Hail! magazine: After his release, Devin Thomas fires back at Mike Shanahan

[themurf]

[As you can see, the eighth issue of Hail! magazine, our free digital publication dedicated to the burgundy and gold is now out. Here is a sneak peak of the main feature in this week's issue -- my interview with former Redskins receiver Devin Thomas, with his most revealing comments since his release.]

Devin Thomas has heard the rumors. He’s not smart enough. He’s not dedicated enough. He runs poor routes. He has no clue what it takes to be successful in the National Football League.

The third-year receiver has heard all of the whispers that began shortly after Mike Shanahan became the 28th head coach in Washington Redskins’ history, and he refuses to let that noise get to him.

As far as he’s concerned, critics can say whatever they want about the Michigan State product. Why try to argue with unnamed sources when the best solution is to simply let his play silence any doubters?

Just one problem – since he injured his hamstring during minicamp, he’s been unable to get onto the playing field. Shanahan opted to drop Thomas to the bottom of the depth chart after the injury, and he never recovered.

Through the first four games of the 2010 season, Thomas — the 34th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft — was on the field for just one offensive snap.

“Someone got tired,” he said of the lone play against the St. Louis Rams.

It was a startling fall from grace for Thomas, who was one of the few bright spots last season when he caught 25 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns in 10 starts last season for head coach Jim Zorn.

Finally, after months of residing in Shanahan’s doghouse, the 23-year-old was release the day before the Redskins hosted the Green Bay Packers.

“I sat down and talked to Devin many times and told him what he needed to do to be a pro football player, both on and off of the football field,” said Shanahan. “And if he does do that, both on and off of the football field, he’ll have a chance to play in the National Football League, but until he does that … He’s got the talent, he sure does, but he’s going to have to commit to being a pro.”

Before officially closing the book on Thomas, Shanahan had one more thing to say.

“In this profession we’re in, it’s not based on talent, it’s based on people working extremely hard,” Shanahan said. “Everybody has a different mindset of what work means, what dedication means, what commitment means.”

Thomas believes that he did display the dedication and commitment needed to excel. But the receiver, in his most revealing comments since his release, says that he was in a no-win situation.

“For me, ever since I tore up my hamstring in minicamp, I feel like I’ve been climbing an uphill battle in mud,” Thomas said. “It didn’t matter what I did, I wasn’t ever going to gain any ground. They weren’t going to give me a shot to win my position back.

“We had talks in the preseason as far as what I needed to do,” Thomas said. “Keep working hard in practice and on running my routes. Make sure I explode out of my breaks and that I’m not dropping balls. I took it all to heart. I tried to step up my professionalism, made sure I stayed after practice and yet, I don’t know. My situation never changed.”

Like any good soldier, once Thomas had a problem, he took it up the chain of command in hopes of figuring out what was going on.

“I started with [Redskins receivers coach] Keenan [McCardell],” Thomas said. “Keenan’s always been my right-hand man as far as keeping me motivated and telling me things are going to be alright. We talked daily and he always told me to keep pushing. After a couple weeks went by, I’m frustrated because I’m basically stuck on the sidelines.

“So I went to [Redskins offensive coordinator] Kyle [shanahan] and asked ‘What do I have to do?’” he continued. “‘How can I get back on the field?’ He told me the same thing. He told me when you come off the line as a receiver, you need to explode off the line like you do on kick returns. He also told me to work on coming in and out of my breaks. Other than that, he said I was a beast. They all told me this stuff and I took it to heart. I worked on it, but nothing ever changed with my situation.”

That’s when Thomas finally sought out his head coach and requested a meeting, Oct. 7.

To read the rest of this feature click here and subscribe to Hail! magazine.

[Skinzfever2010]

Devin just shut up and play. If you succeed we will look dumb in the end. Ironically, we are a team cutting receivers when we need them.

