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Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis, LaVar Arrington Remember Sean Taylor
Sep/24/14 10:27 PM
Former Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis and linebacker LaVar Arrington remembered some of what made legendary safety Sean Taylor such a great person and player Wednesday morning, on the set of NFL AM before Friday's airing of 'Sean Taylor: A Football Life' on NFL Network at 9 p.m.
Portis – who played with Taylor at the University of Miami and with the Redskins – said Taylor was "one of the greatest ever" on the field, and "really low-key off of it."
"It would shock people to know his hobbies, or what he was passionate about," he said. "When you look at a guy that's so ferocious on the field, you wouldn't believe that Sean watched as much film as he watched [and] what he was into – video games, cooking, four-wheelers.
Arrington, meanwhile, said Taylor always wanted to be the best that he could be.
"His determination and his drive – everything that appeared for me – was a dude that just wanted to be the best he could possibly be," Arrington said. "And be the best dude around us as a group of guys, while being the best on the field."
Clinton Portis offers 3 bits of advice for Jameis Winston
Sep/23/14 11:12 AM
Former NFL running back Clinton Portis has three bits of advice for Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, and one of them is to stop talking.
Portis, who played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins, works for ACC.com, and in his weekly video piece, he told Winston to:
1. "Own who you are." Portis says Winston is the public face of the program and "bigger than life right now. The only person getting in your way is you." Portis also said Winston needs to ask himself about the legacy he will leave behind.
2. "Be aware of your surroundings." Portis said Winston is "not a normal 20-year-old" and that everything he does is scrutinized. That means, Portis said, that Winston "cannot slip up."
3. "Stop talking." Portis said Winston has "a big personality," which can create problems. Portis also said that Winston frequently is misunderstood. Thus, Portis said, "Don't give them nothing; you give them nothing, they can say nothing. Only thing they can do is watch your tape. On your tape, you're the man."
Portis said that if Winston follows his advice, "You'll be "a much happier person. And you'll be the first pick of the draft."
Portis was known in the NFL for his production (six 1,000-yard seasons, two Pro Bowls) and for his larger-than-life personality. Keeping quiet wasn't something Portis was known for, so from that standpoint, it seems somewhat hypocritical he is giving that advice to Winston. At the same time, Portis was an NFL star and lived in the limelight, and thus does have some insight on life in the fishbowl. And, frankly, his advice makes sense, especially the part about "stop talking." Winston does seem to be a "Look at me! Look at me!" person, and it obviously has gotten him into trouble.
proCanes.com EXCLUSIVE Preview of FoxSports.com Article Running TOMORROW on the 2001 Hurricanes
Sep/16/14 08:38 AM
A message from Aaron Torres of FoxSports.com:
"They're the greatest team of all-time."
It's a statement we often hear about the 2001 Miami Hurricanes, both by fans, and the media members who cover college football as well.
But after hearing it earlier this year, a light-bulb went off in my head: Just about everyone seems to have an opinion the 2001 'Canes, except Miami's former players and coaches themselves.
And from there, another thought immediately popped into my head: What if I tracked down as many Hurricanes players and coaches from that 2001 season as I could, interviewed them, and asked what they thought about their team, and where they rank in college football history.
How awesome would that be?
Well, six months later, the answer was "spectacular" and after collecting interviews with roughly 50 former players and coaches, an article, the definitive article on the greatest team in the history of college football will run on FoxSports.com on Wednesday.
If you're a 'Canes fan (which I have to imagine you are if you're reading this website), I can promise you that you can enjoy the article.
But here's the thing: During the process of reporting the article, I learned that I wasn't the only one who shared the same passion for the 2001 'Canes. As it turned out, one of the former players I interviewed, Najeh Davenport, also shared that passion, and like me wanted to tell the world his team's story. Najeh recently released a documentary about the team, titled
'The U: Reloaded'
which premiered last month. Through Najeh, I met his business partner Platon, who runs things here at ProCanes.com.
And it was through my friendship with Platon, that we've decided to give Miami fans a treat. Before the article runs in full on Wednesday, Platon was nice enough to offer up his space here on proCanes.com, to run an excerpt. It's a treat for all you diehard 'Canes fans, and proCanes is the only place that you can read this exclusive excerpt.
Of course the article will still run in its entirety Wednesday, and if you enjoy what you read here, be sure to check out the article on
You can also follow on Twitter
, where I'll post the link once it goes live.
In the meantime, enjoy this excerpt from the article….
In the excerpt, we pick things up shortly after Larry Coker was hired as head coach, as the team prepared for the 2001 season.
As you'll learn however, it really didn't matter who the Hurricanes had hired as head coach. The team was not going to be denied the title that had eluded them the year before.
Again, enjoy and be sure to look for the full article on Wednesday.
The final, and arguably most important piece to the 2001 team was set: Miami had its head coach.
Now it was time to get to work. A team that had been denied a shot at a National Championship the season before, was not going to allow that to happen again.
Joaquin Gonzalez
(senior, offensive tackle): The one thing I remember going into 2001 was, Larry Coker and his staff, as well as the players decided that we weren't going to leave the decision on who plays for the championship on anyone else's plate but our own.
Brett Romberg
(junior, center): (Our mindset was) 'This year it ain't gonna be decided on a poll or whatever kind of computer analysis.' We were worked up, ready to get back at it.
Maurice Sikes
(sophomore, safety): If you're going to say you're a champion, earn it. Don't leave it to a voter; don't leave it to anything to chance.'
D.J. Williams
(sophomore, linebacker): It was great to be there with Butch, but when he left our plan didn't change.
Brett Romberg
(junior, center): We were anxious to get back at it. We didn't want downtime. Usually you're excited to get back home, brag 'We just won the Sugar Bowl' but we didn't want that. We were like, 'Let's get back in the weight room, and get after it.
Ed Reed
(senior, safety): When we got back to Miami to start spring football … my God. That spring before that National Championship year, those off-season workouts, it was like no other in the world.
Andreu Swasey
(strength and conditioning coach): That was our DNA (to work hard). That is part of our system. It wasn't talent-driven, it was work-ethic driven.
Mike Rumph
(senior, cornerback): I don't feel like we get ever get credit for our work ethic. I played six years in the NFL and the hardest I ever worked was at Miami. Those summers were treacherous.
Frank Gore
(freshman, running back): My first day I get there, we were doing agilities with the linebackers; I'm competing with Chris Campbell, God rest his soul, and I'm like 'Man, I think I made the wrong decision.' I'm the top (high school) running back, how is a linebacker beating me in agilities?
Clinton Portis
(junior, running back): We competed in everything! We all wanted to be the fastest player, we all wanted to be the best basketball player, we all wanted to be the highest jumper, we all wanted to be the best at everything we did.
Antrel Rolle
(freshman, cornerback): The way we practiced, it was insane. I'll be honest with you, it was literally insane. You would think that we did not like each other, on the field, off the field.
Mike Rumph
(senior, cornerback): It was just a machine. It was a machine but we were just so afraid to have failure.
Curtis Johnson
(wide receivers coach): Andreu Swasey said this all the time: The players were always around. They were always around us, always around the office. It'd be Friday night, Saturday morning, they'd be around, they'd want to want watch more film, and we couldn't get rid of these guys for nothing. Their whole lives revolved around this little football team.
Mark Stoops
(defensive backs coach): Soon after I was hired by Larry (as defensive backs coach in 2001) I was in my office working on a Saturday and I saw one of my players come by, then I saw another one. Over the course of the morning several guys stopped up and were talking. And I thought it was odd. I asked one of them, 'What are you doing here on a Saturday morning?' And one of them just looked at me and tilted his head and was like 'Coach, this is just what we do.'
Mike Rumph
(senior, cornerback): People didn't see the Saturdays where we met up as a team (in the off-season). Or the meetings we'd have 6 in the morning, where there were no coaches there.
Brett Romberg
(junior, center): Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., no matter how hung-over you were, you are in the field.
Mark Stoops
(defensive backs coach): Over the course of the morning several guys stopped up and were talking. And I thought it was odd. I asked one of them, 'What are you doing here on a Saturday morning?' And one of them just looked at me and tilted his head and was like 'Coach, this is just what we do.'
Brett Romberg
(junior, center): Granted, you didn't have to be there. At any other school a guy might show up at 8:05 with his shoes untied or something. Not at Miami. No, if you didn't show up at 7:55 ready to go, you got shunned. Nobody wants to talk to you, because you think you're so much bigger than the group. There were never any egos.
Mark Stoops
(defensive backs coach): They did seven-on-seven with each other, the o-line and d-line worked basically the whole year round. That's just what they did; it was part of their culture… I was blown away by the player's self-motivation and how great the leaders were there.
Don Soldinger
(running backs coach): One time, Frank Gore called me at 3:30 a.m. to ask me about pass protections.
Frank Gore
(freshman, running back): He said 'If you need help, don't be afraid to call.' So I was studying my plays and I called him and told him to quiz me.
Andreu Swasey
(strength and conditioning coach): Who stood out as leaders and workers from that group? Can I say 'The team?' I had so many guys.
Curtis Johnson
(wide receivers coach): It started during 2000, but the players, they really policed themselves. We had no altercations, we had no nothing.
Ed Reed
(senior, safety): We told coach, 'If anything happens with the players on the team coach, we got it. Don't you worry about it.'
D.J. Williams
(sophomore, linebacker): As far as punishment, that was all done within the locker room.
Andreu Swasey
(strength and conditioning coach): If you didn't make your times, it wasn't pretty for you. And I didn't have anything to do with it! I did everything to help you, I might try to save you, but the rest of the guys would be like 'Coach, you might not want to see this.'
Phillip Buchanon (
junior, cornerback): The coaches aren't gonna handle this. This is our locker room. We're going to handle this.
Andreu Swasey
(strength and conditioning coach): They handled their own discipline. So I'd start talking and Ed Reed would cut me off, like 'I don't mean any disrespect…' then he'd handle the lecture for me. And I'm like 'Damn, ok.'
Curtis Johnson
(wide receivers coach): I remember, Sean Taylor was a freshman and I was watching him right at the beginning of two-a-days and Sean, he just didn't run (as) fast (as he could) or something. And the coach went to get on him, and before the coach could get there Ed Reed just jumped on him; Sean was almost crying. It was the worst thing you could ever see, but the coaches didn't have to do any of that, the players did it all. When that happens, I knew we were well on our way.
Najeh Davenport
(senior, fullback): This may seem bad to say, but my senior year, Coach Coker was the head coach, Coach Chud was the offensive coordinator, but once we learned the system, that's all she wrote.
Maurice Sikes
(sophomore, safety): (Coker) knew how great of a team he had. He had been there with us. We had great leadership on our team, we had great coaches, great assistants, great starters, great back-ups. We knew what we had, and knew we didn't need much tinkering.
Brett Romberg
(junior, center): Butch Davis had done a great job steering that ship and doing a great job in building it, and all we needed was somebody to maintain the animal. Coker was the perfect fit.
Maurice Sikes
(sophomore, safety): He had a very good understanding of the fact that he had a masterpiece. All he had to do was take it to the damn museum.
Najeh Davenport
(senior, fullback): We were teaching each other, coaching each other, watching film together. We were destined to win the National Championship.
Randy Shannon
(defensive coordinator): I felt like we had a bunch of guys who had a common goal. They wanted to win a championship.
Aaron is a contributor at FoxSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter
, and be sure to check FoxSports.com for the full article on Wednesday.
MGM Grand Casino Sues Clinton Portis
Sep/16/14 08:37 AM
LAS VEGAS (CN) - Former NFL running back Clinton Portis owes a Las Vegas casino more than $10,000 for two unpaid markers, the MGM Grand Casino claims in court.
The MGM Grand Hotel sued Portis on Friday, in Clark County Court.
The casino claims Portis got two "negotiable credit instruments known as markers," worth more than $10,000, on Jan. 31, 2011.
The casino says the markers "were presented through normal banking channels for payment" on Portis' bank account, but they were "returned dishonored and unpaid."
MGM Grand says it sent a written demand by certified mail on March 26, 2011, but Portis refuses to pay.
The casino wants the money, plus $1,000 in damages and attorneys' fees.
