Former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel has some questions for NFL fans.
Samuel took shots at Hall of Fame defensive back Darrell Green on Twitter, asking why Green is considered to be one of the best ever when he had 54 interceptions in 19 years.
Apparently, Samuel feels Green should have been more of a ball-hawk from the nickel back spot.
With all do respect can someone explain to me why Darrell Green is considered a great? He played 19 years and was mostly a nickel back. 54 INT’s in 19 years. Talk to me????
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) July 4, 2020
Green's former teammate and longtime Washington Redskins running back Brian Mitchell came to Green's defense, saying Samuel is a “fool” if he cannot recognize the skills that made Green an all-time great.
If you don’t know, then you’re a damn fool!!!!
— Brian Mitchell (@BMitchliveNBCS) July 5, 2020
Samuel insisted he does not merely run with the crowds, in turn chiding Mitchell as well.
Naw pimp… not a fool at all you might need to ask yourself are you a fool fool. I don’t listen to the people I find out for myself FOOL
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) July 5, 2020
The former cornerback's skepticism of Green likely comes from a numerical comparison of the two corners.
Whereas Green had 54 interceptions in 19 years, Samuel had 51 interceptions and the same amount of defensive touchdowns (six) in just 11 years. Samuel twice led the league in interceptions in 2006 and 2009, and he ranks just behind the great Ronnie Lott in interception return yards.
The former New England Patriots corner also has two Super Bowl rings–like Green–and the two each made one All-Pro team. Green did make three more Pro Bowls than Samuel.
Of course, the numbers do not tell the whole story. Green was regarded as one of the fastest players in NFL history, and he also won the 1996 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his service off the gridiron.
Samuel is probably just trying to make his own claim for the Hall of Fame. But players of Green's era, like Mitchell, recognize the kind of talent he was on the field.
Follow Us
Subscribe