A Look Back at Albert Haynesworth's Signing Via Redskins Bloggers

I thought it would be fun to go back and look at what we were saying about Haynesworth last March. For the most part, we all knew this would not end well. Here's some links to several blogs from last year.

Homer McFanboy

Brian Murphy had a warning for Skins fans and entitled the Haynesworth post public service announcement. He led off the post with the following:

From all of us at Homer McFanboy to all of you in Redskins Nation we have just one word of advice – please proceed with caution.

after weighing the positive and negatives about Haynesworth the player, HM added this:

So feel free to talk yourself into this latest free agent acquisition or even talk smack to rival fans if you see fit. As for us, we’ll be proceeding with nothing more than cautious optimism until we see just how it all comes together on the field.

Mister Irrelevant

Jamie Mottram had 2 posts covering the Haynesworth signing, neither putting him on record as for or against it. He covered it in his own unique way that blog readers have come to love...he was a charming smart-ass. Oh yeah, this shirt was also born.

From Getting to Know the New $100 Million Man:

Some of that may seem to indicate character flaws, until considering he’s a defense lineman, then you realize they’re actually personality traits.

From Well, That Didn't Take Long: Skins Spend $150 Million on Haynesworth and Hall:

This probably isn’t the right way of doing things, and they’re all gonna laugh at us, but it’s not our money, and these two make the team better, so whatever.

Hogs Haven

Ken and Kevin were also cautious and sarcastic in their coverage. From Ken's post entitled Free Agency in Redskins Nation: Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa All At Once!:

Don't ruin this for me with the price tag either. This was my present from the Redskins. Our present. Today I just don't care about long-term consequences. I am going to unwrap my present and play. Our defense is going to rock (theoretically). Our opponents will be hosting half of our defense behind their line on every play (hypothetically). DeAngelo Hall will capitalize on the additional pressure to the tune of double-digit interceptions (supposably).

I beg you, take a second to embrace the fact that two guys who are easily inked to start for us next year and represent upgrades at their positions are on the team. One of them even stomped on a Cowgirl's head! We will wake up from this drunken orgy of careless spending soon enough. Our Walk of Shame will start on Draft Day (probably), and last through the regular season (God, I hope I'm wrong).

Later, perhaps in a bit of foreshadowing...Kevin asked fans to go on record about the Haynesworth signing. From Albert Haynesworth: Time for Everyone to Go on the Record:

As free agency names come and go, in retrospect, decisions always seem so much clearer. The Jason Taylor deal as we all know now was a total bust, and Vinny is taking quite the lashing for it. Over the course of the season (hopefully years), it'll become clear whether the Haynesworth signing was a bust or brilliance.

The Cooley Zone

Tanner Cooley attended Haynesworth's press conference and scored an interview, from TC: Haynesworth Exclusive:

Whatever issues anyone may have about Albert Haynesworth not being a character guy need to be put to rest. I had the chance to meet the guy today after his press and he seemed to be a genuinely nice guy. In the press conference he discussed the issues of his past and I felt he did a great job of putting them to rest stating, "I'm starting a new chapter in my life after my incident and I'm looking forward to adding to it."

Fatpickled

As for me? I was bitter that the Skins had signed 2 players for $150+ million, weeks after firing 30+ employees because the economy was slow. I did refer to Haynesworth as a "beast." From Great News… The Recession Is Over:

So while I’m excited as a fan about the product that I will see on the field next fall, I’m not comfortable with the ethics of the organization. 40 employees at an average of 50k per year = 2 million. The teams salary cap for players is $127 million, which by smoke and mirrors the Skins will exceed. Add another 15-20 million for the coaching staff and front office. $155 million committed to just 2 players! It just doesn’t add up.

40 employees lives crushed, their spouses and children deeply effected. Is it all worth it? I think not. There is no grey area here, it’s black and white, there is a right and a wrong. And…it’s just wrong. If the Danny has any integrity he would pick up the phone and personally call the individuals he laid off. He should offer them their jobs back and apologize. But we all know that would never happen.

He’s at Morton’s wining and dining the next player, ordering off the menu, and dangling million$$ in their faces.

Today, I think I speak for all of us when I say "F-off Fat Albert."

