It's a business, yes...but not the only thing that matters.

[MTRavensFan]

Forsett is awesome. I guarantee he could have got a little more money elsewhere, but at the end of the day he felt that the bonds with his teammates, coaches, fans, and city are voids that a little extra money can't fill. Those things are irreplaceable and that ultimately made his decision an easy one. Makes me wonder about Torrey, I don't understand how someone so beloved and deeply rooted in Baltimore can just walk away from it all.

 

Now I'm not saying Torrey had an obligation, but he did have a choice and after looking at the details of his contract I'm personally disappointed in his choice. Never thought he would be the type to follow the extra pocket change over a team and city that has embraced him like a son.

I honestly think Torrey was gone the minute we cut RR.

 

He truly believed in this team as a family, warriors who go into battle every Sunday, and have each other's backs no matter what. I think he was pretty shocked and disillusioned that we could cut ties with one of our own like that in what was essentially a business decision. That was a huge wake-up call for Torrey, and while he tried to put a positive spin on it, you could hear the resignation in his voice every time he talked about the business side of things. It also probably didn't help being recruited by his "big brother" who probably still carries some (justifiable?) hard feelings towards us.

 

It showed on the field last year, too. Torrey often played like his heart just wasn't in it.

 

I think Torrey just needs a change of scene, out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak, to realize there's no place like home. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see him back here on the cheap after SF implodes.

[sflegend89]

I honestly think Torrey was gone the minute we cut RR.

 

He truly believed in this team as a family, warriors who go into battle every Sunday, and have each other's backs no matter what. I think he was pretty shocked and disillusioned that we could cut ties with one of our own like that in what was essentially a business decision. That was a huge wake-up call for Torrey, and while he tried to put a positive spin on it, you could hear the resignation in his voice every time he talked about the business side of things. It also probably didn't help being recruited by his "big brother" who probably still carries some (justifiable?) hard feelings towards us.

 

It showed on the field last year, too. Torrey often played like his heart just wasn't in it.

 

I think Torrey just needs a change of scene, out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak, to realize there's no place like home. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see him back here on the cheap after SF implodes.

 

A lot of good points. I also think Torrey viewed our FA process as a calculated machine and resents certain moves we've made like trading Boldin because he couldn't come down to our number, I think Torrey perceived it as the organization not "taking care of their own". The idea that Boldin was just a huge contributor in a SB win and we turned around and shipped him off for a 6th round pick for all his hard work. 

 

Like you pointed out also the Ray Rice release situation. I think Torrey is a sensitive guy and I don't mean that in a demeaning way at all.  I also think Rosenhaus pushed hard for the 49ers (the money} and dispelled Torrey of any uncertainty he had about leaving when he needed to. 

[PerpetuallyBored74]

I knew Torrey was gone when I learned Rosenhaus was his agent.

As for Forsett, he has always had talent. His problem has always been the perception that he couldn't withstand the rigors of being a feature back at this level, so that's why was always a backup with every other team until he joined us. And even then he was signed to backup Rice, once he returned from his suspension. That was the original plan.

When Rice was released, I wasn't worried because I knew Forsett could do it after studying some of his film as long as he could stay healthy. Even now at 30, I'm not worried because he's only going to carry about 200 - 250 times again and he has very little wear and tear anyway. A 3 year deal sounds perfect. Love having him as a Raven.

Now if we could only get Pierce to start playing like he did as a rookie and get Taliaferro fully recovered, we'd be back to 2008 - 2010 with another 3 headed monster. Because with Forsett, Taliaferro and Pierce (with Toussaint as insurance) and with all the other holes we have at other positions, I don't think we invest at RB in this draft, other than maybe taking a flyer on a late rounder.

[gametyme]

What a great read, very refreshing to hear that perspective. He is a great person no question. I hope his success continues, and with what he has been through and his attitude towards life my money says his success will continue.

[salamander]

Wish the NFL had more players with Justin's attitude and mentality. Hope he has a great year next year and hope his character can rub off on some of those young team mates in the locker room.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Great article. Yes, "...the NFL is a business", but very few times does this narrative include stories like Forsett's. Most leave-out the fact that the most important questions a business person has to answer before even launching an enterprise is "...What kind of business (small, medium or big) fits my goals?". In the NFL, it's been proven that a player can chose loyalty beyond immediate money to extend their careers beyond being a player.

 

Some of the most notable sportscasters, coaches and GMs were the most loyal players and Forsett-like teammates whose current net worth and financial sustainability would put their past fast-money player contemporaries to shame.

 

I believe Forsett will have similar longterm financial success once he retires based on the maturity and forward thinking he's displayed. It doesn't work for every player, but I think it'll workout for him.