He has had roadblocks, struggles and critics, but Trent Richardson still pursues a career in football with strong faith. The former University of Alabama star spent time the National Football League, Canadian Football League and Alliance of American Football League (disbanded), however, his next move is one he hopes gets him back to the NFL.
Under the guidance of Vince McMahon and Alpha Entertainment, the XFL started in 2001 but quickly fizzled.
The return for the exciting league is set between January or February of 2020, and Richardson is currently training for the league’s showcase.
He was a fan favorite through three seasons with the Crimson Tide (2009-11) as he was part of two national championships.
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Richardson made life easy for two quarterbacks – Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron – and until Derrick Henry arrived in 2015, the native Floridian and former five-star held the school’s single-season rushing mark in 2011 with 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns on 283 carries.
He guided Alabama to a 21-0 win over Louisiana State University in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game and won a host of awards – including unanimous All-American, first-team All-Southeastern Conference, SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Doak Walker Award.
Richardson finished third in the Heisman voting that year.
His 3,130 career rushing yards ranks seventh all-time, while his 35 touchdowns stand fifth all-time in UA history. Despite his time in the NFL and CFL not panning out like he would have wanted; Richardson has chosen the path of resiliency.
During his lone year in the AAF (2019), he led the league in rushing scores (12) and brought a sense of grit to the Birmingham Iron.
According to a photo from Coach Reed on Twitter, he excelled in the training process and did well at the XFL showcase. The league will have eight teams and Reed is hopeful that the St. Louis franchise gets Richardson.
With Former Alabama star and first round pick Trent Richardson. He performed at a very high level today. Would be a tremendous addition to our city. #keepworking #XFLShowcase #XFL2020 #STLouis @XFLStLouis pic.twitter.com/HJbV49ZG42
— Coach Reed (@CoachReed314) July 13, 2019
For now, the former Tide standout wants to silence doubters.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
