Real estate and farming put aside for the Eric Fisher NFL comeback
LOS ANGELES − Eric Fisher was once the first overall pick in an NFL Draft.
Fisher is a two-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion. But as a 31-year-old left tackle, Fisher was unsigned until the Dolphins added him in Week 14 of this NFL season.
"I've actually dabbled in quite a few different ventures in real estate," Fisher said this week. "One of the things I was doing a little bit with a buddy in Kansas, was farming. I hopped on the combine, learned how to run a combine. Training in the morning and then picking corn and beans."
Fisher is too good a player to be off all NFL rosters. The Dolphins viewed him as the perfect insurance for injured Terron Armstead. And Fisher can play right tackle in a pinch.
"I knew in my heart that I was going to come back," Fisher said. "I just stayed on top of my stuff, stayed mentally prepared and was just waiting for the right opportunity."
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Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Friday he would be comfortable activating Fisher for a Sunday night game against the Chargers. Miami coaches believe he's smart, savvy and athletic.
"He's very fresh," Miami offensive coordinator Frank Smith quipped.
Fisher played eight seasons with the Chiefs and spent last year with the Colts. He believes he's an excellent fit for Miami's outside zone scheme.
"It's a really cool offense, high, high pace offense," Fisher said. "Once I'm up to football speed, and in my prime shape, I think this is like a perfect offense for my abilities."
The Dolphins valued Fisher's abilities so much they signed him for 1 year, at $3 million, $2.5 million guaranteed with four future years that will be voided for salary cap purposes, according to Over The Cap.
Fisher has been cramming to learn the Dolphins offensive this week. Smith, the offensive coordinator, thinks the addition was a no-brainer.
"Such a wealth of experience," Smith said. "Playoff battle-tested lineman... It’s just getting up to speed with that and then getting in football shape ready to play. But no, he moved around, you can see he’s very talented athlete and he’s a big guy who moves well."
Fisher would love to see some action this week.
"It's a crazy business, it's a crazy game," Fisher said. This is a big part of me. And I'm glad I'm back."
Joe Schad can be reached at jschad@pbpost.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Eric Fisher of Miami Dolphins was Pro Bowler with KC Chiefs