The Denver Broncos drafted Portis in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft. He earned the NFL Rookie of the Year award after rushing for 1,508 yards and 15 touchdowns on 273 rushing attempts and catching 33 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns.
The Broncos traded Portis to Washington in 2004. He finished his career with 9,923 rushing yards and 11,941 yards in total offense. He earned trips to the Pro Bowl in 2003 and 2008.
Portis retired after the 2010 season and is among several former NFL players who in August 2013 sued the league over concussions.
ACCDN Brings Back Clinton Portis
Aug/27/14 12:31 AM
Charlotte, N.C. - The ACC Digital Network (ACCDN) announced its fall programming, revealing the return of Football Analyst, Clinton Portis and their plans to spotlight ACC member schools through extended coverage this football season. The ACCDN, the official home of ACC Game Highlights and Must See Moments, takes another step towards providing ACC sports fans with even more fun and interactive video features to take their enjoyment of college sports to the next level this fall.
The ACCDN fall lineup, highlighted by its expansive Saturday coverage of ACC Football on theACC.com, will keep fans up to speed and entertained all week with Clinton Portis's unique personality and Jeff Fischel's inside access. Fans will see the return of popular segments such as Ram Power Plays, CP's Top 3, Are You Serious?, and the addition of a video feature to accompany the Weekly ACC Power Poll, Jeff Fischel's Power Poll, beginning September 2. The ACCDN also brings back its in-depth look into the elite soccer conference every Wednesday with ACC Soccer Weekly. In addition to these weekly features, fans can count on ACC Now, the ACCDN's daily trending show, to deliver up-to-date conference and sports news.
"The ACC Digital Network continues its commitment to keeping fans informed, engaged and entertained," said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. "This fall is no exception as the ACCDN will once again deliver first-class programming that highlights all 15 ACC member schools."
"Fans know they can count on the ACCDN to bring them video highlights, Must See Moments and unprecedented access all season long," said Executive Producer Andy Siegel. "We also know our fans crave the unique features we do about their favorite team, so I think ACC football fans are going to absolutely love what we're offering this fall."
On a weekly basis, the ACCDN will select specific ACC member institutions and provide additional feature content such as unique storylines, one-on-one interviews and classic games that will appeal to sports fans across the country. The first school under the spotlight is Clemson University. With a huge rematch against Georgia coming up on Saturday, the ACCDN is getting fans hyped up with its feature Hype Video, and One-on-One Interviews with Dabo Swinney and Cole Stoudt. On Thursday, Clemson fans can relive the 1987 Clemson vs. Georgia game with a condensed throwback version.
Fans are encouraged to follow the ACC Digital Network's unique video, photo gallery, and commentary on twitter and instagram at @theACCDN as well as with the broadcast team @JeffFischel and @TheRealC_Portis.
All ACCDN video on demand segments are viewable at theACC.com, through the Official ACC App for mobile phones and tablets, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, as well as affiliate partner websites, and connected mobile and TV devices.
Watch the 2014 NFL draft with Greg Olsen & Clinton Portis
May/08/14 08:05 AM
Join the Players Draft Party on the ACC Digital Network from 8 p.m. Thursday til the end of the first round for live-streaming commentary on the 2014 NFL draft. Panthers TE Greg Olsen joins Clinton Portis, Renaldo Wynn and host Jeff Fischel.
Clinton Portis speaks at East Rowan
Apr/21/14 08:12 AM
GRANITE QUARRY — Clinton Portis retired from the NFL in 2012 but he's got plenty of good years left.
He's 32 now, but not that far removed from the 17- and 18-year olds he was talking to at East Rowan High School on Wednesday afternoon. Sports can keep you young, but it can age your body in a hurry, especially if you're a running back. If there's a lesson to be taught from retiring at 29, it's that opportunities don't come around often and don't last forever. Portis maximized his talents and tried to relay that to the students in an assembly.
Granite Quarry is probably as far away as you can get from Miami culturally, but Portis entered East in a nondescript gray hooded sweatshirt looking like another Rowan County resident and not a record-breaking football star.
"I wouldn't say it was cut short," Portis said of his playing days. "I played long enough. I think nine years in the NFL was great. My time was up. Injuries are a part of the game. It's a violent game and I played it to the best of my abilities."
His time in college was awesome too. Portis was part of the 2001 Miami team that won the national championship and had an unreal legacy with NFL players like Jeremy Shockey, Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Willis McGahee and Vince Wilfork. The Hurricanes rolled Nebraska 37-14 in the national title game, giving the 'Canes their fifth championship in 18 years.
"It was unbelievable," said Portis, who was inducted into the Miami Hall of Fame last week. "Who'd ever thought looking back 10 years later that there'd be so many successful guys from that team."
Portis headlined a three-school tour Wednesday that was part of a "Game Plan For Life" program that was sponsored by the Rowan-Kannapolis ABC Board and Joe Gibbs Racing. Former NFL players Steve Israel, Renaldo Wynn and NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace also spoke at length about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Israel, now a wealth management advisor at Fifth Third Bank, told the crowd that when you invest in something, you see a bigger return. Setting goals was emphasized and Israel revealed his goals as a youth of playing football for Pittsburgh, obtaining an economics degree and dating the prettiest girl on campus.
Portis likened his life to always being fourth or fifth on the depth chart and overcoming challenges to become No. 1. As a small-town kid from Mississippi, Portis avoided drugs and alcohol and stayed out of trouble despite his brother, Gary Hampton, falling in with the wrong crowd and later serving time in prison.
After leaving the game at 29, he's seeking fulfillment in contributing to the community.
The former Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins ball carrier works with ACC Network as a college football analyst.
Portis gave away autographed footballs to Sam Wyrick and Darin Basso and Amani Ajayi received a signed jersey.
"The opportunity to speak to today's youth is an easy opportunity to be involved in," Portis said. "I think kids think that they go through. I tell them it's a recycled period. They go through the same thing I went through."
Clinton Portis, former NFL star, sells Miami condo to avoid foreclosure
Apr/16/14 08:04 AM
Clinton Portis, former running back who played in nine NFL seasons, has avoided a foreclosure on his condominium in Bristol Tower in Miami by selling it for $900,000, reports the South Florida Business Journal.
Purchased for $665,000 in 2004, the 2,070-square-foot condo sold for enough to allow Portis to repay his full loan as well as earn a 35 percent profit.
According to the report, the property was slated for foreclosure by JPMorgan and Chase, which filed a lawsuit against Portis and his mother regarding the original $512,000 mortgage Dec. 12. The mortgage was granted in 2004, the year in which Portis joined the Washington Redskins after his first two seasons at the Denver Broncos for an eight-year contract for $50.5 million.
An earlier report on the website says that as the property is not listed as his homestead residence, it may be an investment property or housing for a relative.
Portis began his career at the University of Miami. When he was still relatively unknown, Lee Corso singled out Portis' performance during a defeat by Florida State, saying "that kid can play for me any time." Portis' sophomore season was not as successful as he lost his job to Michael Rainha. However, in 2001, Portis bounced back as the Hurricanes won the National Championship.
Portis last suited up in 2010, playing only five games due to injury. He officially retired from the game in 2012 and was one of several dozens of former players in a lawsuit against the NFL over concussions they suffered. However, the lawsuit was resolved when the NFL agreed to compensate the players and provide for their medical care.
Last April, Portis was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame.
VIDEO: Clinton Portis - UM Hall of Fame acceptance speech
Apr/15/14 08:11 AM
Clinton Portis evades foreclosure on Miami condo
Apr/15/14 07:59 AM
Similar to how he skirted linebackers in the NFL, former Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis evaded foreclosure on his Miami condo by selling it for enough to repay his loan.
JPMorgan Chase Bank filed a foreclosure lawsuit in December against Portis and his mother over the 2,070-square-foot unit in Bristol Tower at 2127 Brickell Ave. It concerned a mortgage granted for $512,000 in 2004.
Portis recently sold the unit for $900,000 to 2127 Brickell Property, which is managed by Paulo Javier Taborga Diaz.
Not only did that fully repay the loan, the sale was a 35 percent premium over the $665,000 that Portis paid for the condo in 2004, as the former University of Miami star benefitted big time from the real estate rebound.
Portis played for the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins and last saw game action in 2010.
Clinton Portis -- Tight Pants Don't Make You Gay ... They Make You Fashionable
Mar/11/14 10:44 PM
Skinny jeans don't dictate sexual orientation ... so says ex-NFL running back Clinton Portis who tells TMZ Sports he's already prepping for a wave of homophobic hate over his extremely tight pants.
The former Washington Redskins superstar rocked his new look during an appearance on the NFL Network last week ... and people instantly went to Twitter to deliver the gay jokes, such as:
-- "Clinton Portis dressing like he heading to the local gay bar & sh*t!!"
-- "Clinton Portis pants on nfl am gay as sh*t."
-- "Is Clinton portis Gay cause what he have on is wow Lmbo"
But Clinton tells TMZ Sports it doesn't bother him ... saying, ""People are really judgmental. They'll make comments, but I'm comfortable with myself. I know I like girls. I felt good about the outfit."
Portis -- who notes he bought the entire outfit at Zara for $300 (including the shoes) -- says, "People say 'I can't believe you wore that.' Give them some time and everyone will be wearing it."
Clinton Portis Gets Taken For An Interesting Ride In Charlotte
Mar/04/14 08:16 AM
Clinton Portis was expecting a fancy town car to take him to the airport this morning -- instead, he got a '99 Honda Civic and a driver who wouldn't put down a bucket of fried chicken ... so, of course, he took pics.
The former Pro-Bowl running back was out in Charlotte, NC on business -- and got hooked up with a car service that was supposed to take the VIP back to the airport in style.
Instead, Portis tells TMZ Sports ... "A 75 year old woman pulled up in a black 99' Civic, and there's two baby seats in the back."
"I put my bag on the baby seat and I got in the front. The lady was eating Bojangles [chicken]. I said 'this gotta be a prank."
It was no prank. This chicken-chowing chauffeur then asked Portis if HE knew the way to the airport. Not a good sign.
"We were at a red light and she punched the gas. We spun out. I couldn't stop laughing."
Portis eventually made it to the airport but said everyone was staring when he climbed out of the car.
"I tried to tip her, but she declined," he tells us.
Clinton Portis, Jeremy Shockey Join #C4CT Concussion Awareness Summit at the United Nations During Super Bowl Week
Jan/21/14 10:23 PM
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:AMBS), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics related to neurodegeneration and apoptosis, and Brewer Sports International (BSI), a multi-faceted global sports advisory firm, are pleased to provide an update surrounding the Amarantus #C4CT Summit hosted by Brewer Sports International, powered by MDM Worldwide, to be held on Wednesday, January 29(th) in the Trusteeship Council at the United Nations in New York City, NY during Super Bowl Week.
The conference will unite industry experts, leading scientists, neurologists and international business leaders with current and former professional athletes in effort to create consensus on the path forward for scientific research and commercial development.
To register or for additional information, please visit www.c4ctsummit.com. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For further information surrounding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Danielle Berman at email@example.com. Students interested in attending the conference are able to register with limited access to the conference for free and must show a valid student ID upon check in.
Below is a list of prestigious participants from the sports field, including current and retired professional athletes, broadcasters and other key stakeholders for the #C4CT Concussion Awareness Summit. Full agenda including all scheduled presenters is included following the release.
