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Joyous journeyman Raiders backup RB Kirby glad for a shot at a title
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- After 10 weeks without a job, Terry Kirby landed with the Oakland Raiders. Talk about luck. "It feels good," the veteran running back said. The Raiders (13-4) play host to the Baltimore Ravens (14-4) Sunday in the AFC title game. For Kirby, it has been a satisfying last few weeks to a season that got off to a slow start. "When I worked out for three or four teams and it didn't happen, I kind of wondered where I would end up," he said. "Things happen, and it came back in my favor. And I'm thankful for it." Kirby, who once played across the bay for the San Francisco 49ers, was cut by the Cleveland Browns in the preseason. The Raiders picked him up in November when both Tyrone Wheatley and Napoleon Kaufman were hobbled by injury. The eight-year veteran found himself a member of a corps of running backs the Raiders call "The Committee." The group is anchored by Wheatley and includes Kaufman, Kirby, Zack Crockett, Jon Ritchie, Randy Jordan and even quarterback Rich Gannon, who is known for his scrambling ability. Together, they formed the NFL's top rushing offense with 154.4 yards a game in the regular season. They also were first in the AFC with 23 rushing touchdowns. "This is the most unselfish group I've been in," Kirby said. "We have so many running backs, we can't have egos." Kirby led Cleveland in rushing last season with 452 yards and finished second in the AFC among running backs with 58 receptions. He went into the Browns' training camp as the backup to Errict Rhett, but lost that spot to rookie Travis Prentice. Cleveland also signed rookie running back Jamel White on waivers from the Indianapolis Colts, sealing Kirby's fate. When asked if he felt unappreciated by the Browns and other teams in the league who gave him a look but passed, Kirby was honest. "Yeah, I do. Last year, I basically led the Cleveland Browns in total offense," he said. "Then I end up not working for 10 weeks." The Raiders appreciate him. In the divisional playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, Kirby had 11 carries for 37 yards, second on the team only to Wheatley. And that was against Miami's tough rush defense. "He can do it all, he's a real Jack of all trades," head coach Jon Gruden said. "He's a very natural, instinctive back who can play in any situation." Kirby has equal respect for his new coach. "He's so enthused and he has such a love for the game," he said. "It trickles down to the players." Kirby, 30, started his career with the Dolphins then played three years for the 49ers, primarily as a third-down back. Along the way, he became known as a back who could also catch the ball. The Raiders have given him a new chance to prove his ability. "The funny thing is I'm having fun again," he said. "I got my life back into me and I'm having fun with football."
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