Friday, August 23, 2013

TU's Dimitri Patterson understands shaky nature of NFL job

DAVIE, Florida  -- Dimitri Patterson has been in the NFL seven years, long enough to know that nobody’s job is truly secure, not even the guy whose name is atop the training camp depth chart.

So, he was not entirely surprised to learn Tuesday night that the Dolphins released cornerback Richard Marshall, elevating Patterson to starting cornerback opposite free agent acquisition Brent Grimes. He felt bad for Marshall, knowing how much work he put in following last season’s back injury, but he plans to make the most of the opportunity as he has since he entered the league in 2005 as an undrafted free agent out of Tuskegee University.

“There so much I’ve seen in this league, nothing surprises me,” Patterson said after practice Wednesday. “I’ve seen guys all over this league, quality, well-respected good players that leave teams, get released, whatever. Richard’s not the first, and he won’t be the last. That’s the nature of this business.

Telling someone they can no longer be with you when they dreamed of this since Pee Wee and college, I don’t know how nicely you can say that. Write them a postcard? I don’t know. … It’s brutal.

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