Theismann Roasts Bradford Over Retirement Rumor
The Philadelphia Eagles have arguably the most volatile quarterback conundrum in the NFL. The situation has been complicated – or perhaps simplified? – in recent days with rumors that frustrated signal caller Sam Bradford could be contemplating retirement if he is not named the starter ahead of second overall pick Carson Wentz and the absurdly overpaid Chase Daniel.
Well, one old head has seen enough. Former tough-as-nails Washington QB Joe Theismann unloaded on Bradford on Sirius XM radio, calling out his will to not only win, but simply compete in a league that owes him absolutely nothing. Check out his full rant:
“I cannot believe what Bradford is doing with the Eagles. The impression that I get is that this guy here doesn’t want to compete. He’s not interested in playing quarterback. He’s not interested in competing at the quarterback position. He wants it handed to him on a silver platter. Well that’s not the way life is. The Eagles owed him no explanation. And if you think you’re that good, you should be able to beat out a rookie who has no earthly idea what the NFL looks like. If the Redskins drafted somebody number one and I was Sam Bradford and I’ve already banked $98 million, I’d [say] ‘Bring it on, guys. Bring it on.'”
“And it’s disappointing to me because I like Sam. Heck, last year I did a radio show in Philadelphia and I said ‘Sam Bradford has the ability to be a Pro Bowl player.’ And all of a sudden Tom Condon, his agent, comes out and says ‘Well, the Eagles had a right to notify him’…baloney! Strap your chinstrap on, put your helmet on, put your jock on, and go out and compete like someone who wants the job. Don’t gripe about ‘Oh, I’m not going to OTAs. I’m not going to do this.’ How about doing something instead of not doing something? I am just so upset over this kind of baloney from young guys. What ever happened to having the job being [so] important to you that you’ll do anything?”
Whether Theismann likes it or not, the fact that Bradford has already banked nine figures six years into a forgettable career may be what’s making his decision easier. Odds are Bradford won’t retire anyway, but it’s these kinds of stories and attacks from former players that won’t help his chances should the Eagles be seeking a trade partner.
The NFL is as much about proving your future worth as it is your present worth…or at least, that’s what they tell the rookies on Hard Knocks. But it’s a lesson that applies to Bradford. As Joe said, gear up, hit the field, and play your heart out, otherwise the decision to retire might not be yours to make.
