What a difficult life professional football players live.
Earlier Friday afternoon, it was reported that Darrelle Revis felt disrespected by the New York Jets for offering him $122 million contract over 10 years. Now, Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants is complaining that it's "hard to stay positive" since he's lost the starting role to Ahmad Bradshaw.
The Giants' running back has served as the go-to guy for the past three seasons, compiling more than 1,000 rushing yards in 2007 and 2008. After he learned of his demotion to being Bradshaw's backup, Jacobs spoke out.
"To be in this business, you have to know that no one's your friend in this business," Jacobs said. "This is a cutthroat, backstabbing business. That's just the way it goes. It's been like that before me. If you expect anything else out of a business like this, you're crazy."
Jacobs went on to complain how "brutal" the NFL business is, claiming he was on top one minute, and on bottom the next. He blames his large contract as the driving force behind his demotion, saying he would still be starting if he was making a minimum contract. Jacobs signed a four-year, $25 million contract extension in early 2009.
"If I would have stayed making minimum, this wouldn't be a problem," Jacobs said. "Once you get paid, you're always in danger of running into problems like this. It doesn't matter who you are or what team or organization you play for, that's just the way it is."
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said he is confused about Jacobs' anger and immediately had a private conversation with the running back once Jacobs' comments were aired.
"We have always [had] a multiple running back situation," Coughlin said. "Nothing has changed. We feel good about our ability to use multiple people at that spot. As you well know, over a 16-game season you're going to need them."
But apparently, sharing the spotlight wasn't on Jacobs' agenda this season.
The 28-year-old running back saw just 10 carries in three preseason games for New York.