-- Andrea Kremer, Chief Correspondent for Player Health and Safety at the
NFL Network
-- Andre Berto, Professional Boxer, Two-Time Welterweight Champion
-- Antonio Pierce, Super Bowl Champion, NFL Pro Bowl Linebacker, ESPN NFL
-- Ben Utecht, Super Bowl Champion, Recording Artist, Motivational Speaker
and TBI Advocate
-- Brian Williams, Former NFL Cornerback
-- Carl Eller, NFL Hall of Famer, President and Chairman of the Board of the
NFL Retired Players Association
-- Chris Nowinski, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sports Legacy
Institute; Co-Director for the Center of the Study of Traumatic
Encephalopathy at Boston University, School of Medicine; Former WWE
-- Clinton Portis, NFL Pro Bowl Running Back
-- Darrell Reid, Super Bowl Champion, NFL Linebacker
-- Drayton Florence, Carolina Panthers Cornerback
-- E.J. Henderson, NFL Pro Bowl Linebacker
-- Jeff Cumberland, New York Jets Tight End
-- Jeremy Shockey, Super Bowl Champion, NFL Pro Bowl Tight End
-- Jermichael Finley, Super Bowl Champion, Green Bay Packers Tight End
-- Leigh Steinberg, CEO, Steinberg Sports and Entertainment
-- Robert Griffith, NFL Pro Bowl Safety
-- Sidney Rice, NFL Pro Bowler, Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver
"As a former NFL player, I am passionate about making strides to improve the health and safety of my fellow professional athletes, both former and current," said Jack Brewer, CEO of Brewer Sports International. "Instead of pointing fingers, we have put together a world class panel of researchers to discuss TBI-induced Neurodegeneration and CTE with those directly affected by and equally passionate about the cause as we strive to enhance awareness and work to find viable treatments."
The #C4CT Summit is the opening of the five-day Brewer Sports International Super Bowl XLVIII Exclusive Events series, which includes The Jack Brewer Foundation (JBF Worldwide) Global Ambassadors Sport for Development Summit, Super Bowl Blue Carpet Event and the 6th Annual JBF Worldwide Super Bowl Watch Event at the Grand Havana Room.
#C4CT Concussion Awareness Summit Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Emceed by NFL Network's Andrea Kremer
Clinton Portis hit with foreclosure on Miami condo
Jan/12/14 10:23 PM
Clinton Portis, a former Pro Bowl running back for the Washington Redskins and a star on the University of Miami's last national championship team, has been hit with a foreclosure lawsuit over a Miami condo unit.
JPMorgan Chase Bank filed a foreclosure lawsuit Dec. 12 against Portis and his mother over the 2,070-square-foot unit in Bristol Tower, 2127 Brickell Ave. It is not listed as his homestead residence, so it may be an investment property or housing for a relative.
The lawsuit concerns a mortgage granted for $512,000 in 2004. That's the same year Portis joined the Redskins after playing his first two seasons for the Denver Broncos. Washington signed him to an eight-year, $50.5 million deal in 2004.
Portis last suited up in 2010, playing only five games due to injury. He officially retired in 2012 and was one of dozens of former players in a lawsuit against the NFL over concussions they suffered. The lawsuit was settled with the NFL agreeing to compensate the players and provide for their medical care.
Portis will be inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame on April 10.
Clinton Portis on the Redskins and anonymous sources
Jan/09/14 07:57 AM
Media ethicist Clinton Portis became the latest person to weigh in on the rash of anonymous sources spraying information about the Redskins over the past two months. This happened when Portis asked if he noticed an obstacle in the way of sustained football success in Washington.
"You know, up until Coach Gibbs leaving, honestly, I never paid attention to the media, I never paid attention to the outside world," Portis told Danny Rouhier and Grant Paulsen on 106.7 The Fan. (Listen here) "It was just a fun environment. I think the guys we had in that locker room, the brotherly love, the ins and outs — you know, guys would argue and keep it moving — but I never really paid attention to the media until after Coach Gibbs was gone. And all of a sudden, it was like how is everything that happens here leaked, and inside information, and sources say. It's always sources say. And then that became the staple.
"Now it's all of a sudden a trust issue within, because you don't know who's saying what," Portis continued. "It's always sources say. And I think that's the quickest way to tear down a locker room. You have so many reporters from the Washington Redskins putting out a story, and all of it is sources say. And you're looking around like, 'How many people can talk to the media?' And guys that you see talking to the media, you're like well, I don't THINK he said it. But all of a sudden it just becomes so many questions of who in this locker room is throwing me under the bus.
"And that's the obstacle that's in your way in that organization, because you don't know," Portis said. "Anything I ever said, it was, 'Put Clinton Portis said,' and let's be clear, and I'll correct it later if it was an issue. But outside of that it's sources said, and anonymous, and the leaks that come out of the locker room. It just makes you look around like, wow, who's in here?"
Now, first of all, anonymous sources have existed for as long as the Redskins have existed. See this, for example. That didn't stop during the four years of Gibbs II.
Also, it's easy for Portis (or me) to talk bad about anonymous sources when we aren't beat writers, tasked with the unenviable chore of breaking news while making sure other local or national outlets do not get ahead of us on any stories.
That said, he (and I) could point out that you have to make judgment calls on when information is important and newsworthy enough to offer the protection of anonymity. And that some of the character attacks on various Redskins figures this season — comments that clearly wouldn't have been made if the talkers were required to put their names on the line — might really have failed that judgment test, depending on the judge.
VIDEO: Clinton Portis does 'Pulp Fiction'
Jan/08/14 08:14 AM
During the lead-up to Monday night's BCS title game in Southern California, forever-Redskin Clinton Portis acted out the "Royale With Cheese" scene from "Pulp Fiction," with his ACC Digital Network colleague Jeff Fischel playing the part of John Travolta.
Kind of a tough scene to do without profanity. And sideburns. And an Afro. Still, Portis has potential, as displayed in his famous Ram Hunt scene with Chris Cooley. Add the three previously mentioned items and boost the production budget, and I'd give it another try.
PHOTO: Clinton Portis Wearing An Awesome Jacket on NFL Access
Jan/06/14 08:32 AM
Clinton Portis got pulled over for speeding while he was live on a radio show
Dec/27/13 01:02 AM
Clinton Portis called into his old teammate Fred Smoot's radio show on DC radio station 106.7 The Fan and sometime during his chat about training camps of past, got pulled over for speeding.
The interview was going well until Smoot and co-host Kevin Shafer bid him goodbye and he said: "Hey y'all no problem, you all just got me a speeding ticket."
Apparently the trooper was not impressed with Portis' NFL credentials. While it was never established what team the trooper rooted for, the radio hosts did express concern he was a Ravens fan.
"I shouldn't have gave him my license, I should have just hit it," Portis joked as he waited for the police officer to run his license.
The hosts then asked if he'd gotten a ticket before.
"This is probably my 30th one," he said, later adding he was going 45 in a 30 mph zone.
Portis ended up with two tickets, he said.
He then tried to get the trooper to talk to the radio station. "I've got some friends that want to talk to you," he said to the trooper, who he addressed as "Mr. Trooper."
The officer declined. Portis, of course, isn't the first football player to get pulled over while on The Fan. Chris Cooley was pulled over in 2010.
proCanes James Jones, Lamar Thomas, Andre Johnson, Clinton Portis headline 2014 UM Sports Hall of Fame inductees
Nov/08/13 09:41 AM
Current Texans receiver Andre Johnson and Hurricanes football greats Clinton Portis and Lamar Thomas headline the UM Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2014.
All eight members will be formally introduced at halftime of Miami's home finale against Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The Class of 2014 also includes Heat forward James Jones (basketball, 1999-2003), Jeff Morrison (baseball, 1978-81), Wyllesheia Myrick (track, 1998-2002), Rio Ramirez (diving, 1997-99) and Javy Rodriguez (baseball, 1999-2002).
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1966 by eight Dade County Circuit Court judges, who wanted to establish an organization that would recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who excelled at their sport and brought acclaim to the University of Miami through achievements and championships.
With the addition of the eight newest members, the Sports Hall of Fame will increase to 282 honorees. The eight-member class will be inducted at the 46th annual UMSHoF Induction Banquet, which will be held April 10, 2014.
For more information on the banquet, fans can visit www.UMSportsHallofFame.com or call 305-284-2775.
Clinton Portis Interviews Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez
Nov/05/13 05:55 PM
On the day the Boston Red Sox were parading around Boston to celebrate their latest World Series championship, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez was down in Tallahassee to root on the Miami Hurricanes from field level.
Rodriguez, of course, has some ties to Miami but we'll leave his alleged performance enhancing use for our friends at The Outside Corner to digest. As you can see here, A-Rod was repping The U with a Miami cap and windbreaker. He also took a couple seconds to talk to former Miami running back Clinton Portis, who is now doing video work for the ACC Digital Network. Rodriguez said he would run through the Miami smoke entrance and flashed The U with Portis.
Ray Lewis suing bank over nearly $4 million in alleged investment losses
Nov/01/13 09:08 AM
Retired Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is among a group of 16 current and former NFL players who are suing BB&T Bank for nearly $60 million in alleged investment losses.
The Baltimore Sun has obtained a copy of the lawsuit, which was first reported by Yahoo! Sports. The lawsuit alleges that Lewis, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who retired following the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII victory in February, lost $3.778 million.
Lewis' agent, David Dunn, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In addition to Lewis, former Ravens linebacker Tavares Gooden allegedly lost $515,000 through an unauthorized bank transfer, according to the lawsuit.
Several NFL players are accusing the bank of allowing disgraced financial advisor Jeff Rubin and his former firm, Pro Sports Financial, to open accounts in their names and place tens of millions of dollars in unauthorized investments. The majority of the money went to a failed casino bingo project in Alabama that was deemed illegal under Alabama law in July of 2012.
"While we have not had the opportunity to review the allegations in detail, we understand this case concerns actions taken by BankAtlantic prior to its acquisition by BB&T in 2012," David R. White, BB&T's vice president of corporate communications, told Yahoo. "Because this is pending litigation, we cannot comment further."
Rubin, whose firm provided financial-related services to professional athletes, has since been banned from the securities industry.
The other NFL players who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit and the money allegedly lost by each individual includes: former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jamaal Anderson ($5.813 million), former St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans offensive guard Jacob Bell $3.339 million), former wide receiver Derrick Gaffney (2.295 million), San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore ($8.745 million), New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes ($1.159 million), linebacker Greg Jones $2.006 million), former Titans and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse ($7.958 million), former Washington Redskins defensive end Kenard Lang ($1.648 million), Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather ($3.645 million), Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss ($4.852 million), former Redskins running back Clinton Portis ($3.136 million), former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard ($5.011 million), former Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots running back Fred Taylor ($2.993 million) and former Cleveland Browns and Patriots defensive tackle Gerard Warren ($3 million).
The lawsuit alleges that BB&T developed a "close business relationship with Pro Sports, Rubin and other Pro Sports employees," including a special division "dedicated to targeting and servicing athletes and others in the sports industry,"
According to the lawsuit, Pro Sports deposited tens of millions of dollars of the plaintiffs' money in BB&T accounts opened and maintained in the plaintiffs' names with "illegitimate accounts that were opened with signature cards containing signatures that were forged by Pro Sports' employees."
"After the monies were deposited, BB&T allowed numerous unusual, suspicious and extraordinary withdrawals from accounts opened in the name of each plaintiff that were neither within the scope of the service identified in the client services agreement nor authorized by the plaintiff in whose name the account was opened," the lawsuit alleges. "BB&T had actual knowledge that certain transactions on the plaintiffs' accounts were unauthorized and exceeded the scope of the plaintiffs' client service agreements with Pro Sports."
Former Ravens cornerback Duane Starks also had a relationship with Rubin's firm.
Clinton Portis: "I Don't Hang My Head When I Look Back At My Career"
Oct/23/13 09:28 AM
Clinton Portis the newest member of the of the ACC Digital Network talks with The Drive about Nevin Shapiro and his dealing with the University of Miami. We first ask him if Clinton new Nevin.
"No I didn't meet Nevin until after I came back to Miami. I was already in the NFL"
Next we talk about the in state rival Florida State and Jameis Winston.
"When you look at this kid and how he's stepping in and leading this team and how the team is rallying around him it's a beautiful thing"
"Hands down I think Florida State is the best team in the country"
We also get into the concussions that Clinton sustained over his career. Suffering 10 concussions over his career he is greatly interested in the process of coming back from concussions.
"When you are playing it was always you're just dinged up"
Back in the day you'd stand on the sidelines for a little bit and maybe you couldn't see for a minute then they'd ask you 'you ready to go back in' and you would"
We close by talking about the Hurricane teams that Clinton played on.
