Mikel Leshoure wants to be fed. The Detroit Lions running back wants to be the star somewhere and if that is not possible with his current team then the young star wants to be released. Leshoure has turned into a after-thought after being a second-round draft pick in 2011 and now he wants to be released for a team that will let him show his talents off.
Leshoure was a star in his second season after tearing his Achilles his rookie year. The running back put up 798 yards and nine touchdowns in limited action. However, this season he has nine yards in just three games. He has rarely been active as he sits on a crowded roster of running backs and Leshoure is ready for that to change.
Currently sharing the running back load with Reggie Bush, Joique Bell and Theo Riddick, Leshoure has seen his chances on the field all-but disappear as Bush and Bell remain the top backs. He is not saying he must leave the Lions, but he intends on playing for a team that will actually let him play in 2014.
"I just want to be somewhere they're going to feed me the rock and I can go eat, man," Leshoure said, via the Detroit Free Press. "That's it. They could be the worst team in the NFL...Just give me the rock. I feel like I just need the ball. Even here, we don't really run the ball here."
Leshoure's future appears to be just as uncertain as that of head coach Jim Schwartz. His future with the Lions could be entwined with the decision regarding Schwartz. If the head coach stays, Leshoure's production will not change. However a change in regime could help the running back get the carries he is requesting.
Leshoure is staying out of the future drama regarding the Lions. He is focused on one last game with the team and will then look into what his future holds after that.
"Talent wise, I honestly think we're the most talented team in the NFL from top to bottom. But it has to start in the locker room with leadership and it has to start with us just eliminating (stuff) that beats us.But there's other changes and stuff that could go, too," Leshoure said.
If this running back is let go, plenty of teams could be interested. Leshoure has one season worth of decent stats to garner attention. Not to mention he is young and has remained relatively injury free despite his rookie year. He could get picked up very quickly if free agency is in his near future.
