Sheldon Richardson chasing 'almighty dollar'

[Elias]

Article by Jane McManus - ESPN New York. I guess we are screwed come contract time. I hope we have enough cap space to resign Sheldon because he is looking to be PAID. I hope we don't have another Mevis situation.

Link to article here

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Fresh off his three-sack performance in a 30-24 overtime loss to the Vikings, Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson hopes he has played well enough to make the Pro Bowl. It’s a realistic goal for the second-year player. Richardson has played well despite the Jets, who are 2-11 after the loss.

So he’s playing for that trip to Hawaii, and there’s one other thing.

“The almighty dollar,” Richardson answered. “It’s what drives this league. It is what it is. I don’t want to sound selfish or anything, but in the end you’ve got to get yours.”
It’s a truth that isn’t always spoken out loud, but Richardson is honest. It helps that his performances have generally backed up his candor. Along with Muhammad Wilkerson, Richardson anchors a defensive line that has arguably been the Jets' best position during a dismal season. Richardson has 57 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

“This is a team-oriented game but this is a business in the end and I’ve still got something to play for,” Richardson said.

Coach Rex Ryan wasn't crazy about what Richardson said, but not for the reason you might think.

“It bothers me that he said it for the simple fact that he’s selling himself short.”

With Ryan and general manager John Idzik set to face postseason evaluation, Richardson could be a Jet longer than either of his bosses. His success could be one of the strongest arguments to keep his job that Idzik could make. Making the Pro Bowl would only add to his credentials.

“A lot of people have to vote on that to make it happen and I hope it goes my way,” Richardson said.

As he spoke, OL Oday Aboushi walked by and said “Pro Bowl!” Richardson’s three sacks were the first time a Jet has had a defensive hat trick since 2009. He also wound up as the last player chasing Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright down the field trying to make a tackle in overtime. He’s not a cornerback, but Richardson gave it a try.

“I came in this league I wanted to be a dominant force and I meant that,” Richardson said. “That doesn’t change for me no matter what the outcome of our record is. The same ballplayer you got from the moment I said I was going to be a heck of a ballplayer I’m still going to be that guy when I’m done playing.”

 

[flgreen]

Richardson is a great player, but I've got the feeling when he leaves, most Jets fans will hate him.

Think he has a good chance to wind up where ever Rex winds up, if their willing to pay him

 

[jetgreen13]

Richardson is a great player, but I've got the feeling when he leaves, most Jets fans will hate him.

Think he has a good chance to wind up where ever Rex winds up, if their willing to pay him

richardson's gonna do TV work??

 

[Buzzsaw]

I don't mind players trying to get every dollar that they can during their short careers. When I talk football with my friends we routinely refer to 30 year old players as "old" or "done", which is crazy when you think about it. And when they are actually done with their careers, many will have physical issues and live in pain the rest of their lives. Or worse, like Junior Seau. But, they should know that they won't endear themselves to the fans when they make comments like this. Agents should school their clients on saying things "I just want to help the team win games, and if I get any individual awards along the way I would be humbled". It's so easy.

 

[ucrenegade]

Maybe we let wilkerson walk to resign sheldon because we prob won't be able to afford both and still be able to pay other positions.

i would like to dangle wilkerson as trade bait see if he can help us move up in the draft. I love wilk but i would rather have richardson if i had to choose.

 

[Savage69]

I don't mind players trying to get every dollar that they can during their short careers. When I talk football with my friends we routinely refer to 30 year old players as "old" or "done", which is crazy when you think about it. And when they are actually done with their careers, many will have physical issues and live in pain the rest of their lives. Or worse, like Junior Seau. But, they should know that they won't endear themselves to the fans when they make comments like this. Agents should school their clients on saying things "I just want to help the team win games, and if I get any individual awards along the way I would be humbled". It's so easy.

The losing season is getting to him and he knows coaches he likes will be gone as well as some players. It's a result based business so he's reacting to the fact that fair or not things will change so in the end it's his job and the money he makes will be the motivating factor based on his performance.. Your guy Revis wasn't exactly one of the most humble players around..

 

[njimport]

Maybe we let wilkerson walk to resign sheldon because we prob won't be able to afford both and still be able to pay other positions.

i would like to dangle wilkerson as trade bait see if he can help us move up in the draft. I love wilk but i would rather have richardson if i had to choose.

Agreed Richardson is the better talent and we can't keep both....

 

[Elias]

I prefer Richardson to but if keeping him means we'll have too much money tied up then we have to move on. I rather have two good players than one great one.

This is why we need to draft well. To replenish our talents when they get to expensive.

 

[Jets31]

We have plenty of money to sign both. Richardson is only in year two. We have a few years before we even have to worry about it.

 

[flgreen]

Would rather keep both players, but I'd keep Mo over Richardson. In hindsight, it's probably better they didn't give Wilkerson his extension.

Wait until the new GM gets here> ( I hope)

 

[Xmarco]

Keep both but sign them ASAP because cap will be going to QB (Winston, Mariota) in 3-4 years