Cheers and Hail

Fire Trembley

It’s been more than a month since I asked the above question on Twitter; the answer is yes and it’s a damn good one. No, it’s not me…although I would love to take credit for this thing of beauty. It’s @FireTrembley on Twitter who has only 29 followers at this point but deserves a lot more.

The site invites users to post their “Tremblefacts.” Recent “users” include Dikembe Mutombo, Brady Anderson and the Warlord from Coming to America. Betty White even posted her 2 cents on Trembley…



Check out www.firetrembley.com it’s worth losing a half hour of your time and will the Orioles please just FIRE TREMBLEY!

Cheers and Hail

The Best Sports Themed Shows Of All-Time

I've read many articles about the greatest sports movies of all-time but I've never scene a list of the greatest sports shows, so here's my list. First of all the rules...no news type shows (Real Sports, Outside the Lines.) No reality shows (Pro's vs. Joes, American Gladiator.) And finally the show has to have a scripted and predominate sports theme...so just because Ray Ramano was a sports writer, that doesn't make Everybody Love Raymond a sports show. What or is your favorite? Which shows did I miss? Let me know in the comments.

Watch this video on VideoSurf or see more Scott Patterson Videos or Videos

Arli$$ is tied for longest running series of any of the top 10 shows, airing for 7 seasons and 80 episodes on HBO. Arli$$ featured many notable athletes in guest starring roles, normally several different athletes in each episode. Robert Wuhl played the title character Arli$$ Michaels who was a sports agent and the show revolved around his agency. Arliss was sort of hit or miss, it could be real good and it could occasionally be pretty bad…but it definitely hit more than it missed.

Watch this video on VideoSurf or see more Videos or Videos

When I was a kid growing up in the mid 80’s, Saturday mornings weren’t for cartoons, Saturday mornings meant WWF Wrestling and The Baseball Bunch. The Baseball Bunch was a syndicated series that aired for 3 seasons from 1982-85. Johnny Bench was the leader of the bunch with supporting roles from Tom Lasorda and the San Diego Chicken. It was so cheesy but it was so good…bad uniforms, bad hair, awesome mustaches and bad attempts at humor. Some of the best baseball players of the era would stop by to teach the Bunch about baseball including Lou Pinella who tore his rotator cuff while filming the show…he was batting against the San Diego Chicken. Pinella had previous run-ins with the Chicken and was not a fan, the injury ultimately ended Pinella's playing career.



Sports Night aired for 2 seasons and 45 episodes on ABC from 1998-2000. SportsCenter was at the height of it's fame and this show aimed to capitalize on that...but the show never found it's identity. Was it a comedy or was it a drama? The show varied from week to week and was canceled after season 2. The show had offers from cable stations including HBO, where it could have found it's legs and found a spot higher on this list...but creator Aaron Sorkin wanted to concentrate on another show he was working on, The West Wing. Basically started the televisions careers of Felicity Huffman and the like able Peter Krause.



Friday Night Lights is one of the best shows on television today and easily the best show on this list. Great story lines, great music, hot chicks and gifted actors. The football scenes are filmed to look realistic and you want to strap on your chin strap and play your heart out for Coach Taylor. Season 4 starts its NBC run this Friday and this season may be the best yet (the season has already aired on DirecTV.) You do not want to miss episode 5 and the amazing acting job by Zach Gilford. Did I mention this show featured Minka Kelly in 52 episodes...FNL wins!

The Bronx Is Burning Trailer

The Bronx is Burning aired 8 episodes on ESPN in 2007. I guess it was billed as a mini-series but 8 episodes is a season. The show recreated the 1977 season of the New York Yankees and the turmoil that surrounded the team, specifically the trio of George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson. The Son of Sam was also terrorizing the city that summer and the show used that as a subplot. Great acting by John Turturro (always great)as Billy Martin and Daniel Sunjata/Oliver Platt as Jackson and Steinbrenner.



1st and Ten aired for 7 seasons and 80 episodes on HBO from 1984-91. It was one of HBO's first original series and featured OJ Simpson in a starring role. The show was a comedy in the "North Dallas Forty" vein. 1st and Ten was a football show on TV when such a thing just didn't exist and it was on cable so you could get some nudity and bad language in the mix...it deserves some props.

