FROM SUPER-STUD TO SUPER-BUST…
Peyton Hillis’s career has been on a roller coaster since he made the decision, backed by fans, to agree to be on the cover of John Madden’s iconic video game. He has gone from hero to goat- from stud to dud- in a very short amount of time. He has played in only four games this season, averaging just 53 rushing yards per game and scoring just 2 touchdowns. He had 13 touchdowns (11 rushing) last year, but drama has followed him throughout this season. The Browns tried to work out a contract extension but it never was finished. ‘Strep Throat’ developed which kept him out of one game. He later stated that his agent advised him not to play.
RB Peyton Hillis has seen a lot of bench time this season. Photo: US Presswire
- Then Hillis decided to play vs the Oakland Raiders but took himself out of the game shortly after it started, with a ‘hamstring’ injury. He returned to practice following that game but ‘re-injured’ his hamstring and missed another. He hasn’t even practiced this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
And now he finds himself back in the news with even more drama. On Monday night, Hillis was supposed to appear in what was billed as ‘Halloween with Hillis’ at the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club…. but he never showed up. The disappointed kids who had been bused into the event, heard an apology from the running back today when he said, “I just want to say I’m sorry about the charity event they had (Monday) with the Boys & Girls Club. There was a lot of miscommunication between me and the management that I have. And if I knew the full depths of it, I wouldn’t have missed it. I’ve always made community events before. But for some reason that shouldn’t be an excuse now. I’m sorry about everything, and hopefully in the near future I’ll make that up.”
RB Hillis apologizes to the kids & the media for his 'no show'. Photo: Kim Klement-Us presswire
It’s been a season full of drama, lies, and betrayal. He has hurt the kids who waited to see their hero, he has hurt his team who is now without him as well as backup RB Montario Hardesty who is out with a calf tear indefinitely, and he has hurt himself and possibly his career. I wonder if the late John Madden is looking down in disbelief…
Totally agree with your points on Hillis. He started to wear down towards the end of last season and it clearly carried over. He just runs to hard and takes too many hits to be an every down back. I think he’d be better suited as a change of pace back or a bruiser like Brandon Jacobs. Also, another guy that went from stud to dud over the year has to be Chris Johnson. Except he stole $42 million before he decided to stink.
Good stuff as always.
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True except I think Hillis is a bit of a head case now. And yeah, CJ should be arrested for robbery…Feel bad for all those that ended up blowing a 1st round pick on this stiff.
Appreciate the comment Matt!
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