Throughout the years, there have been some big egos in the NFL with names like Deion Sanders and Terrell Owens. But, somehow, there is someone that can clearly top those players. That guy is Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth is known more for his ego than for his run-stuffing defensive play. In my opinion, he's one of the most overrated and overpaid players in the NFL and should have received no where close to the contract he got.
Coming out of the University of Tennessee, Haynesworth was a defensive force along side fellow draftee John Henderson. They were supposed to be two of the best defensive tackle prospects in the draft. Haynesworth measured at 6'6" and weighed 317 pounds when he worked out for NFL scouts. With the big body in the middle, he would able to overpower most offensive linemen. Haynesworth, instead, felt that he had to get everything he wanted before he could step onto football field. He did not work out in the 2002 draft combine either, so that hurt his draft stock. He was taken 15th overall by the Tennessee Titans, who felt he would be a lifelong Titan. But, he bullied his way through the Titans organization and tested the front office many times. He has never been able to control his anger and keep a level head.
In 2000, while at UT, Haynesworth was never able to control his emotions. Will Ofenheusle, an offensive lineman, made Haynesworth mad in practice one day. Haynesworth was not able to deal with being shut down during practice and the two exchanged words. After practice was over, Haynesworth came looking for Ofenheusle with a metal pipe in his hand. It's hard to know what he was going to do or say, but the incident still remained to be one of his worst days in sports.
In early October 2006, the Titans took on the Dallas Cowboys in Nashville. Haynesworth could not get it going and it bugged him the entire first half. On a play early in the third quarter, a Cowboys offensive lineman, Andre Gurode, was on his knees in pain after the play was over. What happened? Haynesworth kicked Gurode's face while they were scuffling for position during the play. He was immediately ejected from the game. After the game was over, Haynesworth stated, "I apologize to Andre. What I did was disgusting. It's something that should never happen. I mean, I'm not a dirty player. I don't play dirty. I have respect for the game. What I feel like is I disgraced the game, disgraced my team and disgraced my last name." Really, Albert? You honestly expect me to believe you have respect for the game? I can understand showing emotion, but stomping someone's head is totally uncalled for. The NFL suspended Haynesworth for 5 games without pay, and he deserved every bit of it. However, I would have suspended him for the rest of the year due to lack of respect to Gurode and the entire NFL. His suspension at the time was the longest ever suspension for on-the-field transgressions. Haynesworth didn't appeal and was forced to sit out.
Even though he's had anger problems, he was still a highly touted free agent in 2009. The Washington Redskins took the gamble on him, signing him to a 7 year, $100 million contract. This instantly made Haynesworth the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. Statistically, he had one of his worst seasons ever, only starting 12 games and registering 30 tackles with 4 sacks. With the Titans, he was a dominating force, getting selected to two Pro Bowls, but with Washington, he didn't accomplish anything. Although there were flaws in Gregg Williams' defense, Haynesworth could never get the motor running and it seemed like he was blaming his frustrations solely on Williams. Jim Zorn, the head coach for 2 seasons, was fired after the season was over. Williams was also gone.On January 5, 2010, the Redskins nabbed ex-Broncos head coach, Mike Shanahan, as their new leader. Shanahan won two Super Bowls with Denver and they want him to bring his success to Washington. The Redskins also signed Shanahan's son, Kyle, as their new offensive coordinator and ex-Saints head coach, Jim Haslett, as their defensive coordinator. Washington ran a 4-3 in 2009 and Haslett has stated that he wants to change it to the new popular defense, the 3-4. This has made Haynesworth very unhappy and at one point, he requested a trade from Washington after one mediocre year. He missed all of the team's mandatory minicamps and threatened to hold out for the entire 2010 season. He has been heavily criticized by his teammates and has almost worn out his welcome in our nation's capital.
A janitor at the Redskins practice facility told reporters earlier this month that he told Haynesworth how simple the defense was. He went on record to say, "I explained to him what a nose-tackle does in the 3-4, I think the concept of four linebackers and three linemen is just too complex for him.” That is amazing because the defense is so simplistic. It can't be that hard to comprehend as more and more teams are switching to the style. Most defensive players seem to like it more than the 4-3 defense, as it provides the opposing offenses more trouble. Even Redskins fans have sent letters to Haynesworth trying to get him to grasp the concept of the re-vamped defense. However, Haynesworth still seems oblivious to the defense.
Although he has said he will eventually return to the Redskins, this still erks me. Washington signed him to highest defensive player contract ever and yet, he is still disgruntled. I would happily play for that much money; I could definitely use it. Yes, the NFL is a business, but young children adore players and that's not the way some should be reaching out to the younger fans.
If Haynesworth doesn't want to play, don't let him play. The Redskins shouldn't have to pay him if he sits out the entire year. He really isn't worth the contract that he was given and is one of the most overrated players in the league. He truly has the biggest ego in the NFL, solely because of his decision on the defense. Football is not a 1 man team. Haynesworth doesn't need to make all the decisions, it's up to GM Bruce Allen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan. He is a truly selfish player and the NFL does not need that in the league.
