Riggo's Rag
FanSided

For Redskins and Su’a Cravens, retirement might be the best option

By Ian Cummings

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Larry Fitzgerald (11) of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball after a catch as Su'a Cravens (36) of the Washington Redskins attempts to make the tackle during the first quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Larry Fitzgerald (11) of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball after a catch as Su'a Cravens (36) of the Washington Redskins attempts to make the tackle during the first quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Let me stress now that a decision like this isn’t one to be made with the snap of a finger.

This decision should take time to make. And although Su’a Cravens has been thinking on it for a while, he needs to use the time the Redskins have given him, and use it well.In the end, however, retirement could be the best option. Not just for Su’a, but for the Redskins as well.

Watching Cravens’ play last year, one wouldn’t be able to notice any issues with his drive and love for the game. Cravens was an electric young player, providing energy to a defense that truly enjoyed having him. His game-winning interception against the Giants was an unforgettable moment. But for Cravens, it might be cast aside in the shadow of the bigger picture.

As fans, we don’t know what Su’a’s true passions are. We may never know, and if it’s not football, it’s not our business to assume what should hold value to someone and what shouldn’t. But everyone knows football is a game of heart. Football is a game where you either give one hundred and ten percent, or you don’t give anything at all. If Cravens can’t find passion for the game, then this game isn’t his passion. It’s simple.

More from Riggo's Rag

Cravens’ issues with commitment were reportedly prevalent before he was drafted. He went missing for three days at USC following an injury. And even last year, he didn’t push through recovery like players expected him to. Earlier this offseason, Will Compton was overheard lecturing Cravens, saying “once you start talking about pack before pride, that’s when I know you’re ready”.

The game may not be in Cravens’ heart. If so, retirement would be the best option. Not just for him, but for the Redskins as well. The Redskins can only allocate so many of their resources to so many players, and if Cravens isn’t putting his heart and soul into the game like everyone else, then, putting it bluntly, he’s wasting the Redskins’ time. The team does everything to enable their players to be successful. If Cravens’ passion lies somewhere else, then he needs to decide sooner rather than later.

As mentioned earlier, he must use the month he’s been given to think about where his true passions lie. In the sport he’s played his whole life? Or something else? If the answer is the latter, then it would be in Cravens’ best interests to pursue that instead, and let the Redskins focus on football. Cravens would be walking away from a lot of money, but in the end, if he’s apprehensive, due to injury, simple lack of love for the game, or other reasons, he’ll end up playing himself out of a contract.

Next: Should Redskins trade Su'a Cravens to Los Angeles?

Cravens has been a football player for a long time. But through all that time, football may have never been the right thing for him. Time will tell what Cravens chooses. Everyone will be behind him, whatever he decides. But in the end, retirement might be the best choice, if the writing on the wall tells no lies.

Home/Commanders News