A lot of fans have been very down on linebacker Chad Greenway recently.
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Vikings and Packers tied 26-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Greenway struggled through last year with several wrist issues that made tackling difficult for him. This led many fans to say that he’s not an effective football player anymore and even some saying that he is past his prime. Some fans called for him to take a pay cut. A minority of them even said to cut him outright.
While I totally disagree with those statements, those who are saying that are entitled to their opinion. However, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings is also entitled to his opinion.
It might be a bit of an understatement to say that new Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is excited to work with Chad Greenway. He’s already hinted that he would love to move him around in the defense and give opposing offenses many different looks.
Zimmer spoke with the media about linebacker Chad Greenway’s work ethic and ability and had this to say:
"“That’s why he has been a good player for a long, long time, because it’s important to him. If we had 90 of those kind of guys we would really be good. I do think our guys are studying a lot and hopefully we are keeping them accountable about knowing what they’re supposed to do all of the time. Yeah, it makes me feel good.”"
He went on to speak more about how being a linebacker that can play multiple positions is a huge asset to the team:
"“When you go to the game with six linebackers, you know, something happens they have to be ready to go. Part of the deal with all of our guys is we are trying to give them a lot of different things to do. I’ve always felt like the more things that you can do the more valuable you are, especially on game day.”"
No matter how you feel about Greenway, you shouldn’t discount his effort on and off the field. He’s one of the most prepared players in the NFL and prides himself on it. Hopefully Greenway can silence this doubters this year with a bounce-back performance.