"Hands down the team I played on was the best college
team ever with Vince Wilfork, Ed Reed, Reggie Wayne…"
"What Butch Davis was building there was something special with the 98 recruiting class"
CP Mic'd Up | Clinton Portis Celebrates On Sideline After Miami
Oct/21/13 08:33 PM
VIDEO: Clinton Portis Speaks To Current Miami Team: "Make This Your Moment"
Oct/15/13 09:15 AM
Clinton Portis on practice and Dan Snyder
Oct/07/13 10:29 PM
I've written several times about the terrific roast of Joe Gibbs at Landsdowne a few weeks ago, the one held to raise money for the D.C. College Access Program.
Here's yet another post on the event. This one, to me, shows that it's easier to tell hilarious stories about the distant past than the recent past, because what might seem hilarious 30 years later seems bit uncomfortable after only six or seven years.
Clinton Portis was the only player from the Gibbs II era who spoke at the event, although at least one other — Derrick Dockery — was in the crowd. And while Portis was quite funny throughout, he also seemed to confirm many of the stories that were long whispered about his practice habits.
"I just always thought Coach Gibbs was a yes man, and the reason I always thought he was a yes man is every time I walked up to coach he would get this smile on his face and he would already be shaking his head," Portis quipped. "So I would be like, yeah, I got him, I'm gonna get out of practice today. I would be walking up, like, what can I tell him, what hurt me today that he can't really figure out?
"Coach, I've got a headache. I'm like all right, he says yes to everything I ask….So I remember talking to coach, and I was buying into everything he said. When he called me about the trade, to bring me here and help out, he wanted me to be his running back, I was so excited, I remember seeing him in his hotel. I came, I had lunch with him — man, this is going to be great. And we went through the practice schedule, and the first thing he said was, this is not gonna be like Denver, we hit around here.
"I was like yeah, we hit too. [But] I didn't know we was gonna wear pads. The day before we left for a game, we were in full pads, practicing. I was like maybe this ain't for me. That's what he used to tell me, this is real football.
"I asked about having an indoor facility. I told him when I first got here we needed turf fields. All this stuff that I had requests for, and he would shake his head and he would say, you've got to go talk to Dan down the hall about that. It was so often….
"I skip to the Cincinnati incident in preseason, and I really felt like I shouldn't be in this game. And then I had gave him all week the reasons I shouldn't be playing – coach, man, the season's coming up, I'm poised to have a big season, I'm looking forward to it.
"Yeah, Clinton, but we've got to see you in action out here."
"I remember getting out and stretching, Coach Al Saunders, I told him, coach, I just don't feel right, my hamstring's tight. Coach Gibbs was standing right there, I said, coach, c'mon, don't make me play.
"We're not gonna give you the ball, Clinton."
"Third play of the game, we throw an interception, I chase it down, my shoulder come out…."
"So many times that I went into Coach Gibbs's office with a story, and he was all for it when it was just me and him. ALL for it. Every time I went into his office, I left feeling like it was gonna be okay. [Derrick Dockery] would send me in – CP, go see if coach want us to be in pads today. I'd go upstairs, coach, don't nobody want to be in pads. This is just from me and Dock's conversation, I'm speaking for the whole team. Me and Dock decided we didn't want to be in pads, I'd go up to coach, [and it] don't look like we're gonna be in pads. So I'd go down, Dock would be like, hey, what'd he say?
"He said alright, we're not gonna be in pads."
"Then we'd look at the board: full pads. So I would have to go and do something on my own: first play, twist my ankle."
There was lots of laughter throughout this. Including from Gibbs. But it seemed to confirm a whole lot of stories. Gibbs himself spoke at length about Portis during his speech, and also drew laughter.
"Let me say this, out of all the players I coached, I don't think ANYBODY, EVER, would do the things Clinton would do," Gibbs said to guffaws. "I would be out at practice, man, I'm fired up, we're at practice, going as hard as we can. When I came [back], I'd been out 11 years. I got 'em back in pads, and Clinton had been in Denver, where they practiced in pajamas.
"So I would be out and I would hear behind me a little voice going, coaaaach. Who is that? I would turn around, and it'd be Clinton, and he'd go, why do we have these on? And I would go, what? And he goes, these, and would point to the shoulder pads. I go, Clinton, because that's what we play in, okay?"
But lest there be any doubt, both men were saying this all in good fun, and closed with strong words of praise for the other.
"Clinton knows football," Gibbs said. "I will say this: I can honestly say this, [if] I told John [Riggins] that we had a play he was gonna have to block in and I called it, he would call timeout. John wanted the football. Let me have the football. So we had to go to the one back because of John, we had nobody else. This guy [Portis] without the ball was as unselfish as anybody I've ever coached. This guy would hammer you as a back. And I always appreciated one thing about Clinton: from Monday to Saturday he would halfway drive you crazy, ok? But on Sunday, when we got dressed, and you looked into his eyes, this guy was ready to go. He was unselfish without the ball, and he would hammer people, and those quarterbacks loved him on pass protection. So anyway, Clinton, thank you for that, I appreciate it man."
And here's Portis.
"So many situations I could give you for a roast, but tonight I would rather take the toast route and share my appreciation for Coach Gibbs, and just being thankful for coach," the running back said. "He was like the pops that I never had. I think he gave me the opportunity to come here and lead an organization that I was clueless about, and to learn the history of all the guys in front of me. To even come close to Riggo's record, to be able to chase him and being able to sit on a stage with him tonight, none of this would have happened if it wasn't for Coach Gibbs."
"Thanks for the trade," Portis concluded. "I know I'd still be running wild if I would have stayed in Denver, but thanks for bringing me here."
Like I said, there were peals of laughter throughout all of this. Still seemed interesting.
Clinton Portis Calls Concussion Settlement 'Win-Win for Both Sides'
Aug/30/13 09:05 AM
The NFL reached a tentative $765 million settlement over concussion-related brain injuries Thursday, agreeing to compensate victims, pay for medical exams and underwrite research for 18,000 retired players, including the 4,500 former athletes named as plaintiffs in the separate lawsuits against the league.
One of those players, former Redskins running back Clinton Portis, who recently revealed he had "a lot of concussions" in his career, which have since led to memory loss, blurry vision and headaches, called the landmark agreement a "win-win for both sides."
"For those families to be able to go out and still provide for themselves, I think it's going to give money to families," Portis told 106.7 The Fan's Lavar and Dukes Thursday. "There's so many categories that this money will be broken up to, so it's not like players are just going to go in and pick up a lump sum check and you're done. I think it's for preparation down the line, and that's what a lot of people needed."
Part of that money has been allotted for future testing, because as Portis put it, "we still don't know the repercussions of the concussions."
"There's so many categories that this money will be broken up to, so it's not like players are just going to go in and pick up a lump sum check and you're done," he said. "I think it's for preparation down the line, and that's what a lot of people needed."
Portis stressed the importance of players educating themselves, which he insists will be easier now that the NFL and it's players are on the same page with concussions.
"I don't think the league or the union wants to turn this into 'Let's sue for everything. Let's sue the NFL for everything that happens on the field to someone,'" Clinton said. "I think when we sign up for football, we're really aware of what we're signing up for and knowing that we can go out and get hurt, and get banged up."
"It's not going to solve everything," Portis clarified. "You can't find an answer to solve everything that's going on in life, and you can't blame the NFL for everything that's happening."
Clinton Portis Hired By ACC Network
Aug/21/13 08:47 AM
The ACC Digital Network announced that former UM tailback Clinton Portis will be part of its broadcast team.
Clinton Portis sues NFL over concussions
Aug/14/13 09:12 PM
Last August, Clinton Portis choked back emotion during a news conference at Redskins Park as he officially ended his nine-year NFL career.
"This game provided me with everything I ever wanted," the second-leading rusher in Washington Redskins history said.
A year later, the sentiment has faded. On Tuesday, Portis joined the stream of former players suing the NFL over head injuries, according to court records obtained by The Washington Times.
Portis is the lead plaintiff in an 83-player lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Other plaintiffs include former Pro Bowl quarterback Daunte Culpepper and 1,000-yard rusher Carnell "Cadillac" Williams.
But Portis, who played his final regular season game in 2010, is one of the biggest names of the last decade to participate in the litigation that has surged past 4,500 former players.
Ahman Green sued. Same with Stephen Davis and Thomas Jones and Dante Hall, in legal action where around 85 percent of the plaintiffs played before 2000.
Portis is the latest in a slew of big-name former Redskins to sue the NFL, joining Hall of Famer Art Monk, Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien and three founding members of the Hogs — Jeff Bostic, Joe Jacoby and Mark May — among more than 300 players-turned-plaintiffs.
Portis rolled up 9,923 yards with the Denver Broncos and Redskins. He finished 648 yards shy of Hall of Famer John Riggins' franchise career rushing record and holds the 28th best total in NFL history. That led to two Pro Bowls and, according to the 128-page complaint, issues that haven't left.
The lawsuit claims Portis suffers from headaches, among other problems, and is "at heightened risk of developing further adverse neurological symptoms in the future."
On Twitter late Wednesday, Portis described former players as "picked up & left behind" and defended his decision to join the litigation.
"The NFL was great to me and so was the Redskins!" he wrote. "This not personal it's protection for the future."
Later Portis added: "This is not about money for me I'm doing just fine!"
In recent months, Portis discussed the price of his success and seemed to lay the groundwork to join the litigation. During a June interview with CBSSports.com, Portis estimated he sustained 10 or more concussions during his career.
"The truth is I had a lot of concussions," Portis said. "It was just the way things were at the time. I'd get hit hard and be woozy. I'd be dizzy. I'd take a play off and then go back in. Sometimes when I went back into the game, I still couldn't see straight. This happened all the time. Sometimes once or twice a game."
The most memorable of those hits came in November 2009 against the Atlanta Falcons. In the first quarter, Portis collided with two defenders. That included a helmet-to-helmet hit.
The blow left him unconscious and forced him to miss four games before finally being placed on injured reserve to end his season.
The month after Portis' hit and in the aftermath of several high-profile head injuries, the NFL announced a policy that required players who showed signs of concussion to be removed from games and barred them from returning the same day.
The Redskins released Portis in 2011, after he battled a torn groin muscle and the team faced an $8.3 million salary cap hit.
"Clinton gave everything he had, there is no question about it," coach Mike Shanahan, who worked with Portis in Denver and Washington, said Wednesday. "He is one of the most physical players I've ever coached. Took a lot of pride in blocking as well as running. He was a credit to the game. I am not going to speak on his behalf of his concussions."
Portis' complaint uses similar language to the more than 260 lawsuits filed, claiming the NFL didn't do enough to protect players from head injuries and concealed their long-term impact from players. The NFL has repeatedly denied those claims in public statements and in court filings.
Portis and his Miami-based attorneys didn't return requests for comment.
The litigation has been consolidated in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania. Before ruling on the NFL's motion to dismiss in July, Judge Anita Brody ordered both sides to mediation. A progress report is due Sept. 3.
Portis absorbed punishment for a living, but now lives the good life
Jul/01/13 10:02 PM
Maybe the most underappreciated running back of his generation, a player who blocked with ferocity and ran with grace, is asked about concussions. Clinton Portis answers the way he always does: honestly and bluntly.
"The truth is I had a lot of concussions," he said. "It was just the way things were at the time. I'd get hit hard and be woozy. I'd be dizzy. I'd take a play off and then go back in. Sometimes when I went back into the game, I still couldn't see straight. This happened all the time. Sometimes once or twice a game."
How many concussions does he think he had?
"Numerous," Portis said.
Five? Ten?
"More than that, I think," Portis said.
"I can't put an exact number on it," he adds. "I just know it was a lot. I stopped counting at some point."
Despite that punishment. Portis was able to walk away from the game with limb and mind intact, which despite being one of the toughest people to ever play the game, is a minor miracle. Now, after those violent times on a football field, he spends his days with his kids or walking on a beach or just doing ... nothing. In all, he lives a normal life, with his health intact.
Portis' story is important for one major reason. It's well documented that numerous NFL players have had difficult transitions from their playing days into retirement. Both the NFL and union dedicate massive resources to struggling post-retirement players.
Portis is not fighting demons. The only fighting he's doing is against the traffic headed to the beach in the Miami area. Despite taking physical abuse -- in addition to being one of the most prolific runners in league history, he was also one of the top-three best blocking backs the sport has ever seen -- Portis says he's healthy. No known effects from the concussions thus far. No crutches. No emotional struggles. Just a relaxed life.