1. Shut up

2.Play & play well, everything else will take care of itself

[Bliz]

You know what it is? It's a conspiracy against high draft picks and entrenched starters! Anthony Armstrong, Lorenzo Alexander, Ryan Torain, Banks...they didn't EARN their way into the starting roster. It's just that Shanny likes backups and low round/undrafted players. Galloway, Carter, LJ, "Fast" Willie, DT...all just casualties of the Shanahan disdain for veterans and high draft picks.

[themurf]

Devin just shut up and play. If you succeed we will look dumb in the end. Ironically, we are a team cutting receivers when we need them.

1. Shut up

2.Play & play well, everything else will take care of itself

Did you actually read any of the article? He details how, in his mind, he did everything possible to try and get back on the playing field - even meeting regularly with Keenan McCardell, Kyle Shanahan and, finally, with Mike Shanahan to make sure he was on the right track, but in the end, nothing he could do was good enough for his head coach. Here's two more paragraphs from the article:

“That’s what hurts me the most,” Thomas said. “I don’t get the chance to justify myself with this team. I don’t get to do it with the Washington Redskins because I never got a real shot. From the outside looking in it looks like I couldn’t beat out any of the other receivers or that I was inconsistent or whatever. Man, I’m a football player and I can make plays. Put me out there on the field, believe in me and I’m going to hold it down.

“I don’t see how it didn’t work out,” he added. “I known I’m a coachable guy. I’m not causing no problems. I’m not out here doing nothing stupid. I’m not getting DUIs or getting arrested. I guess it wasn’t meant to be, but it sucks, man. I’ve been here for the hard times with this team and I wanted to be here to see good come out of it all. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

[justice98]

As they say, there's three sides to every story. What really happened is probably somewhere in the middle.

[Burgold]

I think his injuries set him back and then missing that preseason game (or was it two?), followed by his drops when he did get in there hurt him a lot. I do think that he was doghoused. Did Shanahan think he milked his injury? Did Thomas loaf in practice? Did Mike choose to use Devin as an example to try to shake up the culture at Redskin's Park? Did Thomas do it all to himself?

Hard to know.

[Skinzfever2010]

Did you actually read any of the article? He details how, in his mind, he did everything possible to try and get back on the playing field - even meeting regularly with Keenan McCardell, Kyle Shanahan and, finally, with Mike Shanahan to make sure he was on the right track, but in the end, nothing he could do was good enough for his head coach. Here's two more paragraphs from the article:

“That’s what hurts me the most,” Thomas said. “I don’t get the chance to justify myself with this team. I don’t get to do it with the Washington Redskins because I never got a real shot. From the outside looking in it looks like I couldn’t beat out any of the other receivers or that I was inconsistent or whatever. Man, I’m a football player and I can make plays. Put me out there on the field, believe in me and I’m going to hold it down.

“I don’t see how it didn’t work out,” he added. “I known I’m a coachable guy. I’m not causing no problems. I’m not out here doing nothing stupid. I’m not getting DUIs or getting arrested. I guess it wasn’t meant to be, but it sucks, man. I’ve been here for the hard times with this team and I wanted to be here to see good come out of it all. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

I will repeat what I said again. Devin, shut up and play. Stop explaining yourself. It didn't work out here and its over now. Moving forward you need to play and play well. This current team is going to struggle so much down the stretch because of the gaping holes at WR. Washington & Carolina will be picking in the top 15 next April. Stop apologizing to us. Vinny drafted you. Good luck man. Make Mike look dumb (it has been done before).

Hail!

[themurf]

Did Mike choose to use Devin as an example to try to shake up the culture at Redskin's Park?

The more I ask around at Redskins Park, the more I'm convinced that this may be the answer.

[kingdaddy]

There's two sides to every story but it does make you wonder why they put him out there to return kicks but wouldn't give him a shot at WR?

I can only assume that Shanahan is trying to build this team with his players and wants to rid the team of anyone who doesn't buy into his program. He must have felt that way about Thomas. You keep Malcolm Kelly on IR but cut a healthy Devin Thomas who was playing well on special teams?

If he was falling asleep in meetings like I read earlier on this board then his committment to being a pro would be in question. In the end, being released like that may be the wake up call that DT needs to become a good WR in the NFL.

