Challenges in the Life of Richie Incognito in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 4, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Richie Incognito faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Richard "Richie" Incognito Jr. is a former American professional football guard in the NFL. Drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2005 after playing college football for Nebraska, he also played for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Oakland Raiders. He earned four Pro Bowl selections during his career. He retired once, returned, and then retired again after playing three seasons with the Raiders.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2002: Behavioral Problems

In 2002, Richie Incognito displayed behavioral problems, including hitting a teammate, being accused of spitting on an opponent, and being ejected from a game.

2003: Suspended and Sent to Menninger Clinic

In 2003, Richie Incognito was suspended from the team and sent to the Menninger Clinic for anger management treatment after a fight during practice.

2005: Concerns at NFL Combine

During the 2005 NFL Combine, Richie Incognito's emotional control issues were highlighted as a major concern by ESPN Scouts Inc., potentially affecting his draft position. Some teams even had him on a "do not draft" list.

2006: Penalties with the Rams

From 2006 to 2009, Richie Incognito drew 38 penalties.

2009: Penalties with the Rams

From 2006 to 2009, Richie Incognito drew 38 penalties.

2009: NFL Players Vote Incognito 'Dirtiest Player'

In 2009, NFL players voted Richie Incognito the dirtiest player in the league, according to a Sporting News poll.

December 7, 2012: Incognito Involved in Pearl Harbor Incident

On December 7, 2012, Richie Incognito, along with John Jerry and Mike Pouncey, donned traditional Japanese headbands featuring a rising sun emblem and jokingly threatened to harm an assistant trainer physically in retaliation for the Pearl Harbor attack.

April 2013: Incognito's Voicemail Leads to Suspension

In April 2013, Richie Incognito left a highly graphic voicemail for Jonathan Martin. The voicemail contained racial slurs, threats against Martin's mother, and a death threat. Upon hearing the voicemail, the Dolphins immediately suspended Incognito indefinitely.

November 3, 2013: Suspended by the Dolphins

On November 3, 2013, Richie Incognito was suspended by the Miami Dolphins for conduct detrimental to the team after allegedly harassing teammate Jonathan Martin.

2013: Incognito Allegedly Pressured Martin to Contribute to Las Vegas Trip

In the summer of 2013, Richie Incognito allegedly pressured Jonathan Martin to contribute $15,000 to finance a trip to Las Vegas with other Dolphins players. Martin reportedly did so fearing negative repercussions if he refused.

February 14, 2014: Ted Wells Releases Report on Bullying Allegations

On February 14, 2014, lawyer Ted Wells released a report concluding that Richie Incognito, along with John Jerry and Mike Pouncey, bullied Jonathan Martin, another Dolphins offensive lineman, and an assistant trainer.

May 23, 2018: Incognito Placed on Involuntary Psychiatric Hold

On May 23, 2018, Richie Incognito was placed on an "involuntary psychiatric hold" for his part in an altercation at a Life Time Fitness health club in Boca Raton, Florida.

August 20, 2018: Incognito Arrested After Funeral Home Incident

On August 20, 2018, Richie Incognito was arrested after an incident at a funeral home where he threatened to shoot employees while making funeral arrangements for his father. He was charged with disorderly conduct and making threats.