Tough Decisions on Ahman Green » Brats & Beer

November 18, 2005
posted under: Ahman Green, Packers, Ted Thompson

Pro-Bowl running back Ahman Green, currently one of many starters and skilled players on injured reserve, has started campaigning to get his job back when and if he returns next season from a torn thigh tendon. His contract is up after this year and the Packers have not yet offered him a new deal, so Ahman and his publicist made a videotaped interview and distributed it to the media. Green gets very emotional during the tape talking about his desire to finish his career as a Packer.

This is where the business of sports sucks. On the one hand, Ahman has been instrumental in Green Bay’s success the past four seasons. He has the team single season rushing record and game rushing record, and he’s within striking distance of Jim Taylor’s career rushing record. You’d hate to see him lose his job because of an injury. But on the other hand, he’s 28-years old and is trying to recover from a serious injury. Who’s to say he’ll be 100% next year. Kind of a tough call.

To add to everything else hanging over GM Ted Thompson, all three running backs, Green, Najeh Davenport, and Tony Fisher, are up for free agency after this year. Someone has to get re-signed and probably someone (or even two) will be let go. And then toss Sam Gado into the mix…Oy, vey! If Gado proves his worth and durability through the second half of the season, I think he’ll get picked up on a long term basis. But it would also be wise to keep Fisher: he’s young and knows the system, can run and catch the ball, and is great as a third down player. Davenport and Green though. I would definitely like to see Green get some kind of deal. Even if it is a two- or three-year contract, I think it would be worth it. He and Gado could split time at tailback until Gado is ready to be the featured back. But then maybe that’s why I’m just a fan who’s blogging about this and not the general manger of a professional football team.