After signing a deal with the Raiders Tuesday, Trent Richardson is looking forward to a fresh start in Oakland.
"Not saying that I've got to start over, but right now, it's just a fresh start for me," said Richardson. "It's something that I can build off of. With my mindset and the chip that's on my shoulder, it's no looking back."
After a stellar career at the University of Alabama highlighted by two National Championships (2009, 2011), Richardson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round (No. 3 overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Pensacola, Fla., native enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign in Cleveland, setting the single-season rookie franchise record with 950 yards on the ground, as well as adding 51 receptions for 367 yards.
In the early stages of 2013, Richardson was traded to the Indianapolis Colts where he appeared in 29 games, making 20 starts and scoring six touchdowns, and while the trade was unexpected, it did provide the young running back with some invaluable lessons.
"With that, these last few years, it's been very humbling," he said. "Being able to play with Ahmad Bradshaw and be able to play with guys like Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis and Andrew [Luck]. It just takes you back to the basics, you've just got to be able to just perform, no matter what."
Now, the 24-year-old running back is looking forward to getting back to work wearing the Silver and Black, especially after sitting down with the Raiders coaching staff and hearing their vision for how they plan to utilize his 5-foot-9, 225-pound frame.
Photos of new Raiders running back, Trent Richardson.
University of Alabama (2009-11)
Cleveland Browns (2012-13)
Indianapolis Colts (2013-14)
Oakland Raiders (2015)
"We went over the offense and saw a lot of stuff that I saw in college," Richardson said. "I know this playbook already, especially when it comes to the run. I know what they expect and how they're going to spread the field, putting me in a position to be successful. With that, in talking to [Head] Coach [Jack Del Rio], he just said there is just a lot of opportunity out here."
After making a pair of NFL stops since winning National Championships with the Crimson Tide, Richardson is fully prepared to make the most of his new opportunity in Oakland, and hopes to wear Silver and Black until he decides he no longer wants to play football.
"Hopefully this is my last stop, and I'm going to do whatever I can to make this my last stop," he said. "Until I'm ready to walk away from the game, I don't want to leave here."
