Saying Goodbye to Reggie Hayward

All signs point to the end of Reggie Hayward’s career as a Jaguar.  I am sorry to see it come to this. I liked Reggie and believe he has more to give. I guess it will be with another team.  Having said that, I bow to Gene Smith’s knowledge of when it is time to let go.

Reggie came as a free agent to the Jaguars after a career with the Denver Broncos. He was a third round draft choice and was a very productive Defensive End with Denver. He had 19 sacks in his 2003 and 2004 season. In his first year with Jacksonville he had 8.5 sacks, 6 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles.  That is enough productivity to turn two games in our favor. Reggie was a force to contend with. 

In 2006 he suffered an achillies tendon tear and missed the entire season.  In 2007 he had 3.5 sacks and in 2008 he had 4.5 sacks. Reggie was still a force on the end and was poised to have a great 2009 season. A broken fibula in his leg (where the fibula is) caused him to miss the entire 2009 season. There was no replacement for him on the squad and all sack numbers suffered.

Reggie was a high paid player making $3.5 million in salary. His 5 year $25 million contract with the Jaguars ran through 2009. He did renogotiate his contract prior to 2009 in which he made $1.25 million in 2009 plus incentives.  This was Reggie’s way of saying he wanted to be a part of the team.

I don’t think it would have taken much to sign him again, he already made his money. I just think the Jaguars felt his football career was over.  For two of his 5 years, Reggie was out of action.

Football is a rough game and players know injuries can take them out of the paycheck quickly. I am glad Reggie made his money. I am also sorry we never saw the full impact of the money paid.  I wish he had another year to show it, but I guess not.

Reggie Hayward is a great guy and a good solid football player.  I will miss him. Good luck Reggie.

 - Terry O’Brien