Shaun Alexander Cut By Redskins
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You didn’t hear much about Shaun Alexander’s return to Seattle on Sunday because, well, he didn’t play. In the 4 games he suited up for with the Redskins, Alexander carried the ball 11 times for a total of 24 yards. Today, Alexander was cut by the team.
When I saw Alexander deliver an impromptu sermonette at the Wave Conference last month, he talked about the circumstances that led him to come to Washington. How it seemed like all the signs in his life were pointing to it happening, and then the Redskins called. If you remember from that post, he was there at the conference with Clinton Portis, who apparently responded to the message preached by Judah Smith that night and met with Pastor Steve Kelly after the service.
I spoke with a pastor from Wave Church a few weeks later who confirmed that Portis and Pastor Kelly did meet after the service and that Portis was serious about connecting with God on a deeper level. Not sure how that’s working out for Clinton…I truly hope it is.
And now Shaun’s gone from Washington. I’m not surprised. For the past two seasons he hasn’t done much to impress. Seems like he became wary of taking a big hit, and was always backing his way into contact instead of trying to get by it or through it. (Not that I can blame him, they do hit pretty hard in the NFL.) Maybe he was wrong about God wanting him to play for the Redskins? Or maybe God brought him there for a few games to help Clinton Portis make some spiritual connections? Or maybe God wasn’t really involved at all?
Either way, I’m sure Shaun will land on his feet. And whether those feet are wearing cleats for another NFL team or wearing dress shoes as he talks at speaking engagements he will surely book upon eventually retiring, I’m betting you’ll hear nothing but positive things coming out of his mouth. He just seems like that type of guy.
So, if you’re an NFL GM, do you hire Alexander on the cheap? Or do you think he’s done?
The Broncos could always use a 9th running back!
November 25th, 2008 at 8:00 pmHey Bryan,
I think SA is done. The healthy return of C-Po and LaDell Betts made him expendable. And as for “signs in his life pointing him to Washington,” it’s hard to say. But coming from the perspective of someone who has been an ex-football player, desperately wanting to play football again, you see signs everywhere pointing toward playing, even when playing is the last thing you should be doing. Come to think of it, we evangelicals are pretty good at doing this with almost everything we want. Attach a “God led me…” to any statement and it automatically becomes iron-clad.
Nice Post,
November 25th, 2008 at 9:48 pmTed
Yeah, I don’t hold out much hope for SA having a substantive return. Some desperate team will probably pick him up and give him a few reps, but I don’t see it being anything substantive.
November 26th, 2008 at 8:06 amMy favorite player from Bama ever. He is the real deal. He may be done with the NFL but God will continue to use him in ministry.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:15 amYou nailed it when you said, “Maybe he was wrong about God wanting him to play for the Redskins? Or maybe God brought him there for a few games to help Clinton Portis make some spiritual connections? Or maybe God wasn’t really involved at all?”
If that had been my church I would have politely passed on having SA give an impromptu word for those exact reasons. I felt that way when I read an article a few years back about Carlos Bertrand and how he felt God was orchestrating the circumstances that lead to his gi-normous contract. Maybe I’m just jealous of all that money…
November 26th, 2008 at 12:52 pm