[ATLredskin]

Lets just drop it as Redskin fans. Devin Thomas is not the bad person people are labeling him. People also need to stop thinking Shanahan is some genius. Ashley Lelie? Marcus Nash? Lets look at Chris Cooley under Jason Campbell. He sucked if you look at the numbers. If Cooley never had a past before Campbell then people wouldn't think much of him either. Devin Thomas with a good passer can excel. He was claimed by a winless team on the waiver wire so that shows people want him...but lets just drop it man. I don't think people will drop it though seeing how everyone else still clings to Campbell balls in the ATN.

[Duckus]

I will say one thing good thing about DT - he dealt with the problem the right way.

He went to his WR coach. He went to his offensive coordinator. He went to his head coach. Yes, he talked to the media occasionally, but it never got nasty. He expressed disappointment with not playing, but any NFL back-up should feel that way. It is a good sign about his character.

In the end, I think the coaching staff did not think that DT was a fundamentally sound WR. He might be extremely gifted physically, but it is clear that Shanahan and Co. want players who do the fundamentals rights. He kept calling himself a "play maker" - but I think the coaches are looking for and value a team player more. WRs who love to run block, just as much as catching. WRs who runs perfect routes every single snap and don't give up on any plays. WRs who love to study defenses and watch game tape.

I think they saw DT as someone who had all the physical skills in the world, but did not want nor love to do the small things to become a fundamentally sound WR.

[Gibbsisgod2006]

The problem with Devin was what he did in the preseason he was dropping balls, not creating separation, and most of all not making big plays with the exception of one in the Buffalo game. If you look at Anthony Armstrong he was the WR that was making big plays catching everything coming his way and he has still sustained that throughout the season. I can't say that Devin wasn't doing it at practice because I wasn't their but when you can’t produce against backups when you’re supposed to be that guy I think that can be very telling. But I will say one thing he handled the situation pretty well. :2cents:

[ATLredskin]

The more I ask around at Redskins Park, the more I'm convinced that this may be the answer.

That can't be the case because he drafted someone with a questionable work ethic in the 1st round. If Trent decides to mail it in this offseason then will he cut him as well???

[Skinzfever2010]

My last comment on the situation because now its being beaten. Devin stop dwelling on the past and play well. Apparently the Colts & Panthers both wanted to claim you. You obliviously have a future in this league.

We still have issues here in DC. You have been set free (rejoice & be glad)

Hail!

[Dan T.]

Devin Thomas will have success in the NFL. Too bad it won't be here. It will be on a team with a coach who has the patience to maximize Thomas' many strengths as a football player while downplaying any weaknesses.

BTW, the people telling players to "shut up and play" just gets old.

[hitstiktaylor]

he was a victim of the shanny ego. that became evident when we started running plays for Brandon banks. I don't blame him for getting that off his chest, I would be pissed off if I'm putting in the extra work, coaches saying one to my face then say to the media I need to be a pro.

[Skinzfever2010]

Coach needs to get his ego in check. I can see now that if he doesn't he is going to become his own worst enemy. As unpopular as this may sound its been J.Haslett's bend but don't break defense's that have pretty much helped us win our 3 games.

1. D was crazy in the Dallas game

2.D was crazy in the Philly game

3.D was crazy in the Greenbay game

* If Carlos & Kareem weren't so nervous the other night I might have been bragging about the D more but I'm pretty sure things will get better on that side of the ball as the season progresses.

Coach Shanahan needs to get his ego & his offense in check. We need a damn receiver.

[WhoRUSupposed2Be]

That can't be the case because he drafted someone with a questionable work ethic in the 1st round. If Trent decides to mail it in this offseason then will he cut him as well???

Making a mountain out of a molehile, I see.

[The Robert Griffin Experience]

Devin Thomas will have success in the NFL. Too bad it won't be here. It will be on a team with a coach who has the patience to maximize Thomas' many strengths as a football player while downplaying any weaknesses.

BTW, the people telling players to "shut up and play" just gets old.

