Buffalo Bills: Richie Incognito Opens up About Bullying Scandal
By Paul Taylor
Whatever your perspective is on Buffalo Bills’ offensive guard Richie Incognito, his appearance on The Herd made for an interesting interview, as he gave an insight into how he dealt with the backlash from the bullying scandal in Miami.
Understandably, Buffalo Bills‘ offensive lineman Richie Incognito will always be viewed negatively. That’s what happens, when you’re accused of bullying someone and have a history of alleged harassment towards teammates.
Regardless – or maybe because of this – Incognito is an intriguing personality. In that respect, his Thursday appearance on ‘The Herd’ was always going to draw a lot of attention.
When you consider the public perception of the 33-year, he likely surprised people with how eloquently he came across, during his interview with Colin Cowherd. Not that this was going to stop the Fox Sports Radio presenter from discussing what happened in Miami.
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What was particularly interesting, was Incognito’s response, when asked if he had been back in touch with Jonathan Martin, the victim of the apparently racially-charged intimidation: “For me and Jonathan, our relationship ended that week (when it all came out) – it was completely done.
“(However), you learn from it, you move on and it was a very long process of getting over it and getting to where I am right now. One of the biggest things for me…was admitting there was a problem and you were part of it – that was the key.”
Part of the process included going to therapy: “I did a ton of therapy, many conversations with family (and) friends. And the biggest thing for me to get over, was you were the problem, own it, learn from it and make yourself a better person.”
The 2005 third round draft pick also talked about his natural inclination for being a ‘tough guy’: “I’ve always had this wild child (in me), I’ve always been out of control on and off the field.
“Once I began therapy, looking and growing and figuring out what I want from life, that’s when I was able to differentiate between (when I should and shouldn’t be aggressive) and flip the switch. Now, on the field and in practice, it’s very easy for me to flip that switch…and it’s more of a controlled rage.”
Despite appearing to be a different person, there are likely a lot of critics who believe it’s all an act, and Incognito is still the same as always. He acknowledges this.
The Englewood, New Jersey native said: “Of course there’s doubters, especially (on) social media. Those are the loudest ones, guys on a keyboard can zing you the worst and it’s hilarious…but I take it all in stride.”
No matter what’s happened, Incognito is clearly in a better place now, after a stellar 2015 campaign, when he helped the Bills lead the NFL in rushing. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl and rewarded with a three-year, $15.75 million deal during the offseason.
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Given all this, it should come as no surprise to hear the 2003 First-team All-Big 12 selection say how much he loves Rex Ryan: “He is straightforward and fun-loving, his spirit is infectious.
“Rex always has a smile on his face and is a straight-shooter. I’ve played for a lot of coaches in this league that are scared of their own shadow, and Rex is definitely not that.”
Overall, Incognito is looking forward to a successful season with the Bills: “We have a great squad, a very talented squad and I’m very excited to be back in Buffalo this year.”
The former Nebraska Cornhusker may not be your cup of tea. However, you get the feeling he will play an influential role, if the Bills are to finally end the NFL’s longest current playoff drought.
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For any Bills fans, what did you initially think after hearing the team had signed Incognito? Further, how does that compare to where you stand on him today? Let us know in the comments section below.