Runyan checks in with the Beast

BasX · Mar 21, 2009

I was in the middle of eating beer-battered biscuits at one of my favorite breakfast spots in Dallas (Barbec's) this morning when former Eagles right tackle Jon Runyan's name popped up on caller ID. He's always been a fun guy to cover because of his brutal honesty and wry sense of humor.

Runyan reminded me that it will be two months since he underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee this Thursday. He's getting a kick out of reading reports that he might retire because that's the last thing on his mind.

"I'm playing next season," he said. "I just don't know where it will be. But I'll be with somebody."

Runyan said the Eagles (and other teams around the league) are taking a "wait-and-see approach" with him. He will take another trip to Birmingham, Ala., in six weeks to visit with famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews and see how his knee is responding. Dr. Andrews said the recovery would take 4-6 months, so Runyan anticipates being ready for training camp in late July.

And it wouldn't be wise to count him out. His 192 consecutive games played is third among current players and Eagles fans won't forget that Runyan played most of the 2007 season with a broken tailbone. He hasn't had any dialogue with the Eagles, but his close relationship with Andy Reid will at least keep him in the conversation. He called the departures of Brian Dawkins and Tra Thomas "unfortunate," but he didn't necessarily hold management responsible for what happened.

When I asked him about Donovan McNabb's offseason drama, he was pretty blunt.

"I've always thought if players sign a contract, they should go ahead and honor it," he said.

I'll stay in touch with Runyan throughout the offseason and try to bring you periodic updates on his rehabilitation. OK, go about your Saturday in peace.
Click to expand...

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-6-434/Runyan-checks-in-with-the-Beast.html

Log in or Sign up

Runyan checks in with the Beast

BasX I Win

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Runyan checks in with the Beast

BasX I Win

Share This Page

Useful Searches