Devin Thomas has very few strengths as a football player. He's athletic and explosive in the open field, but slow when actually running routes and has inconsistent hands.

Malcolm Kelly has at least one discernible NFL skill - his hands are like glue.

[Skins3000]

These Devin Thomas threads are old. Can we as fans move on with the roster we have and support the players that are on the roster?

[Chachie]

“That’s what hurts me the most,” Thomas said. “I don’t get the chance to justify myself with this team. I don’t get to do it with the Washington Redskins because I never got a real shot.

3 years isn't a real shot?

[Going Commando]

I think his injuries set him back and then missing that preseason game (or was it two?), followed by his drops when he did get in there hurt him a lot. I do think that he was doghoused. Did Shanahan think he milked his injury? Did Thomas loaf in practice? Did Mike choose to use Devin as an example to try to shake up the culture at Redskin's Park? Did Thomas do it all to himself?

Hard to know.

I think it had to do with a multitude of reasons. Shanahan probably just wasn't impressed by Thomas' game and got ticked off by his personality. Thomas is an athletic freak, but going back to college, he didn't really master the nuances of the receiver position. He was a running back playing receiver because of his height. He was a very mechanical route runner who didn't really sell defenders like the good ones do. He struggled tracking the ball in the air making him a poor deep threat. He was also a body catcher which led to drops and made him an inconsistent possession guy. He wasn't going to be a better possession type than Moss is right now for us because he's not as quick or consistent catching the ball. And he wasn't the deep threat that Armstrong or Galloway are because he has a hard time locating the ball and making adjustments. Clearly our offense calls for a deep receiver on nearly every play. Where was the room for Devin? Moss' backup? Moss hardly ever comes out, he would have needed an injury to happen to see the field.

I think it was probably a mistake to give up on him at the point we did. We should have either cut him during preseason to leave room on the roster for Malcolm Kelly or found a different role for Devin on the team. I think he could have succeeded as a RB/WR hybrid Percy Harvin/Dexter McCluster type. You can't convince me that Galloway or Roydell Williams are better slot receivers than Thomas could have been. I think his role as a receiver in the offense was as a guy who could be very dangerous running crossing routes and running underneath from the slot because of all the matchup problems he could cause with his size and speed. He'd get separation pretty easily against a linebacker and then it's a foot race once he's got the ball in his hands. Plus Devin was a good blocker and was a very physical stalk blocker type. And finally, he also brought value on kick returns. In the long run, I think we'll regret keeping a 38 year old Joey Galloway over Devin.

[Duckus]

I love Mike Shanahan's ego. It is one of the best parts of having him as coach. And no, that's not sarcastic.

In today's NFL one of the biggest obstacles to successes is how to motivate 53 mutli-millionaires to do anything. Most modern players are rich, entitled and mentally weak. They have been successful usually their entire lives. Probably won every championship the could and several NCAA Bowls. The idea that anybody has to work for playing time is foreign too many. "I was drafted in the X round, therefore I should start or play X number of snaps."

I love that Mike Shanahan demands and commands power/respect. Call it ego. Call it having a big head. Call it whatever you want.

[SKOALSKIN]

"It was a startling fall from grace for Thomas, who was one of the few bright spots last season when he caught 25 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns in 10 starts last season for head coach Jim Zorn."

So you avg 32.5 yds and 2.5 catches a game and you are considered a bright spot? One of those TD's was on a reverse. Keep livin the dream Devin, you are living up to your Return Specialist potential. But you will never be an effective WR

[RandyHolt]

He has few strengths as a football player? That's comical. He has all the tools, he is just raw. WR take years to come around after 4 years of college. He had what, one year of college? Then uber noob Zorn coupled with Hixon didnt help much, I would imagine.

I think Shanny will regret letting him go. It may take a few years to find out. But when its 3rd and 1 and we dont have a single possession WR to throw to, Shanny may need to look in the mirror figure out what our offense has been lacking for 10+ years. A possession WR, and dare I saw Devin was the closest thing we had this year. Moss has been thrust into that role, and that is not him.