Eastbound and Down : Kenny Powers is a champion

Eastbound and Down has only aired 1 season and 6 episodes to date but...Kenny Powers is the F'in man! Season 2 is set to begin filming this month and will feature KP pitching in the Mexican League...oh yeah, this is going to be good! Produced by Will Ferrell and starring Danny Mcbride, the show definitely has talent. The hardest job in television...McBride's pitching coach, he does throw like a girl.



The White Shadow was a basketball themed show that aired for 3 seasons from 1978-81 on CBS. The plot was that a white retired NBA player takes over as head basketball coach in a predominately black and hispanic school and all the issues that surround that scenario.

Playmakers Fight #1 or see more The Fight Videos or Playmakers Videos

Playmakers was the first original drama series to come from ESPN and it had loads of potential...until the NFL shut it down. The NFL was none to happy with ESPN for airing all of the NFL's dirty laundry (steroids, substance/domestic abuse, etc.) NFL players called it accurate, ESPN called it quits after just 11 episodes.

Redskins Draft: Could've, Would've, Should've

Photo via Redskins Blog


Let me start out by saying that I’m happy with the Redskins 2010 draft. I’m not overly excited and I don’t think this years draft is in any danger of being confused with 1981’s haul…but it was a good solid 7. It will be a couple of seasons before we truly know how any of the players drafted will pan out in the NFL but it’s never too early to scrutinize the picks, that’s where I come in. It’s the could’ve had this player, should’ve drafted this guy and would’ve drafted him if I were running the draft post.

Rd 1 pick 4 Trent Williams OT
Could’ve had…any player not named Bradford, Suh or McCoy

This is the pick that will face the most scrutiny but they needed an O-lineman and they drafted one, props for that. Okung was on the board and these 2 players will be linked as pros.

Rd 2 pick 37 Donovan McNabb QB
Could’ve had…Sergio Kindle OLB

You don’t take a project like McNabb with the 5th pick…oh wait, that was an Eagles fan 11 years ago. So we didn’t really draft McNabb, but we traded this pick for him. I’d rather have McNabb than any other QB that was available in this year's draft, great pick. Kindle would be a great complement to Orakpo and the Skins need linebackers for the 3-4 defense that they are switching to. Instead, Kindle goes to the Ravens who know a thing or two about the linebackers and the 3-4 defense.

Rd 3 pick 68 Jeremy Jarmon DT
Could’ve had…Morgan Burnett S

Jarmon was a supplemental pick last season who produced 8 tackles in 11 games last season before tearing his ACL. Jarmon has potential and may see time at OLB and DE in 2010. Burnett is a “ball hawking safety w/ range to cover sideline to sideline.” I think the Skins need a player fitting that description.


Perry Riley

Rd 4 pick 103 Perry Riley LB
Could’ve had…Bruce Campbell OT

Riley has a legitimate chance to start and the Skins needed LB’s so I’m good with this pick. Campbell is a “workout warrior” who stock skyrocketed during the combine…why is it always Maryland players who rise so much during the combine? Vernon Davis, Heyward-Bey, Al Davis fell for it again. Campbell is a project, but he was originally thought to be a 1st round pick, so he was a great value pick here.

Rd 5 pick 135 Adam Carriker DT
Could’ve had…Perrish Cox CB

Another trade with the Redskins receiving Carriker, a former 1st round pick of the Rams just 3 years ago. Carriker missed all of last season and hasn’t played well when healthy. The Skins need help at CB and didn’t draft any, Cox would’ve been nice here.


Dennis Morris

Rd 6 pick 174 Dennis Morris TE
Could’ve had…Jonathan Dwyer RB

Morris will play FB/TE/HB for the Skins and appears to be a bad-ass blocker and special teams player, which may spell the end for Mike Sellers. However, Morris was not ranked in the top 50 TE’s entering the draft and may have been available with one of the 7th round picks. Dwyer was ranked as one of the best RB’s available but his stock dropped because of a positive test for weed (Randy Moss, Warren Sapp.) Dwyer would have been a steal here and a great addition to a crowded, but old, backfield.

