EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is 31 years old and working his way through his 10th NFL training camp. At an age where many corners are slowing down or losing some effectiveness, DRC is coming off what might have been his best season. And right now, he’s having a blast.
“Going into my 10th year. Surrounded by a great group of guys. I definitely understand that we have a chance to do a lot of good things,” Rodgers-Cromartie said on Saturday. I’m definitely having fun. I’m gonna remember this.”
DRC was bouncing around the Quest Diagnostics Training Center field like a kid on Saturday. During a young players vs. veterans one-on-one special teams competition, he was animated, cheering on players on the “veterans” squad and running on the field to congratulate guys who did well.
“I like that drill,” he said. “Everybody got a lot of competition, see what guys are made of. It was fun.”
“DRC loves to work. He loves football, loves to practice, not just playing the games. He’s a competitor,” said coach Ben McAdoo.. “You really heard him in the special teams drills out there today when they got going, they got cranked up, he was getting on guys. I think that’s great for us, we’re fortunate there.”
Rodgers-Cromartie is, of course, part of the teams’ three-headed cornerback monster with Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple. He sees Apple making huge strides in his sophomore season.
“I call it swag, man. He’s playing with a whole lot more swag, man, and it’s definitely showing,” Rodgers-Cromartie said. “He’s out there competing with everybody. He steps up with Odell, Shep, Marshall, whoever they put out there he’s on him.”
Here are more quotes from DRC.
On winning a sprint vs. teammates recently ...
“Every now and then I gotta let ‘em know that I got a few left in me. Can’t pull too much out of me but I did give ‘em one. That’s it.”
On whether he feels “rejuvenated” ...
“No. Not at all. I feel 31. Being out there with them guys it kinda makes you feel like you’re young, but when it’s over with …”
On middle linebacker B.J. Goodson ...
“He’s vocal. If you look at him in practice he’s knocking people out. Coach calls “thud,” he’s full speed. He definitely has that attitude and the mentality to be the middle guy, and he’s voicing it.”
On his new look ...
“Different, man. I’m always different. Describe my game, I’m different.”