Richie Incognito knows there might be no second chance in his NFL career if not for Rex Ryan. He plans to reward Ryan and the Buffalo Bills for allowing him to return to the game he loves.
"They're going to get every ounce of effort I have," Incognito told NFL Media's Kimberly Jones during a one-on-one interview on NFL Total Access. "On- and off-the-field a complete commitment to football and making the guys around me better. I just owe them everything I have."
Incognito was off the NFL grid last season, his career in ruins following the bullying scandal in Miami that led to his indefinite suspension and eventual release from the Dolphins. Ryan knew Incognito had ability from his days with the Jets, and he jumped at the chance to add a veteran guard with a mean streak to his offensive line in Orchard Park.
Knowing Ryan's sensibilities, it would have been a surprise if he didn't give Incognito his second lease on an NFL career.
"There will be part of society that will never give Richie Incognito a chance, and I believe that's a mistake," Ryan told Jones. "I've certainly made my share of mistakes, as everybody has, but you could tell he wanted to grow from it."
"He's going to have an opportunity to change his legacy and I think that's important. And obviously I want to see him do that."
Jones asked Incognito about critics who might think Incognito is only saying the right things so he could get back in the league.
"I think I've had enough dirty laundry aired, and I think I've had all the skeletons in my closet thrown out," he said. "I'm at the point in my career, especially under Rex, if I got something to say I'm going to say it. I've been around the block and I've definitely had my run-ins, and I've definitely had my time in the media, but I'm just looking forward. I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited about getting back to work."
Ryan has said repeatedly that he wants to "build a bully" in Buffalo. The Bills don't want Incognito to lose that nasty streak ... they just need him to keep it between the lines.
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