"I have a few aches and pains," he said, "nothing major. None of the, 'I can't stand up or walk' stuff. I got away from the game at the perfect time. To be 31 and retired and spending time with my kids, I love it."
Portis is one of those athlete success stories we rarely hear about, particularly retired athlete stories. In an NFL world recently dominated by news of alleged murderers and players going bankrupt, or how some players get so physically damaged they can no longer function as normal human beings, Portis says he left the sport unscathed and not bitter.
There are other tales like Portis' of players who left football content and successful -- see Michael Strahan -- but Portis' is one of the more unique because he is content with the simple joys of ordinary living. He doesn't want to be a star any longer. He just wants to be a normal dude.
"For a lot of players, it's an empty feeling when the attention is gone," said Portis. "A lot of players get caught up in the hype. They believe the NFL defined them as people. I loved football, and Redskins Nation, but football never defined me."
For those familiar with Portis, his intelligence and introspection is not shocking. For those who are not, Portis spent most of his career in Washington from 2004-2010, where he became one of the most popular players in team history. There were numerous outstanding backs who played during that decade. LaDainian Tomlinson, Fred Taylor, Ricky Williams. Portis was just as good as almost all of them.
In three of his first four seasons Portis rushed for at least 1,500 yards and in that fourth season he ran for 1,315 yards). In six of his first seven seasons, he rushed for at least 1,200. He had almost 10,000 yards for the decade and scored 75 touchdowns.
All the while he took an unbelievable pounding, and after what Portis disclosed about his concussions, we now know just how much of a pounding it was.
Despite being practically idolized by a Washington fan base, Portis kept perspective and a sense of humor. He became almost as famous for his various personas as he did his powerful running style.
Has Portis kept those costumes?
"I don't know what happened to most of the stuff," he said. "I still have some of the various pieces. I wish I would have held onto the glasses and the wig."
There was one misstep, when he seemed to back Mike Vick soon after it was disclosed Vick had been running a dog-fighting ring (Portis later clarified his comments). Overall, Portis smartly prepared for the day his career would end. He was ready when it did.
"Being retired is great," he said. "I was at the Redskins facility at eight in the morning and sometimes didn't leave until late at night. Now I don't have a schedule.
"I spent so much of my life in a job where people judged me. Now I just want to be around my kids, and be around people who love me. I miss Redskins Nation and I will always cherish Mr. Snyder (owner Dan Snyder) and coach (Joe) Gibbs. They gave me an opportunity to do something special."
Would he ever consider coming back?
"No way," he said, "I'm done. I'm staying retired. Life is too good."
Clinton Portis: NFL is becoming flag football
Mar/25/13 08:56 AM
Despite having the latter portions of his own career derailed by a series of injuries, including one to his head, former Redskins great Clinton Portis has been an outspoken critic of new rules meant to protect players.
That continued this week, after the league's owners voted "to enact a new safety measure that makes it illegal for a ball carrier to lower his head to strike a defender in some instances."
In a pair of radio interviews, Portis argued that this new rule would cause more injuries, that it would continue the NFL's transformation into a pass-all-the-time enterprise, and that the league will one day resemble flag football.
"I mean, you get concussions," he told Danny Rouhier and Holden Kushner on 106.7 The Fan. (Audio here.) "That's part of the game. You can't prevent every injury….Now all of a sudden you're asking smaller guys to keep their chest exposed, and somebody hits you on your chest; now you've got the sternum, you've got ribs, you've got all of that area that you need to protect. So what's gonna be the next thing?….They're trying to protect so much in the game, that you might as well turn it into flag football."
The running back made a similar argument on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
"I don't think the existence of the NFL will be gone in 30 years, but I think the NFL as we know it today and in past years will be gone," he said. "I think you're gonna see more of a flag football-type of game in 30 years. It's gonna be so [unrecognizable] to the eyes of guys who can say I did it in the trenches. The Jack Tatums of the game will be forgotten about, because who do you compare in flag football?….Now all of a sudden you've got flag football. That's just my perception. I think this game has been converted to the quarterback. The only topic of conversation is having a quarterback. It don't matter who the running back is."
On 106.7, Portis was asked if he at least understands the NFL's motivation of trying to protect players, and he wouldn't even go that far.
"I don't, because there's no way you can protect guys playing football," he said. "There's no way to protect guys playing a violent game. That's the game of football. It's violent. There's no way to protect yourself. That's what makes it America's game. It's like a gladiator sport, and the toughest team usually wins, or the toughest team is what people come out to appreciate. Now all of a sudden, you're asking guys to kind of go out and play flag football.
"You know, over the tenure of my career there were so many identity things taken away," he continued. "The individuality, the Joe Horn and Chad Ochocinco, the Terrell Owens, the celebration, that went first. Then the team celebration went. Then the hitting defenseless guys, the jamming receivers. It kind of takes all the fear away from the game. You're taking away the individuality and the fear….
"How can Adrian Peterson run over people in the open field when people don't fear him anymore?" Portis asked. "They know you can't run over them in the open field. How can he lower his shoulder? You can't run over me. That's basically what it comes down to. When you lower your shoulder, you've got to lower your head. I've never seen anybody just drop a shoulder without dropping their head to lay boom. It goes hand in hand. To lower your shoulder you've got to hold your head down. So the violent running of Adrian Peterson that had everybody in awe this season is now taken away."
And Portis argued, repeatedly, that more injuries would happen by asking players to change what they've always done.
"I just think this rule is going to create more injuries," he said on SiriusXM. "You can't play football trying to protect yourself. That's known. It's something you've been taught all your life: put your chin to your shoulder pad at contact, and now you can't do that….I think you're gonna start seeing a lot of sternums and collar bones and jaws being broke, and those particular injuries — stuff that you're not normally [used to] in the NFL — when you're running upright, straight up."
Nanticoke health fair lands Portis' signature of approval
Feb/25/13 09:02 AM
LAUREL – For nine years, Clinton Portiswas a backfield workhorse for the Denver Broncos and then the Washington Redskins.
He retired last August just 77 yards shy of the career 10,000-yard plateau as one of all-time great running backs in Redskins' history.
In "retirement," the 31-year-old Mississippi native spends time huddling with family and exploring new option plays in the game of life.
"I really feel like I worked hard enough, so everything that comes from me being a spotlight athlete; retirement, kind of being off the scene, and enjoying the kids, relaxing with the family and becoming a business man," said Mr. Portis.
Saturday, the Redskin Nation legend spent the better part of two hours at Laurel High School putting his name and jersey No. 26 on napkins and helmets and many things in between as a marquee drawing card at Nanticoke Health Services' community health fair.
A long line of people – many sporting Redskin burgundy and gold – showed up to get Mr. Portis' autograph, which translated into a very successful health fair that featured free screenings, awareness and other health-related information from Nanticoke and other community-minded groups and organizations.
"We really had a good turnout. The parking lots were full," said Sharon Harrington, NHS's Director of Marketing & Business Development. "It is the first time we've reached out to the Laurel community and done something like this. The community has been really supportive, from the Chamber (Laurel Chamber of Commerce) to the school, and the businesses in the area."
Dr. Joseph Kim, a family practitioner with Nanticoke, said the presence of someone of the stature of Clinton Portis "generates a lot of excitement. And that brings people in. Historically we do have health fairs but having him there as kind of a symbol of health – he is a professional athlete; he keeps himself in phenomenal shape – it brings people into the rest of the health fair. It was just a great day."
Mr. Portis echoed Nanticoke's pitch for healthy living.
"I've done it for HIV testing, and arts fairs, with kids preaching about obesity. Any time you can be part of a movement you want to do it. You look at obesity. You look at health," Mr. Portis said. "Back in the day when you think of your grandparents, they never went through any of this – and they lived to be 90 or 100 years old. And all of a sudden in today's society … lives are becoming shorter. So you've got to follow up and pay attention."
Some fans shared a Kodak moment and even a handshake with Mr. Portis.
"I love the Redskins. I love RG3 (quarterback Robert Griffin III)," said Georgetown resident Teresa Joynes, clad in her Redskin attire. "He (Portis) was my favorite. That is why I had to come here."
"I actually thought I was at Ashburn (Va., home of Redskins Park) with all of this burgundy and gold. It was good to see how many people really follow Redskins Nation," said Mr. Portis. "Who would ever think coming to Laurel, Delaware, you'd have this many Redskins fans. It is wonderful support when you have small towns that come out and support you. Those are the people that don't get the opportunity to come to the games … and don't get the opportunity to yell (at Fedex Field). But they pack the bars and family households all of the time. So it is always appreciative."
Seaford resident Mike Kraft, a lifelong Redskins fan whose identical twin brother is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, thanked Mr. Portis for being a beacon through some lean Redskins years.
"I'm not a huge autograph fan. I don't really collect stuff. But I wanted to come and thank him for what he did. His professionalism and his character brought a lot to the locker-room and a lot to the field, and made other guys be better," said Mr. Kraft, a Seaford School District school board member. "And it is great to see some Redskins fans come out and support this, and support Nanticoke Health Services.
And not so much even just the autographs but the event they are putting on and the services they provide. If it takes getting a star like him here, I'm all for that. Hail to the Redskins! It certainly is a win-win for everybody."
Frank Gore: A Special Freshman Back, and Then Came the Injuries
Jan/18/13 08:11 AM
Antrel Rolle has been playing football against Frank Gore since they were youngsters near Miami. When they were in high school — Rolle at South Dade, Gore a bit north in Coral Gables — Rolle always heard that Gore, blessed with elusiveness, exceptional balance and uncanny field vision, might be the best running back ever to come out of those neighborhoods, which doubled as a recruiter's dream.
Clinton Portis saw it for himself, when, while already a University of Miami running back, he went to Gables High School games to watch the youngster he now considers a protégé playing, he said, with no socks under his cleats, no gloves on his hands, shredding heavily favored opponents by running draws and dives out of four-wide receiver sets. Portis returned to the Hurricanes practices to tell his coaches, "This Frank Gore is special."
Rolle, now a Giants safety, said this week: "You really don't get a full grasp of what kind of runner he is until you go against him. I will say it to the day I die, going against him, I still feel he was the best running back to come through the University of Miami before his knee injuries."
That is the legend of Frank Gore, one of the most talented players on, perhaps, Miami's most talented team, who was never as good as he might have been in college. He had to overcome two significant injuries, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee just after he beat out Willis McGahee in spring practice before Gore's sophomore season, then the one in his right knee the next season. Those injuries are why the San Francisco 49ers chose clips from Gore's freshman season when they showed his college highlights before their playoff victory over Green Bay last weekend. That was when, with his knees still unscarred and while splitting time with McGahee and Portis as a true freshman, he averaged 9.1 yards per carry.
"At times, I look back and I say if I wouldn't have been hurt, I would probably have been a top 5 or 10 player coming out," Gore said in a telephone interview this week. "It didn't go my way. I look at it as God wanted me to go a different route. Before I got injured, football was very easy, I didn't have to work out. I guess he wanted me to work hard and appreciate the game that He blessed me with the talent to do. That's one thing I focus on."
Gore is now one of the N.F.L.'s best running backs, compiling his sixth 1,000-yard season in eight years. He is already San Francisco's leading career rusher.
This season, as the 49ers have transitioned from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick at quarterback and advanced to Sunday's N.F.C. championship game at Atlanta, Gore has been the same quiet, consistent force he has always been. He is not the fastest runner, nor the one with the Adonis physique, but he still reads blocks better than most, and, to Portis's astonishment, can shake, with his movement and the angles he takes, defenders approaching from behind that he can't even see.
Gore arrived at Miami in 2001, a stroke of luck the then-Miami coach Larry Coker acknowledges occurred because he was recruiting Gore's best friend, Roscoe Parrish, just 10 days before signing day. Gore grew up in one of Miami's poorest areas. His mother, Liz, was then seriously ill with kidney disease and on dialysis. Gore struggled for years with dyslexia.
But after his first team meeting at Miami, Gore went up to his position coach and told him he wanted to play. He was told he had to learn the 12 pass protections the Hurricanes used. He took the playbook home that night and at 3:30 a.m., less than five hours before practice, he called his coach at home, asking to be quizzed on the pass protections. He had learned them all.
