Redskins: Stefan McClure has no reputation, but he doesn’t need it
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins, along with the rest of the NFL, released their final 53-man roster yesterday afternoon.
There were a few surprises, such as the release of quarterback Nate Sudfeld, or the retainment of UFA guard Tyler Catalina. Both seventh-round picks this year made the roster as well. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was the retainment of a lesser known player. A safety named Stefan McClure.
McClure’s retainment wasn’t for no reason. The former California Golden Bear played his heart out in preseason, dominating in all aspects of his play. But because the Redskins kept him, more questions arise. What did players like Kyle Kalis, Fish Smithson, and Nico Marley fail to do in order to beat McClure for a roster spot?
The question should really be this: Who is McClure, and why was he the best candidate for the final roster spot?
The answer stems back a ways. It can’t be found entirely in this offseason. McClure faced an uphill battle this August, but that’s nothing new. The defensive back has always taken the long way to success throughout his football career. 2017 was nothing new. It was just business as usual for McClure.
He may be an unknown now, but there’s more to this story, and it needs to be heard. McClure has potential in the NFL. All he needed was an opportunity. The Redskins gave him just that, and in the process, they not only got a talented football player, but an even better character. And now that McClure’s story has taken him here, it’s time his story is heard. Turn the page, and get comfortable. This is Stefan McClure’s story.