"I tell all these guys here in my circle [in the locker room] and all the young guys on the team that we’re in the playoffs, [so] take advantage of it right now because you never know when you’ll get back."
Tony Richardson knows just how true those words are. In 1995, Richardson came to the Chiefs as they were making their sixth consecutive playoff appearance. He recently said (via NorthJersey.com) that he thought he would be in the playoffs every year.
He and the Chiefs missed the dance the following year but were back in 1997. Both appearances were one-and-done.
T-Rich wouldn't make the playoffs again until 2003 when the Chiefs were, once again, one-and-done.
Now a New York Jet, T-Rich's teammates are listening to the wisdom he's providing.
"To see the way he carries himself," said running back-wide receiver Danny Woodhead, who saw his first NFL action in 2009, "not necessarily on Sundays, but throughout the week, that’s something that has really helped some of us" younger players.
Tight end Dustin Keller, who lockers next to Richardson, realizes he’s been fortunate to get a lot of wisdom that would’ve taken him years to compile on his own.
Keller said Richardson has taught him "a lot of small things, like what he does in the weight room, the things he says, the way he watches film, the way he takes notes."
One more game and T-Rich will have his shot at a Super Bowl ring. Somehow, I feel like that will be a victory for all of us.