Portis: 'I'm far from washed up'

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis joined ESPN's First Take today and said he plans on being with the Redskins next year and is looking forward to playing again in coach Mike Shanahan's system, which Portis was a part of when the two were in Denver together.

"I know what I'm capable of doing, and I can't wait to get back on the field next year to prove to people that I'm far from washed up or done," Portis said.

Portis rushed for just 494 yards this season, the lowest output of his career. He was placed on injured reserve by the team in December after he suffered a concussion during Washington's Week 9 matchup with the Falcons on Nov. 8.

The seven-year veteran was dogged by rumors that he and former coach Jim Zorn were at odds, something Portis denied Tuesday.

"I think everybody's so caught up in thinking me and Coach Zorn couldn't get along, and thinking I was selfish, and then all of the sudden I'm Mr. Snyder's best friend and I can do whatever I want to do. That's not the case. I think a lot of that is blown out of proportion."

But with a new coach in Washington -- one that Portis has played for in the past -- he seems excited to get back on the field. And he knows Shanahan won't put up with the extracurricular activities that plagued the Redskins the last few years.

"It's pretty much just a lot of finger pointing, which I think Coach Shanahan's gonna get rid of that and he's gonna have the dedication of the players. You won't have to worry about who's doing their job or who's not. I think with Coach Shanahan, if you're doing your job, you'll be fine. If you're not, you won't be there."

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(usatoday.com)