I'm just Alfred.

Not sure you noticed this over the weekend, but when the Redskins defeated the Cowboys to clinch a playoff spot, Alfred Morris's name was mentioned as the unsung hero on the winning team.

He certainly has an interesting story. He is a 5'10" running back drafted in the 6th round from Florida Atlantic University who was 1-11 last year. Morris, as his size, speed (he runs a 4.67 40 dash which 19 rookies ran faster than at the combine) and draft round reflects, was unlikely to make the Redskin's final 53 man roster. But he did and then he goes on to rush for over 1600 yards in the season -- 2nd best in the NFL. Talk about a "cinderella story."

However, what makes me cheer for him even more is the following

After Sunday's game, Redskin Tight End Chris Cooley said, "I'll tell you what: Alfred Cooley became a star tonight. he deserved it. He's a phenomenal football player." To which Morris answered: "I'm never a star. I'll never be a star. Other people might think I'm a star, but I'm just Alfred."

How refreshing is that response. On his wikipedia entry, it says he stills drives this 1991 Mazda 626 which he calls "the Bentley."

I'll be cheering for Washington on Sunday.

Here are two more stories on Morris: one from the Washington Post and one from the Wall Street Journal that are worth readin. Thanks to Paul Perkinson for pointing this out to me.

The Washington Waddle that is Impossible to Tackle

For Washington Redskins Alfred Morris It's too good to be believed