Rd 7 pick 219 Terrance Austin WR
Could’ve had…George Selvie DE/OLB

Don’t know a lot about Morris but he’s supposed to excel in the return game and the Skins are certainly lacking in that area. Selvie was projected to be a top 15 pick had he came out after junior year, but the poor bastard returned to school, faced double and triple teams and watched Jason Pierre-Paul steal his thunder and his $$. You can’t tell me a guy drops from top 15 to nearly undrafted in 1 season, especially one who hasn’t suffered injury. He would have been a great pick as an OLB/DE hybrid in the 3-4.

Rd 7 pick 229 & 231 Eric Cook C, Selvish Capers OL
Could’ve had…WTF cares at this point?

However I hope Capers holds out so I can say, “that Selvish bastard needs to get in camp.” “Selvish bastard needs to stop thinking about himself.” Oh Selvish…the possibilities are endless.

Cheers and Hail

Redskins Draft: Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts from the draft:



I'm happy the Skins drafted Trent Williams, I preferred Okung but I'll take the most "athletic" tackle in the draft. An added bonus, he can chew gum and talk at the same time.

Tonight will be very boring unless the Redskins can get creative with trades and get themselves a 2nd or 3rd round pick. This draft is very deep and a lot of talented players will be available in the next 50 picks.

The Haynesworth trade possibilities are dwindling. The Titans say they're out and the Lions/Bucs both drafted DT's with the 2nd and 3rd overall picks. Albert is our best bargaining chip to get back in rounds 2 or 3. Of course, the Skins could trade a 1st rounder next year for someone they really like in round 2 this season.

I can't see how the Redskins can just release Jason Campbell for nothing. He was a 1st round pick and has played fairly well over the last 3 seasons. You have to get something for him, even if it's a late round pick next season. If not, pay him the $3 million to be your backup, McNabb always misses 2 or 3 games a year.

Roger Goodell must be sore today from all the chest bumping and bear hugs he received last night.

Did anybody see when the cameras cut to Tebow to get his reaction to the Steelers taking his college teammate, Maurkice Pouncey? I guess they were expecting the Tebow household to explode with excitement, instead they got zero reaction. Zero.

Did anybody see the exchanges between Jamie Dukes and Jim Mora Jr? They don't seem to like each other much. Highlights included Dukes saying that Mora was still getting paid $15 million to say good things about the Seahawks and that if you don't draft the right people you end up fired after 1 seasons and working in TV.

Big Ben heard his future chants for the upcoming season..."she said no, she said no." To which Big Ben responded "don't speak with your mouth full." Thats wrong, I know.



Finally, if the Redskins find a way to pick tonight here are some of the guys I like that remain available that will probably go in the 2nd or 3rd rounds:

Dexter McCluster RB/WR

Jonathan Dwyer RB

Charles Brown OT

Bruce Campbell OT

Sergio Kindle OLB (might be worth a #1 next year)

Brandon Spike ILB

Taylor Mays S

Chris Cook CB

Javier Arenas CB

Cheers and Hail

Redskins Draft: Trading Albert May Be The Key

The key to the Redskins draft may not be the #4 overall pick in the draft, but what value they can receive in a trade for Albert Haynesworth. If the Redskins are willing to take the $32 million dollar hit to move Albert…and in an uncapped season I believe they are…he’s a valuable trade commodity.

Over the past 2 years several inferior D-tackles have been moved for draft picks. In 2009 Shaun Rogers was traded to the Browns for a 3rd round pick, he immediately signed a contract with $20 million in guarantees. In 2008 the Browns traded their 2nd round pick for Corey Williams, he immediately signed a contract worth $16 million in guarantees. Also in 2008, a declining Kris Jenkins was traded to the Jets for a 3rd & 5th round pick, he immediately signed a contract for $20 million guaranteed. If you go back further…who can forget the Redskins trading Sean Gilbert to the Panthers for two 1st round picks in 98, he signed immediately for $46 million.

Albert is a better player than all of those guys and he’s also only one year removed from being the biggest catch of the 2009 free agency period. Albert’s guaranteed only $9 million over the next 3 years…he’s a steal. The Bucs, Titans and Lions could all be players for Albert and he could/should command a minimum of a 2nd & 3rd rounder in return. If you were a NFL executive would you rather take an unknown talent like Suh or McCoy and guarantee those players $30-35 million or trade for Albert and pay only $9 million?

