As an NFL player, just because you’ve made it into your twilight years as a veteran doesn’t mean that you’re safe from gaining new nicknames.
While rookies might receive the bulk of the hazing and poking fun from others in the locker room, aging veterans are also often subject to namecalling and slights.
For Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie, his 12th season in the league has seen some new nicknames come his way.
“Some call me ‘OG,’ some call my ‘Old Head,'” Rodgers-Cromartie said to Gabe Henderson on a ride through Redskins Park. “We were out there doing sprints, and coach [Gruden] kept calling me ‘Old Man Rivers.’ I was trying to figure out who he was talking to and I was looking around. I keep forgetting that I’m the old man in the room because I have a young spirit.”
At age 33, Rodgers-Cromartie has to find new ways to invigorate himself each and every day while trying to avoid being aged out of the league. It turns out that his love for the game is a driving factor.
“I love coming in and just kicking it with the fellas,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “Being 12 years in, that ain’t really heard of, so I just have to take advantage. Every day I come in—just uplifting. I’m just going to bring good energy and spirit to the team.”
DRC has already started to fill the role of mentor by working with rookie QB Dwayne Haskins. Now he can easily cover the role of a good teammate, as he brings veteran energy into the locker room.
