Richie Incognito knew the number of NFL opportunities would be reduced in light of the way his stint with the Miami Dolphins concluded a year and a half ago. So when presented with an opportunity to sign with the Bills as a free agent last week, Incognito was straightforward and honest in speaking with Kim and Terry Pegula as well as Rex Ryan face to face last week.
As told to NFL.com's Jeff Darlington, here was Incognito's description of what he said to the Bills owners and new head coach.
Richie Incognito:
"I told them what I had learned from the whole situation – that I needed to respect those around me more and that I needed to realize I may find things funny that others find offensive.
"This whole learning process was about becoming self-aware, about becoming a better person, teammate and leader. We mutually expressed that this would be my last chance and that we should look at this as a positive to bring attention to a sensitive subject, while proving to people that I'm not a racist jerk.
"We talked about possible ways to turn this situation around and ways we can impact the community. We had a good talk for about an hour. They then met separately. They then came back and said they would like me to be a part of the organization."
Incognito was officially signed by the Bills on Monday. Darlington also stated that Incognito has been working out twice a day and has completed an undisclosed treatment program at the McLean Institute in Boston.
The 6-3, 319-pound veteran offensive guard originally entered the NFL in 2005 as a third round (81st overall) pick of the St. Louis Rams.