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There was a time when Willis McGahee was thought of as a bit of a malcontent, someone who was a little too concerned about his personal goals, and not concerned enough about those of the team.
Over the last couple years, and especially the last couple weeks, McGahee has proven without a doubt that label no longer applies.
Since Ray Rice took over as the Ravens' starting running back last season, McGahee has been relegated to the team's goal line and change-of-pace back. He posted 12 rushing touchdowns last season, but got just 109 carries, a sliver of the near-300 he got his first year in Baltimore.
Despite the lack of touches, McGahee had nothing negative to say. He was happy to help the team in any way possible, he said. "Let Ray get the carries, I'll get the touchdowns."
Three weeks ago, in the Ravens' win over the Broncos, McGahee was stuffed on two goal line carries early in the game. Rice and fullback Le'Ron McClain were given the goal line duties the rest of the afternoon.
Just a week after that, McGahee didn't see the field for a single play in the Ravens' overtime loss to the Patriots. The former Pro Bowl running back and backup quarterback Marc Bulger were the only active players not to step foot on the field at Gillette Stadium that afternoon.
It was a perfect opportunity for McGahee to pop off and complain about how he was being utilized - or rather, how he was not being utilized. He would have had every right to question why he wasn't a part of the gameplan and to request more game action.
Instead, McGahee said all the right things. His time would come. He just wasn't in the mix this week.
Knowing they had made a mistake by not getting McGahee in the game against New England, head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator made amends last weekend against the Bills.
They made McGahee a team captain for the game, which Harbaugh later called a "statement" that the veteran running back was important to the team. They gave him the start. They handed him the ball 11 times, and McGahee came through with 64 rushing yards and a touchdown.
After the game, he could have used the opportunity to claim he deserves more carries and chances to make plays. Instead, he played it cool yet again.
"I had fun," McGahee said simply. "If I get an opportunity, I'm going to take advantage of it."
Malcontent? I don't see that here. I just see a guy who genuinely wants to win and will help his team in any way he can.
As a coach, teammate or fan, you can't ask for much more than that.
