McNabb closes book on Eagles
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
McNabb closes book on Eagles
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
ASHBURN, Va. -- There were conflicting agendas at Donovan McNabb's introductory press conference at Redskins Park.
There was McNabb and his people and the Washington media wanting to look ahead to what could be. And there was the Philadelphia media, the city's fans by extension, and perhaps the Eagles themselves, that wanted to look back briefly and cap a successful, but ultimately disappointing tenure.
McNabb, for the most part, did not want to reminisce, reflect or rip on his 11 years in Philadelphia. He answered most of the questions posed by the Philadelphia media with short answers.
Why do you think the Eagles traded you?
"Great question, but you can ask them that. I have no answer.”
What did Andy Reid and the Eagles tell you?
“Not much. Not much. As you can see all throughout the off-season they’re rebuilding and they’re going young. I never knew 33 was old, but I guess I’m too old.”
How will you look back on your 11 years in Philadelphia?
Outstanding.
At what point did you stop thinking that you were coming back to the Eagles?
Easter. Is that good enough?
Did you talk to Kevin Kolb and what kind of future you think think Kolb will have?
McNabb said that he talked to Kolb last night.
“He has the ability to be successful in this league. Now it’s just for him to put it out on the field for a 16-game season. We’ll definitely see.”
What kind of reception do you think you will receive when you return to Philly to play the Eagles?
“Cheers.”
Do you think you were treated fairly in Philadelphia?
“Absolutely.” [McNabb then made a sarcastic smile]
It sounds like you really wanted to stay in Philly?
I’m a Redskin now.
But you wanted to finish your career there?
I would have loved to, but it didn’t happen.
Do you have a final message for Eagles fans?
It was a great ride. It was a ride in which every time that we stepped out on the field the fans felt confident that we could win those games. That’s the most important thing. That’s something we need to focus on.”
Do you feel as if a burden has been lifted from your shoulders?
I’m just happy that it’s over now. … There was never really any burden on my shoulders. I’ve been a part a lot of different things in my 11 years. I’ve been surrounded by a lot of great athletes. But it’s over. I’m here starting a new a chapter in the book of Donovan. And I look for great things to happen.
How much football do you think you have left?
A lot. A whole lot.
McNabb then went back to talking expansively about bringing a Super Bowl to the Redskins, playing in a new offense and living in Washington.
Comment removed.
Where's the gratitude to the Eagles for trading him to a team that he approved? They didn't have to do that. They could have sent him to the Raiders and said "business is business."— soulman386- Comment removed.
- In short, he is tired of the Philly media, thus the short answers to all those who represent our papers. I don't have a problem with that...They are the ones always trying to push a story line onto Donovan. They will do the same to Kolb.— sima_down_nah
- In short, this city has far and way the highest percentage of obnoxious, hateful fans, such as Friendless Wolf. "My Man!" (whatever the f that means)— Jim C.
Donovan McNabb is a classy guy. He is handling himself incredibly well and generally, he always has.- soulman - in McDiva's mind, there is no gratitude. He earned the treatment.— AllDawk_AllTheTime
- McNabb is my favorite player. It'll be hard to root for the Redskins every now and then, but just like how people rooted for the Broncos to win some games with Dawkins, I'll root for the Redskins to win some games with McNabb.. unless they're playing us.— trungy
- This time next year lonewolf will be absolutely silent. Kevin Cobb, he be shown as a fraud, and a failure. A mistake pick by Andy Reid. And lonewolf will be typing these jems, "Just give him more time". "He's growing with the offense". The Eagles meanwhile will be freefall, and scrambling to decide if Mike Vick can lead this team.— dowens1617
- McNabb will never be known as an elite QB, but he brought a lot of excitement and winning seasons to Philly. It probably was time to move on, but the same fans that disrespect him now, are also the ones that wanted Ricky Williams, how would that have worked out for them ?— Fat-Andy
- The book of Donovan? It's always about Donovan. The Donovan circus moves to DC, but McClown will remain the same!— fred13
- lonewolf, do you seriously think we would have won the Dallas games with Kolb? I'll give you some over throws on the first game, but the second game, the receivers were shut down, and I won't go on about our running game or our spectacular rated O-line...— phigglesfan75
Wiff, speaking of chapters, aren't you late for your meeting? What step are you on? Hey, did you learn the difference between an All Pro and a Pro Bowler yet? Loved that exchange with BleedGF today. You really came across like an idiot...as usual. Keep up the good work Dr. Football.— tpizza- Hey guys. Anybody ever had a problem with your comments not being posted here? For some reason my comments using my work computer never get posted but my home computer works fine. Anybody with any computer expertise have an idea? I am logged on correctly. Thanks for any help you can give me.— tpizza
- phigglesfan75, you are assuming a connection between wiff's brain [or lack thereof] and his mouth, or in this case, keyboard.— tpizza
