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Mitch Frankel, agent for recently released Browns RB Jamal Lewis, says his client can still play if given the opportunity.
“If Jamal wants to play and he’s cleared to play, I think he’s got a lot of football he can bring to the table to help an organization.”
The key words there are “cleared to play” because Lewis had concussion-related injuries that ended his season in 2009. The thought at the time was that the injuries could end his career.
Frankel likely recognizes that Lewis’ days as a feature back is over but that doesn’t mean he’s useless to a team.
“He can be a significant contributor to the right organization. Jerome Bettis and some other guys at the end of their careers took on a different role, and I think Jamal can do that.”
Frankel also said Lewis would prefer to go to a contender like he was with the Ravens in 2000.
However, Lewis says he hasn’t made up his mind.
“I plan to evaluate my future and have not made a final determination on whether I will be playing football next season.”
What’s interesting about all this is that Lewis may need to keep playing for financial reasons. Via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there’s a civil lawsuit out there against Lewis and two other defendants totaling a whopping $25 million.
So retirement may not be an option at this point.
The Cleveland Browns announced this afternoon they have released RB Jamal Lewis.
“I enjoyed getting to know Jamal and having the opportunity to coach him last season,” said Browns head coach Eric Mangini. “We want to thank him for his contributions to the Cleveland Browns and wish him nothing but the best moving forward. I’m sure he will be successful in whatever he decides to pursue.”
Lewis, 30, came to the Browns in 2007 when a lot of folks didn’t think he had much left in the gas tank. He turned a few heads by rushing for over 1,300 yards and then another 1,000 the next.
However, injuries caught up to him as he was placed on IR late in the 2009 season for concussion-related issues.
The last time we heard from Lewis, retirement was an option. It’s unclear at this point if that’s the case but after 10 years and over 10,000 yards, it’s got to be on his mind.
Despite being run ragged by the Ravens over seven years in Baltimore, he had a long, productive career.
Track Lewis' release at our Browns community, Dawgs By Nature.
While Jamal Lewis still has yet to comment since being placed on IR, it seems all but official that he will follow through with his plans to retire. The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the most recent concussion suffered by Lewis was the final sign that it was time to get out.
Jamal Lewis suffered a serious concussion Sunday in Cincinnati and visited a brain trauma specialist on Wednesday, said a source with knowledge of the situation. [...]
A source said that Lewis was "pretty shaken up" when an MRI test showed "brain abnormalities." They may be the result of excessive trauma triggered by a recent hit. More tests will be done to determine the extent of Lewis' injury, the source said.
The announcement of Lewis being placed on IR came on the same day that the NFL imposed new, stricter guidelines for dealing with concussions.
Thanks to a concussion, Browns running back Jamal Lewis will see no more playing time this year, as he has been placed on the injured reserve. Lewis said last month that he intended to retire after the 2009-2010 season, so this could be the last time that Lewis dons the pads:
Coach Eric Mangini, who declined to mention Lewis' injury in two news conferences this week, said the decision to put Lewis — and safety Brodney Pool — on IR came after consulting with the club's medical team.
"As I've said before, organizationally, players' health and safety are paramount in any decision we make with regards to putting them back on the field," Mangini said in a statement. "Jamal has been an integral part of this team and he has exhibited a great work ethic. He worked hard, studied hard and set a good example for the younger running backs."
If Lewis goes through with his plans to retire, he will finish his career with 10,607 yards and 58 touchdowns. Lewis ran for an eye-popping 2,066 yards in the 2003 season.
Former Browns RB Jamal Lewis Visiting The Saints
Jamal Lewis' career was once thought to be over after suffering injuries while with the Browns last season. After his release from the Browns, his agent said he can still play and it appears he's trying to prove that.
The Saints lost RB Mike Bell to restricted free agency and also brought in RB Justin Fargas for a visit.
As of now, the Saints have Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush at running back with Lynell Hamilton backing them up.
Read more at our Saints community, Canal Street Chronicles.
Apr 01 2:16p by Joel Thorman - 0 comments