Benched Redskins corner Josh Norman says he’s ‘taking the high road,’ will ‘rise again’
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman expressed confidence that he’ll “rise again” in spite of his benching this season.Â
Norman was benched in Week 11 and played six snaps in Sunday’s 37-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 because the Redskins’ other two cornerbacks were injured.
Norman was in coverage for part of the Eagles’ winning touchdown pass.
He spoke to reporters about seeing his benching as adversity he’ll overcome by “taking the high road.”Â
“I don’t think I’ve spoken in a long time just because I want to be prepared and everything, but I’ve been built up strong,” Norman said after the game. “This has made me stronger. I will rise again for it because that’s who I am. … Sucks that I can’t prove it right now, but formalities and situations, you’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt.”
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Norman has one year left on his five-year, $75 million deal that he signed in 2016 to make him the highest-paid corner in the NFL at the time. Despite making the Pro Bowl with the Carolina Panthers before signing that deal, he’s yet to match that elite level in Washington.Â
“I’m a guy who, when I shake your hand, when I signed, that’s what it is,” he said of his mindset. “I’m going to do whatever they ask. I’m not going to buck the system. I know I could, but I choose not to because it’s grace.”
“I’m blessed, man. I truly am. Even in this situation, it may not look that way. Trust me. It ain’t no gray skies when I look out. Only thing is sunny. I’m looking forward to the time when we do touch that blade of grass again, and I’m going to do it in a big way. But like I said, I’ve been blessed. If I don’t play another snap, another down, that’s what it is.”