Donovan McNabb: Is His Career Over?

Donovan McNabb had an amazing career with the Philly Eagles which spanned eleven seasons; despite injuries and criticism, he led the team to their second-ever Super Bowl in 2004 and went on to score 211 career touchdowns with them. When he moved on to the Washington Redskins in 2010 he found it to be a rocky season–what some call his worst season ever–and he was benched twice; his agent also exchanged words with the team on his behalf, which didn’t put him in coach Mike Shanahan’s favor.

Now McNabb is expressing the opinion that Shanahan–and his son Kyle, who is the Redskin’s offensive coordinator–are making a mistake with their newest acquisition, quarterback Robert Griffin lll. Not because he will be a bad fit for the team, but rather for the Shanahans.

“No,” McNabb answered when asked if he thought Shanahan would make the most of Griffin’s talents. “I say that because a lot of times ego gets too involved when it comes to being in Washington.”

And also, McNabb says, because he himself was “misused” during his time with the Redskins. He says he’s not the only one, either, citing Rex Grossman and John Beck as quarterbacks who proved unsuccessful under Shanahan’s tutelage.

If it seems like McNabb is a little bitter, it’s probably because he is. After having Eagles coach Andy Reid adapt his offense to McNabb when he was drafted, his relationship with Shanahan must have been like a glass of cold water in the face. He was a big deal in Philly; Washington just clashed too much with his style. And while there has been talk lately of McNabb coming back to the Eagles, there are some who don’t think that’s such a good idea.

“The Eagles traded him at the right time and they were wise to move on at that point. It is no secret that McNabb has tanked in the two years since he left Philadelphia. You can blame systems or coaches all you want but the bottom line is that McNabb simply hasn’t looked good. It sure looks like his career is over,” said writer Mark Paul.