Xavier Rhodes says release from Vikings is ‘reality check’ after down season

Xavier Rhodes was one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks not long ago, but after a major dip in performance, he had to find a new team.

Rhodes was released by the Minnesota Vikings and has since landed with the Indianapolis Colts. On Monday, the 29-year-old admitted the Vikings releasing him was a “reality check” a little over two years after he was a first team All-Pro.

Rhodes said getting cut "was a reality check… You have to prove yourself every day."

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 30, 2020

Rhodes did not produce to his usual standards in 2019. It very clearly frustrated him, but even with that in mind, it’s clear he didn’t see his release coming. The Colts will give Rhodes the chance to re-establish himself as a top corner. He’s young enough to do it, and it sounds like he’s prepared to use what happened with the Vikings as motivation to get back to the top.