More than 11 years later, the film still shows the special player Rolle and Portis and the others saw.
"They were saying, 'Dang, you were fast,' " said Don Soldinger, the former Hurricanes running backs coach, who Gore called after San Francisco beat Green Bay last Saturday. "He was saying 'I was the best one.' He put me on the phone with Randy Moss and said, 'Tell Randy Moss how good I was.' "
Soldinger had to talk Gore out of quitting after the second knee injury. The doctor who performed the operations, John Uribe, explained to Gore that he would be better than ever once he recovered, because his original ligament structure had not been strong enough for his knees.
Portis was already an N.F.L. rookie when Gore injured his knee the first time and remembered that Gore was devastated. He said, in each of their conversations, Gore would ask, "Bro, what do you think?" Portis always told him he could come back. Privately, though, he wondered, just like the coaches and the N.F.L. scouts, if Gore would ever be the same.
"I remember thinking, I hope he didn't lose what he had, because he was so agile, you couldn't get a hand on him," Portis said. "I remember thinking, what do you tell him?"
It was Soldinger, one of the few guiding forces in Gore's life then, who finally prevailed upon him.
"I was very frustrated," Gore said. "He talked to me, my mom talked to me, he said keep following my rehab. I was frustrated. I felt like it wasn't for me. He told me just keep pushing at it. He wanted me to get a chance to reach my childhood dream to have an N.F.L. career."
That he has had one at all is why Coker uses Gore as an example to encourage his players at Texas-San Antonio when they get hurt. When Gore talked to Soldinger after the victory over Green Bay, Soldinger told him he had to make a big push now, to try to propel his team to a championship. Portis regrets that Gore's mother, who died in 2007, did not live to enjoy what her son has become. She had encouraged him to leave Miami early to go to the N.F.L. after he played a full season following the knee injuries. Gore was certain by then that if he was healthy he could still be productive.
On Saturday, Portis watched San Francisco's victory over Green Bay with Edgerrin James, another former Hurricanes running back, in Los Angeles and the two have plans to be in Atlanta on Sunday, three generations of Hurricanes running backs together. James wondered how much longer Gore would play and Portis guessed four or five more years, because he knows how to avoid taking a pounding to keep his body healthy. Portis wonders if Gore will finish with more yards than any of them — James rushed for 12,246 in his career, Portis for 9,923 and Gore, at age 29, has 8,839.
Portis reminisced this week about how eager a freshman Gore was, always sitting next to him on the way to games, always talking about football, always saying, "I can't wait until my time comes." On Sunday, Portis talked to Gore on the phone again.
"He was still excited," Portis said. " 'Man, you saw that game? What do you think?' I said, 'Bro, you got it.' "
Clinton Portis Shops For Luxury Real Estate
Jan/08/13 10:29 PM
The past forty-eight hours have been rough for those wishing the 'Skins had made it to the next round of the play-offs so maybe this look into the life of former player Clinton Portis will cheer up the sad souls still mourning the loss against the Seahawks. He's the star of the Scoring The Deal premiere tonight on HGTV in which luxury real estate agent Jason Abrams travels the country trying to find the most pimped out pads for his sportstar clients. Curbed spoke to Abrams by phone about how he got this job in the first place and what we can expect from tonight's episode. Read on for some stories about Portis (and, er, his stripper pole).
You go into these cities looking for the 'best in show' as you call it. What does that mean?
Number one, it has to fit. For example, when you think about it the average closet has 36 inches of what they call 'long hang' which you might use for gowns or something. You know how frustrating it is to hang up all your clothes and everything hits the shelf below it. That's what happens to these guys. Everything has a crease. These are the things that nobody thinks about. Then think about trying to use a standard kitchen table and chairs and then realizing you're lucky if you get one butt cheek on it. It's gets really old really quick. A lot of the times they just want to find a house that fits their stature.
Besides that it has to happen fast. We're finding homes for these guys in real time. They need to move that day. Can you imagine if you got a phone call tomorrow that said you had twenty-four hours to report to a new city? It's kiss the kids, I'll see you in nine months.
So many professional athletes homes have such over-the-top, sometimes completely wacky, amenities. How do you find those?
Forget about finding a house that fits their personality. These guys have been dominant in their profession their entire lives. The reality is to be a blue chip athlete in one of the major leagues means that you were the best in LIttle League, the best in high school, the best in college, and now you're a professional. Which means you probably don't settle for a whole lot of things. So when they walk into a home that is beige, maybe that doesn't have enough flair for them. So these guys end up doing a lot of redecorating. We're talking bright colors. Amazing pieces of art. We're talking wanting to have something that no one else has. In some cases that ends up being exotic dancing poles. In Clinton' Portis' case it became black leather wall paper.
Great that you mention former Redskin Clinton Portis and even better that he's the star of the series premiere. What are we going to see in his episode?
You're going to see a pool that is perched on the roof of a high rise building with some of the most amazing views of intercoastal Miami. You're really no one until you have you're own roof top pool (laughs). This isn't in the episode, but Clinton and I spent a little bit over Christmas together at the White House packaging supplies for the troops. Everyone is walking through and looking at the trees and then they realize ohmygod, it's Clinton Portis. And the line that formed within minutes was huge. That guy is so beloved in DC. All of a sudden it became secondary that they were all in the White House.
Since he's such a popular DC personality can you tell us anything else we might not know about him?
Clinton has been a client of ours for almost a decade. I consider him a dear, dear friend. Having sold for him all over the country I can tell you that everyone of his houses is amazingly unique. And he does all of the decorating himself. He picks the color palate, he looks for the furniture himself. His McLean house doesn't look anything like his penthouse in Miami which doesn't look anything like his sprawling estate in Gainesville.
Your business can't have started with Clinton Portis. How did you get into this?
I can trace it all back to one moment. I had a first [athlete] client in Detroit, Michigan who I helped buy a house. Then on a whim I decided to fly out to meet his financial advisor and his agent, unannounced, just to say thank you. I figured, this is cool, I'm going to go on my first ever business trip now. I was in my early twenties. His financial advisor was great. He said thank you, I shook his hand. Then I flew to LA to meet his agent and I never made it past the receptionist. But I left a little note. Two weeks later the phone rang and it was the agent and he said no one had ever come all that way just to say thank you before and could I handle another client. Who also happens to be in Michigan. So I sold that person a house and then the next week the financial advisor called and said, we have somebody but he's in a different state do you do anything anywhere else? I said yes, of course! And then I hung and realized what I had just said and then created a business really quickly. I'm in the unique position of being able to trace my entire success back to one day of thank yous.
Clinton Portis Goes Shopping For Real Estate On Reality TV
Dec/26/12 09:03 AM
In about two weeks Clinton Portis is going to be starring in the premiere episode of a new HGTV show called Scoring The Deal. The premise? Basically, a hotshot real estate agent named Jason Abrams travels the country trying to find homes fit for superstar athletes. At least three of them have local ties—Clinton Portis, Greivis Vasquez, and Cato June are all in need of a huge houses pronto and Abrams gets it done for them.
Portis might be the person the HGTV general manager is referring to when she says: "For the first time in all my years at looking at shows for HGTV, I've actually had to pull out shots because of talk about stripper poles." If you recall his McLean mansion came with such an amenity (and it did take a price chop before he could sell it). After the jump we have the six minute promo clip of Cato June who needs to find a pad in New York because he has invested in a Broadway play, plus the full list of athletes who are going to appear in the series.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013:
11:00pm – SERIES PREMIERE with Clinton Portis
11:30pm – Episode 102: Vernon and Vontae Davis, Jordan Farmar
Tuesday, January 15, 2013:
11:00pm – Episode 103: Cato June
11:30pm – Episode 104: Joe Haden, Greivis Vasquez
Tuesday, January 22, 2013:
11:00pm – Episode 105: Adewale Ogunleye
11:30pm – Episode 106: Derrick Morgan
Clinton Portis rooting for Alfred Morris to break his record
Dec/18/12 09:53 AM
Alfred Morris is on pace for 1511 rushing yards this season. Clinton Portis holds the franchise record for single-season rushing yards, at 1516. Seems likely that this will go down to the wire.
But Portis said he hopes his record falls at the hands, or feet, maybe, of the 6th-round pick from Florida Atlantic.
"I'm actually rooting for him," Portis told Holden Kushner and Danny Rouhier on 106.7 The Fan. "In my eyes, records are kind of meant to be broken. And just to even have the luxury of having it [was meaningful]. I think Alfred Morris is a class act, a young guy who came in and handled things properly and did it the right way. You never really hear him boast and brag about his accomplishments. And I think a lot of it is overshadowed by the great play of RGIII, but I think what they're doing as complimentary players to one another is great for the city."
Morris's 1,322 yards this season are already seventh-highest for a Redskin — the only men who have gone higher are Portis, Stephen Davis, Terry Allen and John Riggins. The rookie is averaging 4.7 yards pe carry, second-highest among the 15 best rushing seasons in Redskins history. And he's averaging 94.4 yards per game, the fifth-highest total in franchise history.
"I just see him as a tough runner," Portis said. "I never really compared him to me, just watching him, being a fan of his and the way he carries himself, being a fan of his and seeing how hard he runs, and the determination. The first guy never tackles him. And you never really see him fall backwards. He finishes with his shoulders down, head upfield, and kind of welcomes the contact. And I think it takes a tough runner to do that. A lot of guys, they end up facemask turned all the way and everything else. So when you watch this guy, and how he's filling in along with RGIII and how they're playing together, as well as the rest of the guys on the team, it just looks good."
And yes, I only typed all those words as an excuse to use the image above, which was featured during Comcast SportsNet's pregame show on Sunday.
VIDEO: Sean Taylor Tribute, Reed, Moss, Portis, Rolle Reflect
Nov/28/12 08:53 AM
It was five years ago today that Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor died after a shooting at his home. Taylor's death was one of the most shocking and affecting in recent sports history, and the memory of it still resonates strongly and emotionally with Taylor's fans, friends and former teammates. This video tribute includes insights from former college and professional teammates Antrel Rolle, Clinton Portis, Ed Reed, Chris Cooley and Santana Moss as well as Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who smiles as he remembers Portis badgering him to draft Taylor.
I remember hearing of Taylor's death, of course. I was a baseball writer at the time, but anyone who followed sports even tangentially heard the story, and no one could get their arms around it in a way that made any sense. Five years later, as I heard today from fans, watched the video and read the columns by those who were covering the story at the time, it's clear that Taylor's death is still affecting a large number of people.
Rolle talks about how he still watches Taylor highlights on YouTube. Cooley remembers how grateful he was that Taylor never practiced his trademark big hits against him in practice. And Moss breaks down in tears remembering the way the news affected him. If you're a Redskins fan, I know the loss of Taylor is a wound on your heart that still hasn't healed. I invite you to share your memories and your feelings about him in the comments section of this post.
ACC Now & Then Duke Johnson and Clinton Portis
Nov/19/12 08:48 AM
ACC Now & Then - Duke Johnson and Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis Reflects on His Days as a Redskin
Oct/15/12 08:13 AM
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Clinton Portis to debut on Comcast SportsNet, says beef with B-Mitch is 'behind us'
Oct/14/12 10:12 PM
Among the many entertaining sports-radio appearances Clinton Portis made during his years with the Redskins, perhaps none was as memorable as his angry on-air confrontation with Brian Mitchell in September of 2008. That exchange was about as friendly as a sleep-deprived fasting Philly fan, and it included repeated promises from Portis that he would not be silenced.
"Portis gonna keep talking," he said at one point. "The fools saying Portis need to shut up, they can kiss Portis's [behind]. I'm saying that. Ain't nothing gonna change."
The Clinton Portis I talked to a few days ago was considerably less angry, but his basic message was the same. The second-leading rusher in Redskins history is a few weeks into his new career as a talking head, and he has no interest in being any more demure than he was during his playing days.
"Any time I spoke, I spoke the truth," he told me. "There was no hidden agenda about who I was talking to, or what I was talking about, compared to sources say or so-and-so-says. So I think for myself — being a stand-up person — for those few stand-up guys that are out there, I can help them get their point across or help them be understood."