Adding additional picks in the 2nd or 3rd rounds could be the key for the Redskins, this draft is very deep and talent will be available. It’s clear that Albert no longer is a fit for the Redskins defense and he isn’t interested in becoming a team player moving forward. Pull the trigger, cut your losses.

I also look for Campbell to be moved during the draft. However, with QB positions being so muddled across the league, it may be for a 4th rounder next year, or with fingers crossed a 3rd rounder…Al Davis? Looking forward to the drama.

Cheers and Hail

Tiger's Phone

Last week the Outback Pro Am took place here in Florida. It's a stop on the Champions Tour...or the "old geezer" tour. The one exciting thing about this event is that is does feature celebrities that have included Bill Murray, Jerry Rice, Kevin Costner, Mark Wahlberg and Michael J. Fox, to name a few, How Michael J. Fox can play golf is a testament to him and his determination in his fight against Parkinson's.

Anyway, one of the professional contestants in the event was Tiger Woods good friend Mark O'Meara, who would finish 2nd in the tourney. Mark showed major improvement in his short game compared to his previous outing at the Masters. He dropped this little tidbit to the St Pete Times:

"I got a putting lesson from Tiger last week at Augusta," said O'Meara, who averaged 1.3 putts per green Friday. "He had his camera phone out there. He just told me to swing a little bit more off to the right and feel the toe release instead of coming over it. I agree with him. That's what I do."

Now, who cares about a 53 year old golfers putting...not me. However, I'm very intrigued to know that Tiger's got a camera phone. I mean, we've already read all the text messages that came from that phone (link contains strong Tiger language)...can the pictures be far behind? A pictures worth a thousand words. Stay tuned...

Cheers and Hail

Blogging Baseball At FWGMLB

In addition to my full time job, blogging for my own site, being a good husband/father and trying to keep up with an eating and alcohol problem...I've decided to blog baseball for www.fwgmlb.com. The site's owner, Rob Lunn, has been after me to blog for him in some capacity for quite awhile. When the chance came to blog about the sport that I love the most, the game of baseball, I decided to jump on board. Rob's a talented writer who's taken a college project and turned it into a career in media.

The site is just a baby at this point (2 weeks old) but we are hoping for big things. Please check it out, bookmark it, subscribe to it, follow it and tell your friends. You can catch up with my posts here. My most recent post was about the summer 20 years ago when current Kansas City Royals manager Trey Hillman coached me...hope you enjoy.

Batting Practice With Trey Hillman



It was the summer of 1989, I was a few months away from obtaining my drivers license and a few months past finally cutting the mullet that I had been working the previous few years. The better part of that summer was spent playing baseball, wiffleball or hitting wadded up paper balls with a window squeegee. When I wasn’t playing ball, I was following it. Specifically, I was following my hometown single A minor league team, the Prince William Cannons.

It didn’t matter that the Cannons were affiliated with the Yankees, although it would have been a lot better if they weren’t. The Cannons put together a magical 2nd half to that season and ended up winning the league championship. I was there to see a lot of those games and no player or coach had a bigger impact on that team than current Royals manager Trey Hillman.



The tiny stadium in Woodbridge, Va has seen a lot of great ballplayers play for the hometown Prince William team there over the years. Albert Pujols, Barry Bonds, Bernie Williams or Andy Pettitte…ring any bells? However, it was not any of those players that I’ll remember most about watching those teams as a kid, I’ll never forget Trey.

The records show that Stump Merrill was the manager of the 89’ Cannons, however he missed a lot of games due to illness. Trey was the 3rd base coach and took over the team in Stump's absence. I used to stand along the 3rd base line and chat with Trey during games and he’d do cool things like give me foul balls. Sometime during that summer it was announced that the Cannons would be holding a camp for youth baseball players, I signed up right away. My buddy Chris and I turned out to be the only 2 non-grade school kids to show up for the camp. We were both on the high school baseball team and had talent. It was during this 2 day camp that Trey took us to the side and did what comes naturally to him, he coached baseball.

