Richie Incognito: 'I've had all the skeletons in my closet thrown out'
In the months since signing Richie Incognito, Bills coach Rex Ryan has defended the decision -- and the player -- and Incognito has been contrite at every turn.
By
Ryan Wilson
•
2 min read
The Bills gave Richie Incognito another chance at redemption when they signed him in February. In the months since, coach Rex Ryan has defended the decision -- and the player -- and Incognito has been contrite at every turn.
And now Incognito has every intention of repaying the Bills for the opportunity, one that looked like it might not come after his year-long absence from the league.
"They're going to get every ounce of effort I have," Incognito told NFL Network's Kimberly Jones, via NFL.com. "On- and off-the-field a complete commitment to football and making the guys around me better. I just owe them everything I have."
There are skeptics, of course. Incognito has a long history finding trouble. He was in the middle of the Dolphins' bullying scandal during the 2013 season, is considered one of the league's dirtiest players, and has had several run-ins with police dating back to his college days at Nebraska.
"I think I've had enough dirty laundry aired, and I think I've had all the skeletons in my closet thrown out," Incognito said. "I'm at the point in my career, especially under Rex, if I got something to say I'm going to say it. I've been around the block and I've definitely had my run-ins, and I've definitely had my time in the media, but I'm just looking forward. I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited about getting back to work."
Ryan echoed similar sentiments.
"There will be part of society that will never give Richie Incognito a chance, and I believe that's a mistake," Ryan told Jones. "I've certainly made my share of mistakes, as everybody has, but you could tell he wanted to grow from it. He's going to have an opportunity to change his legacy and I think that's important. And obviously I want to see him do that."
Back in February, before the Bills signed Incognito, new owner Terry Pegula spoke with the the player and saw a different person.
"I personally met with Richie, along with (general manager) Doug Whaley, (coach) Rex Ryan and (Pegula's wife) Kim regarding an opportunity to earn a spot on the Buffalo Bills roster," the owner said at the time. "Obviously, we all discussed Richie's past experience in the NCAA and NFL. We are convinced that Richie is prepared to move forward and has and will continue to take the necessary steps to improve himself as a person and a teammate. Following discussion with the rest of the coaching staff, we as an organization will provide him with the opportunity to do so."
Now it's up to Incognito to prove all his doubters wrong.
