Chad Clifton on His Health and Future

Chad Clifton spoke with Jason Wilde on ESPN Radio Friday morning. He discussed topics including his health, termination from the Packers, plans for the 2012 season, and potential successor at the left tackle position. The full podcast can be heard here.

Clifton was asked about his feelings when he found out he would be cut by the Packers. He responded:

"It's a bitter pill to swallow, definitely. I had the back surgery...it was the week after the season ended....I just was down in Nashville, rehabbing, working out, went back up to Green Bay and that's when I got the news."

"I definitely knew the possibility...several, I guess, media outlets were reporting throughout the spring that I could get released."

Clifton was then asked if he would consider playing again this year:

"If there's interest, we'll see if I'm interested, just kind of play it by ear."

"If it's the right situation, I think I would. Again, I'm gonna have to get healthy, that's the number one thing on my mind, and that's getting my back as strong as I possibly can."

More comments from Clifton are after the jump.

Clifton on what he'll miss most in Green Bay:

"Just the camaraderie with the guys, you know, there's a lot of great guys and a lot of great people in that organization. So, just not being around those guys on a day-to-day basis, you'll definitely miss that."

Clifton on Marshall Newhouse:

"Marshall's got a lot of talent, at let tackle position you need a guy that can move, who's athletic, has quick feet, and he has all the attributes that you need in a left tackle. So I'm looking to see him have a phenomenal year this year, and I'm really pulling for him."

Clifton left with a message for the listeners:

"My 12 years in Green Bay have been phenomenal for me and my family, playing for the Packers, and you know having the greatest fans in professional sports in my opinion, (they) back you each and every week, (it's) always a sold out stadium. It's been a lot of fun, and it's been my honor really to play for Green Bay."

I think I speak for all Packers fans when I say that Clifton was an great player and a great person off the field. I wish him the best of luck in his recovery, and if he plays in the NFL again, I hope he plays well and continues his success. Luckily, it appears that he suffered no significant injuries that will prevent him from living a normal life and raising his children when he does finally determine that his days in football are over.

There's no doubt that Clifton will be returning to Green Bay down the road to enter his place in the Packers Hall of Fame.