Runyan wants to keep playing
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Runyan wants to keep playing
Daily News staff
"It becomes a thing where I have done it for so long, it is just what I do," Runyan told SI.com's Ross Tucker, a former NFL lineman. "I have been conditioned to do this at this point, and it is like I am in that rut. I am more than prepared to step away from the game, which really makes it easier to continue to play. I love the competition, I love the game and know I could move on but don't want to."
He also makes no bones about what would happen if he returned to the Eagles.
"No matter what they did in free agency or moving guys around, [players] are going to get the opportunity to compete for the starting job," he said. "I know me, and I will win that competition."
Eagles coach Andy Reid had indicated that he does not see Runyan in the Eagles' future, with the Eagles having signed Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews in the offseason. Andrews was presumbly brought in as Runyan's replacement on the right side, but it now appears that Stacy might shift to guard and his brother, Shawn, might play right tackle.
Runyan said his rehab is going well and that he has not suffered any setbacks, although that does not mean football is in his immediate future, either. Runyan probably would not be ready until the late summer and he still needs to find a team.
Runyan said Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery, told him he could still play, but that this will not be the end of orthepedic issues for him.
"Dr. Andrews thinks if I rest it the right way I will be fine and able to play, but he did say I will be back later in life," Runyan said. "I realize that when I turn 40 I am going to feel like I am in my late 50s/early 60s, and I just kind of accept that."
To read our earlier post from Eagles minicamp, click here.
A great Pro...deserves another chance.— JBP- Dawk was NOT done and Jon Bumyan is finished! Let him go! We don't need him. Unless he wants to sell beer from the concession stand.
- To me it's unbelievable that JR still wants to play...but if that is his choice then I hope the Birds, for once, give him a roster spot and watch him be "the man" once again...good luck JR and all of you naysayers...when you reach maturity,if ever, hopefully you will not be so quick to judge someone who has a lot more inner strength than any of you could ever hope to attain....— jachanin
- Great post from TBEAR— mick314
Comment removed.- TBear, it's called a metaphor.— Neal Obstat
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- J Ziggy - Here's a quarter; go play in traffic.— Warhound
- Dierte is correct about Jon, he has stated that he won't play for the min salary and wants to start and be payed accordingly. He won't be back :( ....Dierte - BTW - I had ACL replacement surgery 10 years ago— Warhound
- Jon Bumyan, Junk Run-on, please go home! Who needs ya?
- These professional athletes need to wake up and take notice that they don't have it anymore. Runyan should hire Brett Favre as a consultant.— MB2009
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No disrespect TBear, but you DETEST people calling Runyan a warrior, but then you say you'd like to see him "mount one last campaign"? And hey, boxxxcutta, having been an SOB most of my life I DETEST the use of that phrase to describe someone that plays a game.— Richard Saunders- Big John Runyan needs a hug...hang 'em up pal!— oldhead215
