Mike Patterson Thanks Philadelphia, Looks Forward To The Next Chapter
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Mike Patterson's final two seasons in Philadelphia didn't go quite as planned, much like the team as a whole. Even though the Eagles cut Patterson earlier this week, he doesn't have any hard feelings.
"It's just a business thing, man. I knew my time was going to come eventually, or later," Patterson told 94WIP's Angelo Cataldi and The WIP Morning Show on Wednesday. "I was just surprised it happened now. I had a great time here in Philadelphia. It was always a good pleasure playing for them. I have some good memories, I had wonderful teammates, and I played with good coaches. It's just been a blast."
Patterson missed several games after having brain surgery, but doesn't expect his recovery to stop him from playing in the NFL.
"I'm real excited. It's kind of a new chapter in my career. I'm just kind of excited to see what 's going to happen. I still have a lot of football, so I'm most definitely going to be out there," he said.
The team released fellow defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins as well. Patterson thinks that the 3-4 scheme the Eagles are expected to run may have been the reason.
"I mean, that's what it was from my understanding. They just felt like it probably wasn't a good fit for me, so I understand where they were coming from. It's a business decision for them. It wasn't like we left on bad terms or anything. It was just something they felt like they had to do, so I understand how it goes. Of course money is the part of the game, but to me, it wasn't about money to tell you the truth. I just wanted to have an opportunity to get back on the field. I just wanted to play. That's what it was. Football is so much in my heart, and I have so much of a passion to continue this game. It wasn't really too much about the money for me," he said.
Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha's fate with the Eagles is still undecided. He will reportedly have to choose between a pay cut and being released.
"I don't know what he was going to do half the time," Patterson said when asked about Asomugha's solo lunches in his car during Eagles practice. Patterson laughed uncomfortably for a moment (listen), and continued. "From my understanding, he probably thought he was talking to his family [on the phone]. It could get louder in the locker room when he is around and what not. We wasn't sure what he was doing. We knew he went to his car awhile---I mean, a couple times. He's good player from my understanding."