The camp was set to take place on the practice fields outside the main stadium. However, Trey took Chris and I inside the main stadium and worked with us for the better part of 2 days, personal 1 on 1 instruction with a future major league manager. Although I would later play organized games on that very field and eventually play in several minor league stadiums in my baseball career, that was the first time I got the experience of playing in that kind of scenery. It was super cool to walk thru the clubhouse and step out onto the manicured field and have the whole place to ourselves. Trey went thru bucket and after bucket of balls, pitching batting practice for hours in the hot Virginia sun…I was in the zone at the plate the rest of that summer. At the time Trey was just 26 years old, his own professional career (3 years in the minors) only recently over. I’m sure there was a lot of other things he would have rather been doing…no I’m sure there wasn’t anything else he’d rather be doing, he seemed to be enjoying himself as much as Chris and I.



Trey would be named manager of the Oneonta Yankees single A team in 1990. I’ve never seen him again. He toiled in the minors for 11 seasons as a minor league manager, reaching the Yankees AAA level. He then went overseas to manage in Japan for 5 seasons, winning a championship there. Finally, in 2007, after nearly 20 years in the minors and Japan, Trey was named as manager of the Royals. He worked hard and made his dreams come true.

As for me, I got my driver’s license which allowed me to score chicks and booze. I spent more time focusing on those 2 things than I did baseball. I now work in the automobile industry and blog for some guy named the “Fat White Guy.” I’m living the dream!

4/16-4/18 Happy Bdays

Happy birthday Wilbur Marshall. Wilbur played 5 seasons for the Redskins from 1988-92. Marshall played in all 80 games over that span, despite battling many injuries during that time. Marshall tallied 621 tackles, 24.5 sacks, 12 int’s and 13 forced fumbles during his Redskins career. I’ve written before about how I feel about Wilbur, he had an 8 year span where he was one of the best linebackers in the game and is a Hall of Famer in my mind. Happy 48th Mr. Marshall.



Happy birthday Fred Smoot. Fred played 7 seasons for the Redskins from 2001-2009. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft by Marty Schottenheimer, Fred would go on to appear in 104 games as a Redskin. Fred totaled 346 tackles and 18 int’s during his Redskins tenure. Although he was a fan favorite for his outgoing personality and quotable interviews, Fred’s skills had diminished the past couple seasons and he was released in March of this year. Happy 31st Mr. Smoot.



Happy birthday Richie Petitbon. Richie played 2 seasons at safety for the Redskins from 71-72. He’s more well known for spending 16 seasons on the Redskins coaching staff which included succeeding Joe Gibbs as head coach in 93’. Although the 93’ season was a disaster, Richie should be remembered as one of the great defensive coordinators of his time. For over a decade his teams ranked consistently in the top 10 each season in total defense. He was committed to the Redskins and turned down several head coaching jobs during his Redskins coaching career, that loyalty got him fired after 1 season at the helm. To my surprise, Richie has never coached in the NFL or football of any kind since then. Thought for sure some team would lure him back out of retirement. A quick look at his statistics as a player shows that he played 14 seasons in 3 different decades, intercepted 48 balls and was a 4 time Pro Bowler. He also returned an interception 101 yards for a touchdown…can you see old Richie lumbering 101 yards? Happy 72nd Mr. Petitbon.



Happy birthday Walt Williams. “The Wizard” played 4 seasons for the Terps from 1988-92. The fact that Walt stayed all 4 years is what makes him one of my favorite Terps of all-time. During his tenure the Terps were facing heavy NCAA sanctions and the program was in the dumps. Besides turning down the chance to transfer to another school, Walt also decided against turning pro early. This helped the Terps stay competitive and the program to start restoring its legacy on the national level. Walt was a forward/guard who wore #42. His game was similar, in my opinion, to Magic Johnson’s. Walt could pass, rebound and shoot well inside or outside. He averaged 26.8 ppg, 5.6rpg and 3.6 apg his senior season. Walt would take his high socks to the NBA and had a decent 11 year career. Happy 40th Mr. Williams.

