Haddix lost to Green Bay
Michael Haddix, we hardly knew you. Well, actually, maybe we knew you too well.
Originally published February 18, 1989.
Michael Haddix, we hardly knew you. Well, actually, maybe we knew you too well.
Haddix, the Eagles' heralded first-round draft pick (sixth overall) in 1983, signed a two-year free-agent contract with the Green Bay Packers yesterday, ending six vastly disappointing years in Philadelphia.
The Eagles left Haddix, 27, off of their 37-man protected list this month, leaving him free to negotiate with any team in the league without restrictions.
Sources say that Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan told Haddix that the team wanted him back, but that Haddix knew he never would have a chance to be a starter in Philadelphia.
Haddix, in the past, has let his desire to test the market well known, to get a chance to get out from under the 6-year-old expectations.
Haddix, who could vie for the starting fullback's job in Green Bay, will make a total of $850,000 during the two-year span, said his agent, Harry Himes, including $450,000 in base salary and bonuses if he makes the Packers this season.
In 1988, the last year of his six-year original deal with the Eagles, Haddix made a base of $300,000 and a reporting bonus of $115,000, for a total of $415,000.
Haddix recently had told those interested that he would be switching agents, from Himes to Jim Solano, but then apparently changed his mind.
Haddix could not be reached for comment.
In 1983, drafted by then-head coach Marion Campbell out of Mississippi State, Haddix came to the Eagles bandied as an impact running back. But, though he remained on the team in a blocking back role, he never won any hearts.
Always, he was haunted by the fact that he never had come close to fulfilling the expectations everyone had for the sixth player picked in a draft filled with superstars (John Elway, Eric Dickerson, Dan Marino).
In his six years, Haddix gained just 1,189 yards on 402 carries and scored no touchdowns in the last four years. Haddix carried the ball 57 times for 185 yards this year, and caught 12 passes for 82.