Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson has quickly become one of the NFL's best defensive linemen, but drew ire from fans for skipping OTAs.
Richardson was the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 and made his first Pro Bowl last season. While the Jets are dealing with Muhammad Wilkerson declining to attend the voluntary workouts because he wants a new contract, Richardson has completely different reasons.
All I'm hearing from ppl is get to OTA's etc. like I jus wasn't at practice yesterday putting in wrk tho..
— Sheldon Richardson (@Godforshort) May 22, 2015I have a life outside of football n I chose to enjoy my family a little longer so to u fans that know everything please worry bout yourself
— Sheldon Richardson (@Godforshort) May 22, 2015New Jets coach Todd Bowles was disappointed the St. Louis native decided to remain in the Gateway City this week.
"It is voluntary, so there's not much you can do," Bowles said, via NJ.com, adding that Richardson had been "in and out" of the Jets facility all week. "You hope everybody comes all the time (to voluntary workouts), but unfortunately, that's not the case. And guys have things they do in the offseason that they probably have scheduled, that they can't afford to miss. So I understand that part as well."
Richardson, 24, has missed just one game in two seasons and has 11.5 career sacks and two touchdowns. The 6-3, 294-pound Missouri alum posted to Instagram Thursday night a photo of himself with his older brother.