Since being drafted No. 3 overall out of Alabama, Trent Richardson's professional career consists of a series of epic flops and failed comebacks.
With the Baltimore Ravens considering another excavation of the decaying running back, Richardson is frantically trying to get -- and stay -- in shape.
Matt Zenitz of AL.com provided a detailed look at Richardson's life since being cut by the Oakland Raiders last year and the running back's renewed attempt at a comeback (it's a great read, you should check out the entire article).
Richardson said part of his struggles stemmed from migrating from the rigid schedule set under Nick Saban at Alabama to the laxer rules in the NFL.
"It's very easy to get lazy in the NFL -- not having everything scheduled and not having everything like at Alabama where it was so structured," Richardson said. "We had study hall or we had to get a workout in in between classes and had five classes a day. It was just so structured. In the NFL, everything's on your own."
The admission of laziness from Richardson makes sense when considering his career. The running back earned his best season as a rookie. Then his career fell apart as he gained weight.
During his near two years with the Indianapolis Colts (following a trade in 2013), the team constantly complained about Richardson's weight. It's an issue that continues to plague him.
After starting to get back in shape this offseason, according to Zenitz's account, Richardson went from around 235 to 228 pounds. Then the Ravens brought him in.
"I didn't think I was working out," Richardson said. "They were like, 'You ready to go work out?' I'm like, 'Work out?' That was right before the workout and I got weighed right before that. I was like, 'Oh my God.' And I jumped on the scale and I was like, 'Oh my God. I've been doing so good...'"
He didn't think they would work him out? What was he expecting? A friendly meet-and-greet? Maybe a wine tasting with a side of crab cakes?
According to Richardson, the Ravens were still impressed, but general manager Ozzie Newsome said to get his weight down and come back at 225 pounds.
The back reportedly weighed in at 226 last week and at 218 on Thursday -- three weeks after meeting with the Ravens.
As we saw with JaMarcus Russell's epic failure at a comeback, losing weight is only part of the battle. Overcoming laziness is a lifestyle choice necessary to keep a job in the NFL.
The Ravens provided a carrot for Richardson to chase. The question is if he ever grabs it, will he hold on?