Albert Haynesworth's former coach: "I think he's finished"
Albert Haynesworth dominated with the Titans in 2008 but hasn't replicated his success elsewhere and may now be done. (Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Albert Haynesworth's former defensive line coach Jim Washburn, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, told reporters Tuesday that he thinks the former All-Pro defensive tackle's playing career is done, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Zach Berman reports.
"He calls me every night and says, 'Hey, Wash, it's your big black son'," Washburn said. "I think he's finished. His back's degenerative."
"Everybody hated him, but I liked him," Washburn said. "He's one of my favorite guys."
The 31-year-old Haynesworth dominated while with the Tennessee Titans in 2007 and 2008. He was a force in the team's 4-3 defensive scheme and had 14.5 sacks over the two years.
He then signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins. The deal included a then-record signing bonus of $41 million. But Haynesworth never fit in Washington.
After a disappointing first season, he clashed with coach Mike Shanahan. He showed up to camp out of shape and famously failed his conditioning test. He didn't seem to like the team's 3-4 defense, never played anywhere near as well as expected and was eventually suspended for the last four games of the 2010-11 season for conduct detrimental to the team.
