's the example of a guy who really finishes plays." Portis senses a "looser vibe" around Redskins Park with Zorn in charge. That's not a criticism at Gibbs. It's an acknowledgement that Zorn and Gibbs are two entirely different head coaches. "So many people did not want to fail Coach Gibbs or let him down," Portis said. "They knew how bad Coach Gibbs wanted to win, but it made some people uptight. Everybody wanted it so bad, it was like, 'We've got to do it. We've got to do it.' "You wanted to give it your all, especially knowing what he was going through with his grandchild's illness and also how much time he put into [the job]. But it was kind of a conflict. You wanted to go out and lay it on the line, but all of the hours you'd spend, you'd get tired after a while. "Coach Zorn is just like fresh air. It's more laid back and relaxed. You feel like, 'We can go out and [have fun].' It doesn't seem like the pressure is there. "I think we have a golden opportunity. And I think [Zorn] is going to put people in position to make plays and help this team. It's up to us to just go out and play hard." Of course, it's easy to say the atmosphere around Redskins Park is more relaxed when it's June. The first regular-season game is three months away. Clinton Portis somersaults into the end zone in Week 17 against Dallas last year. (AP Photo) There is plenty of work to be done between now and then. Zorn, formerly the quarterbacks coach of the Seattle Seahawks, is bringing the West Coast offense to Washington this offseason. He expects to maintain elements of the Redskins' ground game while also borrowing the passing game of the Seattle Seahawks' offense the last few years. What does it mean for Portis? He could emerge as the Redskins' version of Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks' do-it-all running back. He was the league's MVP in 2005, compiling a career-high 1,880 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 370 carries. He has also averaged 29 catches per season since 2001, with a career-high 59 in 2002. Portis has rushed for 1,500-plus yards in three of his first four seasons in the NFL. Last year, he compiled 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns on 325 carries. Portis also caught a career-high 47 passes for 389 yards last season. That experience should serve him well as Zorn emphasizes the short passing game in the West Coast offense. It has been suggested that Portis could approach--or even surpass--the 2,000-yard rushing mark in 2008. Only five players have accomplished that feat in NFL history. "It's a great goal," Portis said. "A lot of people have put it out there and they think I can accomplish it. For me, it's whatever it's going to take for us to win. If for us to win, it's going to take me running for 2,000 yards, then I look forward to that. If they're going to put it on my back, I'm all for it." He added: "I go out and I play big man football. That's what I want to do. I want to run wild. I think with the new coaching staff--as much as I love Coach Gibbs--this could be my opportunity to run wild." Last July, Portis reflected on his legacy--at the age of 25. Coming off an injury plagued 2006 season, he didn't want to take football for granted anymore, but he also felt uncertain of his future in Washington. Now, there is no uncertainty. "It has been a maturing process here," he said. "I understand what I need to do and I know how to carry myself to get through a season. Two years ago, getting hurt was probably the best thing for me because it got my appreciation for football back. It made me understand how football could be gone. "And then, losing Sean [Taylor] at the top of his career--all of a sudden everything you think that's not important becomes a major part of your life. Football is not life or death for me, but while I have an opportunity to play it, I want to be the best at it." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRobi21 Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 My boy CP. Even my dad, a bears fan, noticed that he's been busting his *** all offseason. He notices from me watching Redskins Radio everyday. But I really think CP has his head on straight after all that happened last year. I'm really thinking CP's biggest year as a Redskins is about to start in only a few months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty Gut Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 "He could emerge as the Redskins' version of Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks' do-it-all running back. He was the league's MVP in 2005..." Ha, I remember a similar paragraph written when Saunders came here from Kansas City, in reference to LJ/Priest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 He is stepping up. I guess Jerome won't be making an appearance this year. I like CP. I wish him much success this year. This could be the beginning of an entirely different guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MumboSauce Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 I appreciate his off season dedication...he's not 23 anymore and you have to train properly and smarter to have yourself ready...can't rely solely on your gifts. He's putting in work to make himself better and setting an example to the other guys in doing so. Good stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McD5 Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 It seems like he might finally be growing up a little....and actually trying to be a good role model for the others on the team. This would be a refreshing change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbo Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 CP has been and is my fave Redskin. I have been there since the trade was first announced. I think he has done remarkable here in every way given the situations over his tenure. I think he is one of the truly complete upper-tier players in the NFL. I would love to see him have a banner year just for himself, as well as for the obvious team-success reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herrmag Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Yes, definitely good to see him stepping up and mature. I don't think anyone has ever second-guessed his on the field dedication. Nice to see it in the offseason as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkipJackSkin Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 I think he is getting to understand more about how to be a "team" player. If he stays healthy, he will be one of our most valuable assets. (if no THE most). