ASHBURN — Josh Doctson needed an outlet away from football. The first two years of his career had not gone as planned, and the Redskins wide receiver admitted Wednesday he felt the pressure of living up to the high expectations that come with being a first-round draft pick.
So over the course of last season, the 26-year-old did something unconventional for someone his age. He took up reading.
“You don’t like veggies being young, and now I love every kind of vegetable,” Doctson said. “So it’s kind of that thing, you know? With age, you kind of find more interests.”
Next season will likely be the most important of Doctson’s career to date. The Redskins declined to pick up his fifth-year option earlier this month, which means he’ll be a free agent next offseason. The Redskins are not only counting on him to have a big year, but Doctson is essentially auditioning for 31 other teams, as well.
Speaking with reporters after practice, Doctson said Washington’s decision to pass on that option does not motivate him, nor did it not bother him. He said he knows he won’t be the first free agent, or the last.
Reading provided perspective.
Doctson found books tailored to his interests, namely “The Urban Monk” — a novel that “reveals the secrets to finding an open heart, sharp mind and grounded sense of well-being, even in the most demanding circumstances,” according to Amazon. He’s about halfway through it.
“(Reading) kind of helped me calm down and see that this is a child’s game that you’re fortunate enough to play and feed your family and to be able to sit down and retire early on in your life,” Doctson said. “I think that kind of took away a lot of the pressures in knowing that this sport is a game that has highs and lows like life.”
Doctson felt the pressure his first two seasons.
After being drafted 22nd overall out in 2016, the TCU product missed all but two games with an Achilles injury. The following season, Doctson underwhelmed again — catching only 35 catches for 502 yards. Fans grew restless over when Doctson would finally produce.
Statistically, Doctson’s 2018 wasn’t much better. He had 44 receptions for only 532 yards and caught only two touchdowns — down six from the year before. It wasn’t a surprise the Redskins turned down his fifth-year option, worth an estimated $10.3 million.
But Doctson said that last year, he could finally relax and play ball. Though the gaudy statistical numbers still weren’t there, the Redskins had four quarterbacks under center last year, which would likely affect any receiver’s production.
Coach Jay Gruden said he’s hopeful Doctson “comes through in a big way” for the Redskins next season.
“I’m Josh’s biggest supporter up here,” Gruden said. “It’s a big year for him, we all know contractually, but for this football team for us to have success, we need his input. We need his production. … If he has the year that I think he should have, then our offense should really take the next step.”
If Doctson is actually motivated to have a big 2019, he’s not saying so — telling reporters he doesn’t have to prove “nothing to nobody” next season.
After all, Doctson has found interests away from football, to help put his mind at ease. Beyond reading the wideout spent a week and a half in Rwanda. That, too, was a humbling experience, he said.
Doctson saw “the simplicity of life,” calling it a trip of a lifetime.
“Everybody needs that outlet, man,” Doctson said of his interests. “Everybody needs kind of a different twist of life, what life can throw at you, what life can be about.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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