Running back Clinton Portis has been released by the Washington Redskins, the team announced Monday.
Portis is just 77 yards shy of 10,000 career rushing yards and 648 shy of Hall of Famer John Riggins' Redskins franchise record.
"We have been through a lot both on and off of the field and we would like to wish him and his family the very best," owner Dan Snyder said in a statement announcing Portis' release. "He will always be a Redskin and go down as one of the franchise's all-time greats."
The 29-year-old Portis played just 13 games the last two seasons because of a concussion in 2009 and a torn groin last season. He was due to make $8.2 million in 2011.
"Dan [Snyder] and Mike [Shanahan] were honest, straight-up people with me. I always appreciated the opportunity from Dan to play here," Portis said in the statement.
"Being a Redskin was a special part of my life. Coming and being in that organization, I turned from a kid having fun to a man carrying responsibilities. I tried to put the world on my shoulders for coach Gibbs and the Redskins fans."
The two-time Pro Bowler was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 draft by current Redskins coach Mike Shanahan.
"I've known Clinton Portis since he entered the National Football League and will always respect the competitive drive, intensity and passion that he brought to the organization every day," Shanahan said in the statement.
[ Edited by jrg on Feb 28, 2011 at 12:38 PM ]
