During his second year in the NFL, 2012, it looked like New England Patriots’ running back Stevan Ridley may be developing into one of the better backs in football. He rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns on 290 carries. However, fumble problems began to creep up – Ridley fumbled four times, losing two during the regular season and had a key fumble in the AFC Championship Game, a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, that helped the Ravens turn that game around, eventually defeating the Patriots and then the San Francisco 49ers to win the Super Bowl.
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Ridley had problems again last season and lost his job to LeGarrette Blount. Blount, however, is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ridley is trying to not only prove he should reclaim his job but that he should also receive an extension.
“I have to be honest about it, it’s there,” Ridley answered when asked if he was thinking about his next deal via Phil Perry of Comcast Sports New England. “But it’s not my first concern. My first concern is going out there and being the best player for this team. If I go out there and have a productive year and do what I need to do, the contract will take care of itself.
“I’m not really gonna put too much thought into it. As you guys know, if I start thinking about that, it can easily be a distraction. I can’t worry about that. I’m gonna have some good days, have some bad days, I’m just gonna keep working, keep grinding, keep my head in the dirt and keep grinding it out.”
Ridley rushed for 773 yards and seven touchdowns with three fumbles (all lost) on 178 carries last season.