Portis has already been co-hosting a two-hour Monday night show with former linebacker Channing Crowder, on 560 WQAM in his hometown of Miami. For the next two Sundays, he will make his semi-official debut as a D.C. media personality, serving as a guest analyst on Comcast SportsNet's pre- and postgame Redskins programs. Irony of ironies, he will do so on the same set as Mitchell, his longtime antagonist.
"That's behind us," Portis promised. "We squashed it. It's over and done with. I think working with B-Mitch will be great. I now have an opportunity to learn a lot from B-Mitch, and kind of being in his role now is actually interesting. Now I have to communicate and work with and get tips from this man, learn the ways of the media. Having B-Mitch as a mentor or [receiving] guidance is just showing you a different lane."
Portis isn't exactly sure what his media dream job would be, but his Miami experience has made him increasingly interested in radio, because it's "just so fun," he said. "You just tell the truth, and help the listener relate to what you're saying."
And whether he admits it or not, the thing that makes Portis most compelling is the anticipation that his version of the truth might just make headlines. Like, ask him about Robert Griffin III's health concerns, and you'll hear an implicit critique of the offensive line in front of him.
"He's really been a sitting duck," Portis said. "You've got to be worried about the hits he's taking. He don't know any better right now. Any quarterback gets hit that many times, he's not gonna play a full season, I don't care who it is. Get the ball out of your hands and put the ball in the hands of someone who can absorb it. When your quarterback is taking more hits than your running back takes? You've got to say something."
Still, Portis insists his will be a message of positivity in this media landscape, a respite from the weekly voices of panic and disgust.
"We're close, it's going to happen, we're turning over a new leaf," he said of the Redskins. "And I don't think people are putting that out there in the media… I just really don't think people give them the time to transition."
Do you reckon this philosophy will keep Portis from criticizing a poorly performing player? Well, I don't.
"I still don't think I would be a finger pointer or calling people out, but I'm gonna tell the truth — I'll tell the truth about what's going on," he promised. "You don't have to say, This guy [stinks] — get the truth out about why this guy [stinks]. Maybe he do [stink], but give the truth about why he [stinks]."
VIDEO: Sideline Report Interview with Clinton Portis
Sep/19/12 08:13 AM
AllCanes Radio With Clinton Portis
Sep/14/12 08:51 AM
Every Thursday night between 7 - 9pm proCanes.com joins AllCanes Radio at the Shake Shack in Coral Gables to bring the latest news on not only current Hurricane football but also proCane news and exclusive interviews with current and former proCanes. Click below to hear our EXCLUSIVE interview with proCane
Clinton Portis
who stopped by the Shake Shack Thursday and talked about everything from his retirement plans, to Coach Butch Davis passing him up in the 2002 Draft, to what he thinks the current Hurricanes need to do to get back on top. We are thankful to
QuanStar Limo
owned by proCane Duane Starks for providing Clinton with transportation to and from the Shake Shack in Coral Gables.
AllCanesRadio TONIGHT Live From Shake Shack Coral Gables With Clinton Portis
Sep/13/12 08:46 AM
AllCanes Radio broadcasts live every THURSDAY night from 7-9pm at Shake Shack Coral Gables right across from the All Canes Store and Campus at
1450 South Dixie Highway. Each week we have a different proCane as our live in restaurant guest. This week we will have recently retired proCane RB
Clinton Portis.
Come to the Shake Shack and meet Clinton TONIGHT. Come early to make sure you get a spot to sit and enjoy the best burgers and shakes in town!
Clinton Portis 'would love' a media career
Aug/30/12 09:09 AM
Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley, who appeared in (and created) plenty of headlines during their mostly overlapping Redskins careers, had their formal departures from Ashburn within seven days of each other.
During their playing careers, both men had formal arrangements to appear on local sports-radio networks. Both could — at least in theory — continue to appear in headlines by joining the media. And while Cooley is still pursuing playing opportunities, Portis is officially a media free agent.
So when he appeared on BT Sports Radio Network on the EYES Radio this week, he was asked if he has yet been contacted about any radio or television openings.
"I haven't," Portis said. " I would love to do that. But for whatever reason, I haven't. And if it don't happen, then so be it. I think when something come natural, maybe it's a gift that you take for granted. Because it comes natural to sit and have a conversation on a game that I love, to be able to tell the truth and to be able to give you inside information that you wouldn't know. That's natural to me.
"Like, I love this game," Portis continued. "I played this game half my life. How do I not know football? That's the one thing I can talk about. But it's bigger than football. I love basketball, I go to all the the basketball games. I love college football. I even watch baseball. I can talk about sports, period. And I follow sports because I'm a sports fan.
"So to me, to go and sit on a platform and give people honest opinions about something that I love — which is sports — is so easy to me that it's hard to pursue, because you would hope that somebody understands or sees your passion or wants you. It's hard to say I want NFL Network to call, I want SportsCenter to call, I want this. Call me because you feel like I'm perfect for the job. Help me feel as if what I'm giving is wanted in society. So doing radio, or doing TV, it would be great for me, because it's natural."
Then one of the hosts asked Portis whether he would top 106.7 The Fan's LaVar Arrington were the two matched up on the airwaves, head-to-head. Portis, evidently thinking this was a reference to a long-ago perceived feud, went in an interesting direction.
"Man, it's not a competition between me and LaVar," he said. "I think LaVar is great at what he do, what he stand for. I think LaVar was great on the field, and life off the field for him is blossoming. It's not a competition — me and LaVar, me and LaVar. If we have a talk show together, or if I have a talk show with B-Mitch, I'm not opposed to talking with him. That's life. That's business.
"You have arguments with people. It's not life-threatening. I don't want to go out and chop LaVar's head off. I listen to LaVar's show. I don't hate LaVar Arrington. I enjoy LaVar Arrington.
"It was just a situation that got into the media and exploded. Me and him could have talked, because we both had each others' numbers in our phones. You know where I live, I know where you live. You know where I hang, I know where you hang. So it was just a situation that exploded. It's no competition between me and LaVar. I think he's doing great in the area with his radio and TV. And for myself, if I get an opportunity to do it, then fine."
And if he does it, you know I'll transcribe it.
Clinton Portis Told Redskins Coaching Staff To Draft Sean Taylor Over Kellen Winslow Jr.
Aug/28/12 08:44 AM
Clinton Portis called it a career this past week finishing out with 9,923 yards and 75 touchdowns. He was the Redskins' second all-time leading rusher with 6,824 yards, a mere 648 yards behind franchise leader John Riggins. Unfortunately No.26 missed out on his goal of eclipsing 10,000 rushing yards. He ended his career 77 yards shy of that mark.
The man who was known back in 2005 for the colorful costumes and prank characters signed a 1-day contract to retire as a Redskin. Portis is now looking forward to finding a passion for football again and maybe making his way into the radio business.
Clinton Portis joined 106.7 The Fan in D.C. with Holden and Danny to discuss becoming good friends with Sean Taylor, meeting Dan Snyder at an ESPY's after party, the possibility of working for the Redskins/NFL, not working for the Washington Redskins just yet and meeting Robert Griffin III.
How did a bond between you and Sean Taylor became so close?
"I don't know. That's like saying how did you get to be friends with somebody? It just falls into place. You think about the times or you think about the moments and all of a sudden I still reflect to the day that the Redskins was really thinking about drafting Kellen Winslow Jr. over Sean Taylor. I told coach, 'I think Kellen Winslow Jr. is a great player, but man if we don't draft Sean Taylor we missing out.' Coach was like, 'You really think so?' I'm like, 'Yeah. Really. Sean Taylor is going to be special.' He was and forever will be. There's not a day that goes by where you don't think of him and somebody always mentions him. It will always be fresh in everybody's mind. Just to have that luxury and opportunity to know him and be around him and to say he was a friend."
Tell us about the first time you met Dan Snyder?
"I think it was at ESPN afterparty, the ESPY's afterparty. I had no clue who he was. One of his best friends, who I later find out to be Dr.Tony Roberts walked up and thought I was Michael Vick. He was disappointed when I told him I wasn't. He kind of walked off. I think Mr.Snyder walked up behind him just to kind of smooth things out. He was like, 'I know who you are.' I was just again having a conversation with him. I didn't know who he was, but I was just having conversation. It turned out to be him."
What are you going to do now? Work for the Redskins? Work for the NFL?
"I have some things in the works, but being around the team or being on the radio…I think it would be fun. I think always having a passion for football. I've always been a fan. I got to find the love for the game again. I got to become a fan again with not playing and just to have that excitement for the game and to have the opportunity to talk about the game and get people the inside scoop to things that are going on. I think that would still be fun."
So if you were working for the Redskins now you wouldn't tell me?
"[Laughs] I'm not working for the Redskins man."
Have you had a chance to be around Robert Griffin III? Do you know him?
"I talked to him on twitter a couple of times and yesterday was the first time I had the opportunity to meet him and chat with him, but it was in the midst of being right around the press conference. A good 10-15 minutes and I've always been a fan of his even when he was in school. I told him yesterday I remember telling my best friend like two years ago that man he [Robert Griffin III] needed to go the Redskins. He's here now. I think he's going to be great for the city. I think he's going to bring a lot of spark and a lot of character and they are going to enjoy him."
Clinton Portis, Sean Taylor, LaVar Arrington Among Redskins' '10 For 80′
Aug/26/12 09:51 PM
WASHINGTON – The Washington Redskins announced on Friday the 10 contributors they have added to their list of the greatest all-time – a list that now includes former running back Clinton Portis and safety Sean Taylor and linebacker LaVar Arrington.
The Redskins announced their 70 greatest players and coaches in celebration of their 70th anniversary in 2002 and added an additional 10 this year, the 80th anniversary, in a campaign they titled "10 for 80."
Joining Portis, who announced his retirement at Redskins Park on Thursday, and Taylor, who was killed in a botched robbery at his home in 2007, among the honorees are general manager Bobby Beathard, offensive line coach Joe Bugel, offensive tackles Terry Hermeling and Jon Jansen, receiver Roy Jefferson, safety Richie Petitbon and left tackle Chris Samuels.
Players and head coaches were available to be selected in the initial group, while the additional selections announced Friday allowed for the selection of assistant coaches.
Closing thought: Reflecting on Clinton Portis
Aug/26/12 09:50 PM
My first day of training camp as a Redskins beat reporter was July 30, 2009. By time the sun went down, I had learned the No. 1 rule on the beat: If Clinton Portis' mouth is moving, your recorder better be in front of it.
Portis showed up for the season with his hair dyed blond. Media surrounded him after the first practice to ask about his relationship with coach Jim Zorn, whom he had publicly skewered at the end of the previous season.
C.P., as usual, spoke honestly and from his heart. He opened up about how he took exception to the curfew Zorn imposed before the meaningless season finale against San Francisco three days after Christmas.
And then came this gem when someone asked about the hair:
"I just felt like doing something different," he said that day. "From what I hear, now I'm gay. I don't think there's a woman in the United States of America that would say I'm gay. I don't hang around men. I don't live a private life. There are constantly people around me. I did it because it was something I felt like doing. At the moment, it was like: Oh, I want to do something weird and different. I dyed my hair blond."
Covering this guy is gonna be fun, I thought. He was such a good and ignitable quote that we reporters were handcuffed to our radios for his Tuesday morning show. Well, that part wasn't so fun.
But that was just part of covering such a personality. Portis did what he wanted for as long as he was good enough to do so.
My colleague Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan said it well today: Portis could be a distraction or even a negative influence on Monday through Saturday, but the Redskins were damn glad to have him on Sundays. Portis deeply cared about winning; it's just that he didn't always show it in the most productive way off the field.
My favorite Portis play of all time was not a run. It was a 55-yard touchdown catch-and-run by Santana Moss from Mark Brunell in Washington's 36-30 overtime victory over Jacksonville in 2006.
Portis ran 25 yards downfield to throw a block at full speed for Moss. Then he got up, sprinted another 20 yards and secured Moss' path to the end zone with another block.
