Former Dolphins OL Richie Incognito Ready To Put The Past Behind Him
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BUFFALO (CBSMiami) – Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito has certainly been through the ringer over the past couple years.
The man that was the focal point of the Dolphins' bullying scandal in 2013 has gotten another chance to play in the NFL thanks to the Buffalo Bills and their new head coach, Rex Ryan.
Incognito plans on making the most of his new opportunity.
"They're going to get every ounce of effort I have," Incognito told NFL.com. "On and off the field, a complete commitment to football and making the guys around me better. I just owe them everything I have."
The scandal in Miami wasn't the first time that Incognito had his name in the papers for the wrong reasons, but he appears to have put all that behind and is ready to focus on just playing good football.
"I think I've had enough dirty laundry aired, and I think I've had all the skeletons in my closet thrown out," Incognito said. "I'm at the point in my career, especially under Rex, if I got something to say I'm going to say it. I've been around the block and I've definitely had my run-ins, and I've definitely had my time in the media, but I'm just looking forward. I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited about getting back to work."
Incognito knows that it was Ryan who stuck his neck out and gave him a chance to play again, and the former Jets coach knows all about second chances.
"There will be part of society that will never give Richie Incognito a chance, and I believe that's a mistake," Ryan told NFL.com. "I've certainly made my share of mistakes, as everybody has, but you could tell he wanted to grow from it. He's going to have an opportunity to change his legacy and I think that's important. And obviously I want to see him do that."