Clinton Portis will announce his retirement with the Washington Redskins Thursday, August 23 – 2:30 p.m. ET. The running back spent 7 of his 9 year career with the Redskins.
Portis, 30, was released by the Washington Redskins in 2011 after an eventful, yet successful 9-year career (7 with the Redskins). He ranks second in franchise history in rushing yards (6,824), rushing attempts (1,667) and rushing touchdowns (46).
Portis had a few un-successful try-outs last year with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans. The running back battled injuries and “father time” during his final few seasons with the Redskins. Portis had only 13 total starts between the ’09 and ’10 season. It was clear that Portis had lost his burst and ability to make efficient cuts.
In 2010, Clinton reunited with the coach who traded him from the Denver Broncos to the Redskins after the ’03 season. Mike Shanahan challenged Clinton to get in shape, and to fully commit himself to the team – and he did. I remember watching Clinton in ’10 training camp, helping the other backs in camp with pass protection and becoming more “reserved” with his personality. However, time was not on his side, and the years of wear and tear settled in. It’s tough for any player to walk away from football, especially the guys that sincerely love the game. Clinton was that kind of guy.
With Clinton retiring with the Redskins, this now makes him a Redskin’ for life – and Portis wouldn’t want to have it any other way. This is a guy that, through his ups and downs, was loved by the city and had a close relationship with owner Dan Synder. He will always be remembered as not only one of Washington’s greats, but one of the NFL’s greatest running backs and personality.