Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway has had one heck of a career, but wants one more year with the team before hanging up his cleats for good.
When the Minnesota Vikings selected Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, who would have guessed that the hard-nosed player would still be going strong ten years later?
For a while, it seemed like Greenway was going to retire after the 2015 NFL season to pursue his charity and family obligations. However, following a season which saw Greenway’s squad host a playoff game and win their division, the experienced defender isn’t quite ready to hang up his cleats quite yet.
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On a recent article on the Fox Sports website, Greenway was quoted during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio’s co-host Phil Savage about how he still has some gas left in the tank before riding off into the sunset.
"“I have one more year of football in me,” Greenway said. “A goal of mine was to play in one place for my whole career. I want to finish here. The biggest thing is the product I’m putting on the field and continuing to do so at a high level.”"
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Greenway was in a bit of an odd spot for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2015 season. Surrounded by young players at the linebacker position, he was the experienced veteran who helped out the others and didn’t mind taking a back seat when it was time for other players to come in and take some reps.
That kind of unselfishness and dedication to the team should earn Greenway another year with the team, as he states he’s physically ready to play and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win games.
"“I felt in 2015 I had a resurgence,” Greenway said. “I also came out of last season feeling really healthy. As much as I hated it at the beginning of the season I learned to love and appreciate that role. Rather than get upset by it, I learned to embrace it and make the role my own. And honestly I had a lot of fun as a leader and captain on that team.”"
Make no mistakes, Greenway’s career with the team is already a memorable one. He and legendary Minnesota Vikings linebacker Scott Studwell are tied for the franchise record for seasons leading the team in tackles with six. Greenway could be going for that record, but he’s not that kind of guy. He’s happy with what he’s accomplished, just wants a little more.
"“I’m perfectly happy and content with the career I have had,” said Greenway. “But the reality is I’m looking for one more time.”"
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And who knows what the 2016 NFL season could hold for the Minnesota Vikings and Chad Greenway. With a solid base of guys to work with, a tough head coach, and another year of experience under their belts, this could be a team that opponents will dread when they look at their schedules.