This past week, the NFL released its list of its top 100 players. The list is voted by the players and can feature a player from any position or team. The voted superstars are revealed on NFL network with in a ten show special. Each player is presented by a fellow teammate or coach who then explains why the player honored is one of the games current greats. The list is very prestigious and let me repeat, it is for the top 100 players in the NFL. This means you had to have been extremely successful and respected around the league for the 2010 NFL season. In laments terms; you’re probably really good and at least start. So how does a benched quarterback for the dreadful, Washington Redskins land at #100 on the list? Maybe the players were filled in on a little secret that Donovan McNabb isn’t washed up after all. Eh, lets not get ahead of ourselves.

Donovan McNabb’s career ended on April 4^th, 2010. Well not technically, but this is the day that McNabb was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins.  The Eagles had to be so confident that McNabb’s best days were behind him that they dumped him to a division rival. That’s like if your smoking hot girlfriend is so over you that she tries to hook you up with her annoying fat friend.   Talk about getting slapped in the face; it wasn’t all heartbreak though.

Washington welcomed McNabb with open arms. The man was named DC Donovan and titled the savior of the franchise. In other words, the marriage got off to a great start. Washington attempted to convince the sports world the trade was a steal. They received a middle aged quarterback who has played in four NFC Championships (lost three) and one Super Bowl (lost that one too). Philadelphia received two extra draft picks and found their next pro bowl quarterback out of the U.S.  Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Guess the ‘skins thought all those losses were just flukes. Maybe he just needed a change of scenery? Yeah, to a retirement community in Boca.

McNabb went into the 2011 season looking to bring the Redskins back to the playoffs with new head coach, Mike Shanahan. He started off rather pedestrian going 4-3 in his first seven games, but looked promising after posting two comeback wins. It was in week 8 when we watched McNabb’s career slowly start to combust. In the fourth quarter in a game vs. the Detroit Lions, McNabb was benched due to poor play. The benching caused a rift between a disgruntled McNabb and new coach Mike Shanahan. McNabb would later be relegated to the 3^rd string quarterback behind Rex Grossman and John Beck. Sounds like a successful trade. Who wouldn’t give up a second round pick for the highest paid third string quarterback in the league?

If he was worried about being a back up in Philadelphia, how much more embarrassing is it that he now backs up Rex Grossman for a pitiful Washington squad? If I were him I’d do my best to build a time machine and go back to April 3^rd, 2010 and beg the Eagles to keep me to regain some pride. Why not take him back Philly? He’s a hero in the city and clearly most of the league has a man crush on him if they voted him as one of the NFL’s top 100 players. He’ll cause drama? Please; I am sure if Andy Reid can handle Michael Vick he can control McNabb’s ego. Face it Donovan, you’re a back up.

If you’re asking if you can hang up your #5 jersey, the answer is 100% yes. Not because McNabb is the 100^th best NFL player (there has to be an explanation for this) but because the guys done. Donovan, I wish you good luck on your 401k but please just get out while you still have a little respect. It’s been fun Donovan but your time on the playing field has come to an end. Philadelphia superstar to Washington wash up.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/50322345@N02/

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About the author

Cody Carbone
19 year old, junior at SUNY Cortland. I am a sport management major with a minor in communications. I'm an avid soccer player and play for SUNY Cortland. I love sports and love to write about them

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