Quotables: Eric Wright retires at 28, Mike Goodson disappears again
NFL minicamp has plenty of action after just one day, starting with a whole host of problems in the Bay Area.
Brian Bahr
-- Eric Wright, 49ers CB
In a surprising move, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Eric Wright called it a career on Tuesday in the middle of what most players consider the prime of their career at age 28. He’s just two years removed from signing a lucrative contract for five years, $37.5 million.
Off-the-field problems plagued the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer throughout his career. Most notably, he was suspended in 2012 for PEDs and was charged with a DUI in 2013. San Francisco will move forward with Chris Culliver, Tremaine Brock and Chris Cook as the top three cornerbacks on the roster.
“I recognize the fact that he’s not here, and that situation will be dealt with.”
-- Rex Ryan, Jets head coach on running back Mike Goodson
Running back Mike Goodson failed to report for mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, leaving his coaches and teammates baffled as to his whereabouts. He also skipped 10 voluntary workouts and didn’t inform the team as to his whereabouts.
All of this is cause for concern for a player who faces weapons charges stemming from an offseason arrest. He’s had numerous behavioral issues that include a violation of the substance abuse policy and a four-game suspension at the start of last season.
“I’m disappointed in that decision for them not to be here. ... [It’s] not the decision I envision being the 49er way.”
-- Jim Harbaugh, 49ers head coach on TE Vernon Davis and OL Alex Boone
Vernon Davis has decided to hold out and missed Tuesday's practice at the 49ers' minicamp. In the wake of the sudden retirement of Eric Wright, it's more bad news for a team looking to win a Super Bowl and unseat the Seattle Seahawks as the best team in the NFC.
Davis signed a five-year, $37 million contract in 2010 with $23 million guaranteed. He skipped voluntary OTAs before the holdout began. The 49ers can now start to fine him to the tune of $70,000 for missing all three days. He’s given no indication as to whether he and the team are making any progress in potential contract negotiations.
“He’s the guy that earned the job.”
-- Texans head coach Bill O'Brien on QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
After entering the season with four potential starting quarterbacks in an open competition, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien named veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick the team’s starter heading into the 2014 season, the team announced on Tuesday.
All eyes in Houston are now on wide receiver Andre Johnson, who has been vocal about his displeasure with the organization. Whether or not this decision will sit well with him will be something to watch throughout training camp.
“Gut feeling, I think he’s better. Mac is one of those guys, he doesn’t want to just get back to where he was, he wants to be better.”
-- Eagles QB Nick Foles on WR Jeremy Maclin
When wide receiver Jeremy Maclin tore his ACL last July, the Philadelphia Eagles had to rely on Riley Cooper to fill the void. This season, Maclin's quarterback believes he's better than ever. If true, it couldn't come at a more ideal time than after losing DeSean Jackson to the NFC East rival Washington Redskins.
It’s clear Foles has confidence in Maclin’s playmaking ability, and with the wideout’s health no longer in question, he is prepared to be a key component of head coach Chip Kelly’s offense.
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