Versatile RB Goings has no problem returning to backup role

I wish every player could be like Goings


Versatile RB Goings has no problem returning to backup role

By: Steve Reed
Gazette Sports Reporter

CHARLOTTE – Nick Goings is back on the Carolina Panthers’ punt return team. He’s also working on punt blocks, kickoff coverage, backup fullback and as a third-down back.
Even after rushing for better than 100 yards in six of Carolina’s final eight games last season, Goings knew that when the 2005 season arrived he’d be right back to where he started, serving as the Panthers’ super-versatile backup running back and special teams specialist.

And you know what? He’s OK with it.

In fact, he’s pretty happy.

Unlike Reuben Droughns, who used his success last season with the Denver Broncos as leverage for an off-season trade to the Cleveland Browns, Goings had no intention of forcing the Panthers’ hand in an effort to cash in on his success.

He didn’t ask to be traded.

He didn’t ask to have the final two years of his contract redone.

And he isn’t holding out.

“I’m very happy here,” Goings said following Tuesday’s minicamp practice. “Carolina gave me a wonderful opportunity out of college because I was undrafted. I really like it here. I love playing football. I will do whatever it takes to win. I’m not going to complain and be one of those guys.”

Goings, 27, is due to make $600,000 in 2005 and 2006, a number that is modest by NFL standards.

Panthers head coach John Fox has the utmost respect for Goings as a football player, and said his loyalty to the organization is reflection on him as an individual.

“That is what you try to find — guys that are selfless and not selfish,” Fox said. “That is how you maximize being a good football team. I would like to have 50 Nick Goings on the roster.

“When called upon, he does his job. It might be blocking on a punt, it might be playing punt return or it might be starting at running back. Nick Goings is going to show up and give his best. And usually his best is pretty darn good.”

If nothing else, Goings did buy himself a bit of job security last season after rushing for a team-high 821 yards, all but 130 coming in the second half of the season when the Panthers went 6-2. He scored six touchdowns during that span.

But now he’s back to being a security blanket for Fox and his staff.

Goings is working third string at running back behind DeShaun Foster and rookie Eric Shelton from Louisville. When Stephen Davis returns, Goings will almost certainly drop to fourth on the depth chart.

But make no doubt about it, Goings will see action in the Carolina backfield, either as a third-down back or at fullback where he’ll give starter Brad Hoover an occasional breather.

“My role is going to be basically the same as it was at the beginning of last year,” Goings said.

Goings doesn’t hold any grudges about not getting to compete for the starting job.

In fact, he said he never even contemplated asking for more money or even a trade.

“Not really,” Goings said. “I’m thankful for what happened last season. I got a lot of experience and gained a lot of confidence from it. I’m out here trying to help us win and I will do what it takes to have us win.”

As for his future, Goings’ plan is simply to work hard and continue to hope for the best.

“I’m just going to take care of the things I can control,” he said. “I’m just thankful to be in this position.”



6/8/2005

 

Quality player, quality person. You can't ask for much more than that.

 

And he really, truly is a NICE GUY - this isn't just politically correct speak.