Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson says that his days on the popular A&E reality program are numbered.
The hit show follows the eccentric Robertson family in Louisiana and has consistently brought in stellar ratings for the network. With 9.6 million viewers, it is the highest rated telecast in the network’s history.
Duck Dynasty returns on August 14, but family patriarch Phil might not be a part of the show much longer. He tells Parade magazine that despite the show’s success, he doesn’t want to be a part of it for much longer.
When asked how much longer, Phil replied :
“Not long. But I think it’ll go on without me… I’ll catch a few fish. Hunt squirrels, deer, ducks. Stay out in the woods. Come in. Make the jam. Enjoy life.”
Despite the interview, family spokesman Al Robertson said that Phil is not leaving the show any time soon when asked for comment on the rumor.
The Robertson family owns and operates the Duck Commander and Buck Commander companies out of its West Monroe warehouse. It has become a huge tourist magnet since the A&E series began.
Phil once said that he actually turned down a career opportunity with the NFL in order to pursue his dream duck hunting business.
“They said, ‘Why don’t you go in the NFL and play football?’ In the ’60s, the late ’60s, the going price was $60,000. You make the team? 60 grand. I thought, ‘And I miss duck season? And I have large, violent… men chasing me trying to stomp me in the dirt?’ It just seemed like a lot of stress and not a lot of money.”
It paid off too. Phil Robertson has an estimated net worth of $15 million.
Do you think there’s any truth to the rumor that Phil Robertson will be leaving Duck Dynasty in the near future?