Thank You, Arian Foster
There was an interview I watched years ago where an NFL scout discussed what he looked for when evaluating a potential running back. To paraphrase, he simply stated that all he cared about was whether the running back could make the other guy miss. He didn’t care how it was done — whether it was barreling over the defender, blowing right past them or juking them out of their socks. Just make sure it got done. During Arian Foster’s peak, there wasn’t a single thing he couldn’t do as a running back. He was the perfect blend.
The lack of production and opportunities during his senior season as well as rumored maturity issues were said to be the reason for Foster going undrafted coming out of Tennessee. As we’ve often learned, skepticism over potential off-the-field issues doesn’t always coincide with on-the-field production, and it didn’t seem to faze Foster when arrived in the NFL. During the final two games of his 2009 rookie season — the only games he got the majority of the carries — he ran for 100+ yards. When he got the starting job in 2010, he took a quantum leap. Foster was extraordinary during his peak years between 2010–2012, excelling as a do-it-all back who could run between the tackles, contribute to the passing game and make defenders miss in the open field. He ran for 1,616, 1,224 and 1,424 yards and 41 touchdowns respectively during those three years. The 1,616 rushing yards is the most by an undrafted running back in NFL history.
The Texans somehow went 28–20 during that span and made two playoff appearances, which is stunning considering Foster played on offenses that were led by quarterbacks Matt Schaub, TJ Yates and Matt Leinart. He ran behind some great offensive lineman and had Andre Johnson out wide, but defenses knew Foster was getting the ball and we’re equipped to stop him. But he’d still find a way to shred them.
Houston didn’t have much to love, but there were subtle quirks to Foster’s game that made him a must-watch. Guys like Adrian Peterson were stunning to watch because of their sheer violence: they’d take the handoff, make a singular move and burst through the line. With Foster, there was a natural fluidity to the way he ran the ball and saw the field. His great feet afforded him the patience and vision between the tackles and then he exploded into high gear with no hitch. He ran on his toes with his arms swinging low and as far back as they could go which was fun and tailor-made for terrible ball security. When he’d plant to make a juke move, his arm swung out into the open air, similar to what we see presently from LeSean McCoy. He ran at a rhythmic pace; each step seemed as if he was striding in unison with a metronome. And that running style — coupled with his long stride — gave him a gliding effect. He’s arguably the smoothest runner of the 2010’s. Watching him was a thing of beauty.
Eventually, the injury bug stymied his production and cost him half of the 2013 season. He rebounded in 2014 with another 1,200+ yard season and Pro-Bowl appearance but after rupturing his Achilles in 2015, he was booted out of Houston, ending his tenure as the all-time leading rusher in Texans history.
But for all he accomplished on the field, Foster might be appreciated more for what he said off of it. He was the anti-cliche, often outspoken and transparent, even in penalty. He was forthright in his passions beyond football such as poetry, philosophy and acting. Foster made appearances on CBS’ Hawaii 5–0 and the terrible movie Draft Day with Kevin Costner. He also openly spoke out on more pertinent social issues such as the Kaepernick protests (he also kneeled during the National Anthem this season), healthy eating and his religion when he told ESPN that he was a proud Atheist. Sporting News even labeled him “The Most Interesting Man in the NFL” back in 2011. Now that he’s retired, it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw Foster collecting checks on a highly-popular food show or traveling the world on an elaborate “Man vs World” spinoff. For all of his perceived personality issues, Foster came across as a well-rounded, thoughtful individual who had real opinions in a sport that continues to undermine and insult its personalities and sap them of any individuality while condoning and blatantly covering up other, more egregious atrocities. Unknowingly, he was the perfect spokesperson against the NFL’s all-out fight against player identity. The NFL didn’t deserve him.
But the people appreciated his impact. I’ve checked Twitter for the past four hours since he’s made his retirement announcement. Aside from still-bitter Tennessee Vols fans and religion truthers, he’s mainly been greeted with admiration for his football production and worldly self-awareness and viewpoints. He ran for 6,572 yards in his career and finished with 55 TD’s. Those aren’t traditional Hall of Fame numbers. He probably won’t get in. But knowing Foster, he doesn’t care.
He still accomplished great things. There are seven 1,000 rushing yard seasons in the Texans’ short existence. Foster has four of them. He’s a four-time Pro-Bowler, the Texans all-time leader in rushing attempts, and fifth all-time in NFL history in scrimmage yards per game at 110.9. Foster never got a legitimate shot at competing for a Super Bowl title. That shouldn’t diminish his legacy. He was a phenomenal back who gave it all on a team that didn’t put any remnants of talent around him, and injuries cut his career short.
Foster is only 30. Given how many young players have recently said peace to the NFL — 19 players retired from the NFL at age 30 or younger in 2015, according to Business Insider — it was the perfect time to bow out.
So Namaste, Arian. You were, and are, a true original.
Originally published at qnarcisse.wordpress.com on October 25, 2016.
