If only the rest of Shawn Andrews’ stay in Philadelphia was as good as the ending.
The two-time Pro Bowl guard, released by the Eagles Wednesday, went on an Atlantic City radio station and showed his best side in an interview.
He was understanding.
“I knew it was going to happen,” he said of his release at one point.
“I’ve become a headache,” he said at another.
He was insistent, especially when discussing his oft-questioned desire to play in the face of depression and two surgical procedures on his back -- one in October 2008, the other in December 2009.
“The doctor said if you don’t plan on playing football again I suggest you don’t have surgery,” he said. “And I had another surgery.”
He was also complimentary of coach Andy Reid, who according to Andrews stood by him throughout all his trials.
It was the best Andrews had to offer. And for various reasons we hadn’t seen quite enough of that since the Birds made him the 16th pick of the 2004 draft. He broke a leg in the first game of his first season and missed the rest of that year. But he played the next three,making those two Pro Bowls and signing a seven-year contract extension, through 2015, along the way.
He admitted in Wednesday’s interview that other players in the league regarded that deal as “crappy,” and some media types have suggested that that is the root of all his problems. He didn’t address that in the interview, but did say he hopes to play again. He also believes he can regain his Pro Bowl form.
But it won’t be here.
Shawn Andrews has left the building, and much too soon. The ending was nice, and better than most of the rest.
It was also necessary, for all concerned.
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