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Some good comments there by C.P. and coach. I'm definitely looking forward to watching him play this next season. If his play is as good as attitude, then it will a very good season for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkipJackSkin Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Some good comments there by C.P. and coach. I'm definitely looking forward to watching him play this next season. If his play is as good as attitude, then it will a very good season for him. Hopefully he stays healthy too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewCliche21 Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 CP has been and is my fave Redskin. I have been there since the trade was first announced. I think he has done remarkable here in every way given the situations over his tenure. I think he is one of the truly complete upper-tier players in the NFL.I would love to see him have a banner year just for himself, as well as for the obvious team-success reasons. Amen. I swear, Portis bashers are the reason that the :jerk: emoticon was made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUSkinsFan Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 I would love too see Portis break the 2,000 yard mark but I don't think he will. I forsee a 1600-1700 yard season. But hopefully he proves me wrong. That said, Portis is one of, if not the best, athlete on the team and having him be a locker room influence will be huge this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Amen.I swear, Portis bashers are the reason that the :jerk: emoticon was made. Oooooooooooooooooo. 3 TIMES!! We need to get a drink together. This is amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewCliche21 Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 Oooooooooooooooooo.3 TIMES!! We need to get a drink together. This is amazing. Until I can get down there, that'll do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackest Eyes Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I really like that CP is maturing. He has shown that he can be a leader, so hopefully this will be his time to really step it up. I hope that he has a great year this year. This team has so much potential it is ridiculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downbeat87 Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 man every year i get on board... and i must say im on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KNGwithOUTaCrwN Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 well im glad hes stepping up as a leader and helping out the younger guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hiro Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 As much as I enjoyed the silliness coming from Portis, it actually gives me more joy to see Portis stepping up and emerging as a true leader in the locker room. While I believe he was always considered a team leader, he now seems to be really embracing that role and is setting an example for the rest of the young players. The fact that he's sacrificing a vacaction in South Beach to be there for the young guys really makes me pumped over what he can do for the team and in our new WCO. I want to see Campbell break out in '08, but I think I'm even more excited of the prospect of Portis becoming the unstoppable monster he was in Denver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
33 Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Watching the way CP plays the game, I don't understand why we're now getting annual reports basically saying he has rededicated himself. I've never felt that he did anything but put 100% effort into games every Sunday. He always seems to play the way the game was intended; full speed ahead with no thought of remorse. It is a true pleasure to watch CP in action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskool Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 "He could emerge as the Redskins' version of Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks' do-it-all running back. He was the league's MVP in 2005..."Ha, I remember a similar paragraph written when Saunders came here from Kansas City, in reference to LJ/Priest. But here is the difference. Zorn is the man. Period. End of sentence. There will be no HC versus OC battles trying to see who's version of the same bloody offense we will run. One guy, calling his plays. If it doesn't work it because they don't work. Not because we are trying a ****ized version of the same offense but run in different ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljs Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 "He could emerge as the Redskins' version of Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks' do-it-all running back. He was the league's MVP in 2005..."Ha, I remember a similar paragraph written when Saunders came here from Kansas City, in reference to LJ/Priest. CP will be tons better than Alexander. At least in the passing game. Alexander stopping getting good yardage after Steve Hutchinson went to the Vikings. Then everyone realized how bad he was in the passing game. I mean, totally sucked. I like the running game comparison, at least with the WCO theory. (hard to say if we have the type of line that the Hawks did in '05) CP should tear up the field this season. I want to add that I'm glad to see CP step up. I'm sure he's had a week or couple to relax. I know their bodies get banged up during the year, but hey, I think players can stick around for a few extra months during the off season, I mean, they are getting paid bank for what they do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsFanCU07 Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 "And then, losing Sean [Taylor] at the top of his career--all of a sudden everything you think that's not important becomes a major part of your life. Football is not life or death for me, but while I have an opportunity to play it, I want to be the best at it." That to me says alot, after the death of one of his good friends it seems like he has a new realization and drive to be number one. Hopefully his aspirations are achieved and surpassed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[[ghost]] Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 If the OL can stay healthy together, certainly, we can expect him to put up sensational numbers. But that means our line gelling together instantly, which isn't too outrageous, considering the 2 newest members of the line will be entering their 4th and 2nd years with the squad, respectively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudhog Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Clinton Portis is the man! His emotion and love for the game is going to put this team over the edge this year. Just what the doctor ordered. I've read alot of posts here lately, talking about how our new draftees and FA aquisitions are going to "play with a chip on their sholder" or "show em why they shouldn't have cut me", but thats just part of it. Having that sort of motivation is good but playing for the love of the game, to be the best and have fun is what our guys need to remember. CP as the team leader, with his head where it is now, is just a beautiful thing and it's gonna pay off BIG. Hail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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