Prior to former NFL running back Shaun Alexander being the Seattle Seahawks’ lead rusher, Alexander attended Alabama—the same college that Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson attended.
During Alexander’s eight-year career with the Seahawks, he rushed for a total of 9,453 yards. He also put up an amazing 2005 campaign that saw him tally 1,880 yards and an incredible 27 touchdowns en-route to the NFL MVP Award.
Sharing common college ties and the fact they were both first-round draft picks, Alexander would like to reach out to Richardson (via Yahoo Sports).
I wish I had Trent’s number,” Alexander said. “I don’t have it — and if he’s reading this, give me a call, Trent — but I think I know what he’s going through.
The NFL bombards you with Xs and Os, learning the schemes and getting up to speed on the knowledge of the game. You can slowly become robotic and so worry about being right that you forget what made you a talent.
Alexander thinks that Richardson’s pedigree coming from Alabama, where “you have to be special” to become a star, will eventually pay off for Richardson.
Coming off of a rock star rookie year in Cleveland where Richardson rushed for 950 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, Richardson has struggled big time with the Colts. In his two seasons with Indianapolis, Richardson has only managed a total of 977 rush yards and six touchdowns for an average of 3.1 yards per touch.
To make matters worse, Richardson was a healthy scratch from the Colts’ divisional playoffs against the Denver Broncos and then received a two-game suspension that may extend into next season.
Speaking of next season, Richardson is carrying a base salary of $3.18 million and will likely be looking for a new team.
If there was any benefit in Alexander and Richardson talking and any of Alexander’s greatness rubbing off on Richardson, he should jump at that opportunity.
Photo: Fan Duel