I found video of it on YouTube, beginning at the 0:15 second mark of this clip. The aerial view begins at 0:30, so watch that, too, and keep an eye on Portis out of the backfield. His effort was world class. He dealt/absorbed two hits that knocked him to the ground, but he helped his team get six points. It was a sacrifice that showed his commitment.
That play and others like it are why I agreed with Portis today during his retirement press conference when he was asked about his chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
"If they could add my biggest attribute, which was heart, I would definitely be in there," he said.
Outtakes from Clinton Portis's retirement speech
Aug/24/12 10:40 AM
As was the case for most of his time as a Washington Redskin, Clinton Portis's honest, colorful comments Thursday during his retirement ceremony at Redskins Park could not all fit into one story.
What follows are the highlights from the 25-plus minutes Portis spent at the podium. Enjoy …
Portis, who is from Gainesville, Fla., played at the University of Miami from 1999-2001. But were it not for Portis's mother, he might have ended up playing for Ron Vanderlinden at Maryland:
"Going to Miami at the time that I went, I had no idea what I was getting myself into," Portis said. "I just remember telling my mom that, you know, 'I'm going to college, and I'm going to the University of Maryland,' and from that point on she didn't answer a University of Maryland football phone call. She threw away all the mail, and I walked in the house and said, 'Did any of the coaches call?' And she said, 'Yeah. Miami.' And I said, 'That's it? That's the only team that called?' She said, 'That's the only one that I can remember.' "
The Denver Broncos selected Portis midway through the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. But when Portis met with various teams in Indianapolis at the pre-draft combine weeks earlier, he'd suggested they take him considerably earlier than that:
"I remember sitting in Indianapolis at the draft meeting, and everybody saying, 'Well, what you bringing to the table, and where do you feel like you should be drafted?' " Portis said. "I told them I should be the third pick in the draft. I told them, 'I understand David Carr to the Houston Texans. I understand Julius Peppers to the Carolina Panthers. But at No. 3, you got to trade with Detroit to get Clinton Portis, and then I will be rookie of the year.'
"And everybody looked at me like I was on drugs, which I've never even done before. Everybody looked at me like I was crazy, like, 'Seriously, where do you think you should be drafted?' I said, 'Seriously, you should trade with the Detroit Lions and pick me No. 3.' That didn't happen. But the best thing that did happen was I went to the Denver Broncos."
For those of you who were curious, no team ended up trading with the Lions for the third overall pick in that draft. Instead, the Lions selected quarterback Joey Harrington out of Oregon. In the seasons that followed, the Lions may have regretted that decision.
Portis, as you may have noticed, never lacked for confidence. Or a sense of humor. One thing he may occasionally have lacked was a sense of appropriateness. His first day of practice as a rookie with the Broncos didn't start off so well:
"I remember the first day of practice getting in trouble because I had a feather in my" helmet, Portis said. "I got in trouble for lining up and having a bird's feather in my helmet while I carried the ball. And I remember [former Broncos tight end] Shannon Sharpe taking the rap for it. And I clear-as-day did it. Shannon wasn't even beside me at the moment that it happened. I remember Shannon taking the rap for it and telling coach that he had [done it]. I always appreciated that. I was 20. All I did was talk trash. That was it. They called first team backs, and I got up. [Former Broncos running back] Terrell [Davis] said, 'What are you doing?' I said, 'That's where I'm going to be at.'"
Portis was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2002 after rushing for more than 1,500 yards. Following that season, Portis attended an ESPN awards banquet, where he had an amusing encounter with a man that gave him some ironic advice:
"A guy walked up and started a conversation with me about how I liked Denver," Portis said. "And I was like, 'It's cool. It's a cool place. I love playing for the organization, but I don't feel like they want to pay me.' And he said, 'You don't feel like they want to pay you?' And I said, 'Yeah, I don't think they're going to pay me.'
"And he said, 'Well don't worry about money. Play the game the way you play it and have fun and enjoy it, and they're going to take care of you.' And I didn't know who it was. He just vanished into the sunset. I just knew it was a little short man, who was cocky and had a stance like this . . ."
At that point, Portis stood with a staggered stance and stuck his chest out as far as it would go.
". . . and lo and behold . . . "
Portis pointed his right thumb towards Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who was sitting next to the podium.
". . . it turns out to be Mr. Snyder."
In 2004, the Broncos traded Portis to Washington for cornerback Champ Bailey and a second round pick in that year's NFL Draft. It took a while for Portis to warm up to some of his new teammates, but they eventually won him over:
"I remember I used to be so scared when Chris Cooley lined up in front of me, and I would look, and his legs would be shaking, and his hand wouldn't be in the dirt," Portis said. "And I was like, 'Man, they got to get this H-back out of the game.' I used to be so afraid.
"But every play I realized he gave his best, and the guys around me gave all they had. That's all that you can ask those guys for. You can't ask them to do anymore than they can do. And I never looked at one of my teammates as if he was taking a play off, as if he wasn't prepared, as if he wasn't trying to spring me, which allowed me the opportunity to go when they had the ball in their hands to try and spring them. It built a bond, and I think it was so special."
Clinton Portis officially retires to become 'soccer dad'
Aug/24/12 10:40 AM
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- There was no "Southeast Jerome" or "Bro Sweets." Clinton Portis has a new title for himself: "soccer dad."
Portis formally announced his retirement Thursday, frequently shedding tears as he spoke uninterrupted for some 25 minutes about his life and nine-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins.
The 30-year-old Portis last played for the Redskins in 2010, and his announcement was timed to coincide with his induction into a list of the franchise's all-time greats.
He set Washington's single-season rushing record in 2005, the same year he wore costumes on a near-weekly basis during the team's playoff drive.
Portis said the costumes were "fun to do" and helped his teammates get through a special season.
Portis issued a thank you letter to his fans Wednesday,. It follows in its entirety :
I entered this city wide-eyed and excited. I was a 22-year old kid who didn't know the storied history or the timeless legacy that is The Redskin Nation. What I did know was that I was called upon to deliver more than just touchdowns. I was brought here to work alongside a great group of teammates to uplift the spirits of an organization, a community, and the best fans in the world.
Today, I hang up my jersey and untie my cleats. I reflect on my time here as some of the best times I can remember and hope that it is as memorable for you as it is for me. I want to thank my teammates, my family, and my fans for all the love and support and for allowing me to grow from a boy into a man in a city that I will forever love.
A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder for everything they have done for me and my family, Coach Shannahan for giving me the chance of a lifetime, and Coach Gibbs for making me a man. LOVE YOU ALL!
Clinton Portis retiring as a Redskin
Aug/22/12 08:56 AM
The Washington Redskins have announced they will host a retirement news conference Thursday for former Redskins running back Clinton Portis, who has not played in the NFL since 2010 and had hinted a few times over the past year that he'd like a chance to play again. Apparently, Portis has foregone that hope and will officially hang 'em up later this week in Ashburn, Va.
It's likely not a coincidence that the Redskins are unveiling their "10 for 80" the very next day -- the list of the next 10 players added to their list of all-time great Redskins. That list is expanding this year from 70 to 80 in honor of the team's 80th anniversary season, and Portis is likely to be one of the 10 new names.
Portis is a worthy addition to the list of all-time Redskins. He's the second-leading rusher in team history and rolled up 26 100-yard games during his seven seasons in Washington. More than that, though, Portis as a Redskin was the kind of player fans love to love. He was the definition of a workhorse back. In four of his first five seasons with the team, he carried the ball more than 340 times for more than 1,250 yards. (In 2006, he only played in eight games due to injury.) He scored 49 touchdowns in his seven seasons as a Redskin. He was a willing and devastating blocker and among the best running backs of the modern era at picking up the blitz.
The years Portis played for the Redskins (2004-10) are certainly not part of any golden age of Redskins history. But amid the mediocrity, Portis stood out as a great player, a hard worker and a colorful character off the field and in the locker room. Redskins fans may not remember the teams he played on as fondly as they'll remember him.
Portis recalls Sean Taylor's aggressive playing style
Jul/23/12 08:55 AM
Clinton Portis makes foray into politics with VP Biden
Jun/21/12 12:12 AM
Clinton Portis marches to the beat of his own drum, has for many years.
The former Washington Redskins back was "heartbroken" when the team released him in 2011, but he hasn't officially called it quits from the NFL. He'd like another chance, but says he's "cool" with never playing another football game.
"Being away for so long, who knows?" Portis told WJFK-FM this week, via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "I feel great, man. We'll see what happens. … Being away for so long, who knows? I think I'm cool with the idea of either — if I get another opportunity or if not — to move on in life. I already moved on in life, really, and it's kind of like, if things happen then cool, if not, that's cool too. I think I'm enjoying where I'm at right now."
With a gaping hole in his schedule where football used to be, Portis has jumped into politics. He recently attended a fundraiser for Vice President Joe Biden, joking that he and the VP were "in a dice game together." The way Portis sees it, Biden and President Barack Obama have been unrightfully bashed for our nation's woes.
"I think so many people want to point the finger and blame them for where we're at within the economy and I don't think that's fair. ... You look at where we are in the economy and you see reporters talking back to the President and arguing with the President. You never would've seen that in life, and I think for them to be able to put up with it and continue to fight in trying to get this country back -- it took longer than four years to mess the country up, so it's not gonna be put back together and everybody's not gonna get a job in four years."
Portis continues to speak what's on his mind -- and did we mentioned the costumes? The man likes to dress up. A lot.
Clinton Portis defends Dan Snyder, Talks RGIII
Jun/19/12 10:25 PM
Clinton Portis (who else?) called in to chat with Holden and Danny on 106.7 The Fan this morning and had some kind words for "Mr. Snyder" during the course of the conversation.
Portis on RGIII and the Redskins: "Well I think RGIII gonna' be excellent. He's gonna' play lights out, it's just a matter of [if] the pieces around him play lights out. They got a great receiving corps, of course with tight ends they could be set with Fred [Davis] and [Chris] Cooley. Running backs...I'm not sure whose going to be the running back, but I like Helu...if he finally gets to be the main guy."
"You still always have to have the worry of having a healthy offensive line. So that's going to be the major part, having a healthy offensive line, that's going to be together for an entire season."
Portis on how he was a guest at Vice President Joe Biden's fundraiser: "I can't tell you everything...but we was in a dice game together (laughs)."
On LaDanian Tomlinson: "Probably one of the best players in football. The way he played the game was the right way. He was always one of my favorite backs. Coming up at the same time, being in Denver, and competing against him week-to-week -- myself, him and Priest [Holmes] -- having the opportunities to compete in the same conference was amazing for me."
"I think it jump-started my career...gave me a different edge and a different outlook. Hats off to LaDanian to his accomplishments on and off the field because he was amazing at both. He was really a human highlight reel."
On his top five modern running backs in no particular order: "Of course Barry Sanders, Robert Smith, Fred Taylor -- the Jacksonville Fred Taylor -- Edgerrin James and LaDanian. I just think what they did in for the game in the time that they did it, was amazing. You really won't see that again. I think the backs today are great. But to come out and carry organizations the way those guys did...to kind of change the running back position -- along with Marshall Faulk...I don't think you'll see many backs be the face of the organization again."
On if he is a top five running back: "In my eyes I will always be one of the top five, but that's up for you guys to judge."
"You know, I think so many people got the wrong idea about Mr. Snyder," Portis said. "I think he's a guy that is so dedicated to that Redskins organization and wants so badly to bring a championship to town and give the town what they want, like, give Redskin nation what they want, that a lot of people get aggravated with the change. You know, I think he's willing to go out and do anything and everything that needs to be done to make that organization better and so many people criticize that."
Portis on Dan Snyder: "You know, there's a lot of owners that won't go out and put a dime into the organization, won't bring players in, won't pay players they got and their fans are upset. I think Mr. Snyder do all that he can and it's really just a man that have the desire to win and he want to win at any cost, and you know, I think he do everything he could to make that organization better and the people within the organization, as far as the players, love him.
"I think he's a great guy. How you get all the negativity out of any move that he makes and anything that he attempt just because things hasn't worked out. But he's still trying to find the pieces to the puzzle to get it on the positive side and you gotta applaud him."
Applaud him, or write a diatribe that includes the phrase "rapturous canonization fit for atom-smashing scientists and Danish monarchs?" You decide.
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