Fullback Jon Ritchie, who for five years made streaming red a suitable color infusion to go along with silver and black, signed a free-agent contract Friday with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ritchie, 28, signed a two-year contract worth $1.5million plus $1.6million more in potential incentives, according to his agent, Steve Baker.
One of the most popular Oakland Raiders because of his hard-nosed style of play, bloody forehead and unique personality, Ritchie moved to a contending team in his home state that could better use his offensive skills.
After catching 119 passes in his first four years in Oakland, with a high of 45 in 1999, Ritchie had just 10 receptions in 2002 as the Raiders moved to more formations with three wide receivers and one running back -- most often halfback Charlie Garner.
"I felt very strongly if I were to leave the Raiders, it would have to be for a great team in a situation where I would have a chance to contribute a good amount," Ritchie told reporters in Philadelphia. "Playing time is a real issue for me. I feel very comfortable with the offense here, which is very similar to what I've run my whole career."
Ritchie replaces Cecil Martin, an unrestricted free agent, as the starting fullback.
"We began working on a deal yesterday, and we pretty much knew we'd be ready to do something (Friday)," Baker said. "Anyone who knows Jon knows what a competitor he is. The Raiders used the fullback less last year, and Jon was even pushing to be on special teams to do whatever he could. I think he feels this give his career a fresh start."
Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen wasn't surprised Ritchie, a native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., found a new home nearer his old home.
"The way our offense was constructed his playing time was limited, and we know that was important to him," Allen said. "We know what was important to him was to be on the field for closer to 70 percent of the plays than 30 percent, and we respected that. He was an excellent teammate and a good guy."