Cheers and Hail

Editor's note: I'm not 100% sure what the correct way to spell Wilber Marshall's first name is, Wilber or Wilbur? Not sure, it's spelled both ways in many diffrent publications on the net. I'm going with the Redskins spelling of his name, from their official website and his page on the 70 Greatest Redskins list. Surely the Redskins wouldn't misspell the name of one of their greatest players would they? If someone is 100% sure of the correct spelling, let me know. Thanks

Extreme Makeover: Burgundy & Gold Edition

For 11 years the site of this...



made me want to do this!




It's amazing how far a new wardrobe can go.



Photo via Redskins Blog

He looks leaner, faster and almost like he won't throw passes at receiver's ankles. Yep, I'm drinking the kool-aid and have a roll of quarters in my pocket, wearing my Nikes...I'm fully on board with #5. Minicamp starts today, check back in October to see how I'm feeling then!

Cheers and Hail

Redskins Of Lore: Neal Olkewicz

From 1979 to 1989 the heart of the Redskins defense was found right in the middle of the field, wearing #52. Neal "Olk Dog" Olkewicz appeared in 150 regular season games and although tackles were not an official stat at the time, Neal surpassed (at least) 1,500 tackles in his career. Yep, Neal averaged over 10 tackles per game.

The Redskins dynasty era of 1982-1991 was not comprised of flashy free agents who commanded $100 million dollar contracts and huge signing bonuses. The Redskins roster of that era was made up of a lot of guys who were low round or undrafted players who worked hard and got every ounce out of their ability and more. Neal was undrafted out of Maryland, but started for 11 years in the NFL, winning 2 Super Bowls and he's one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.



While I was recently thumbing thru my old Redskins photos and autographs, I came across the above picture. The picture came from a 1987 commemorative magazine celebrating the Redskins Super Bowl win. The short story talks about how Neal made 2 of the biggest defensive plays the Redskins had during the playoffs, plays that enabled the Skins to make it to the Super Bowl. It also talks about how Neal, the team's player rep, kept the Skins together during the strike. Although Neal seemed to be in the twilight of his career, he came back in 88' and was the named the team's defensive MVP. He was...a bad-ass.

I did find Neal's autograph, it's on a regular piece of paper. Simple, straight forward and after nearly 25 years, still holding up strong...just like old #52. Thanks Neal.



Cheers and Hail

4/8-4/12 Happy Bdays

Happy birthday Charles Mann. Charles played defensive end for the Redskins for 11 seasons from 1983-93. #71 was a 4-time Pro Bowler who appeared in 163 games as a Redskin. Charles finished his Skins career with 82 sacks and 784 tackles. Charles also is a member of the Redskins Ring of Fame and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins. In retirement Charles started a business with Art Monk. Happy 49th Mr. Mann.



Happy birthday Mike Nelms. Mike played 5 seasons for the Redskins from 1980-84. Mike was an excellent punt/kick returner and backup defensive back who wore #21. Mike appeared in 68 games as a Redskin and was a 3-time Pro Bowler. Mike’s best season came in 1981 when he averaged 29.7 yards per kick return and 10.9 per punt return including 2 TD’s. Mike was also a member of the NFL’s 1980’s All Decade Team and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins. In retirement Mike was the long time owner of a Toyota dealership in Culpepper, VA. Happy 55th Mr. Nelms.



Happy birthday Mike Devereaux. Mike played 7 seasons for the Orioles over 2 separate stints between 1989-96. #12 came to the Orioles from the Dodgers in exchange for Mike Morgan and appeared in 878 games during his O’s tenure. Mike hit .251 with 94 HR’s and 403 RBI’s playing mostly CF for the Orioles. His best season came in 92’ when he hit .276-24-107. In retirement Mike now serves as a coach for the Orioles single A affiliate the Delmarva Shorebirds. Happy 47th Mr. Devereaux.



Happy birthday Lee Lacy. Lee played 3 seasons for the Orioles from 1985-87. #27 appeared in 338 games for the O’s, batting .280 with 27 HR’s and 123 RBI’s. Lee retired after the 87’ season, his 16th season in the bigs. Happy 62nd Mr. Lacy.

It's Dallas Week!

Per Tory Aikman's interview on ESPN radio, the Dallas Cowboys are set to take on the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field at 4PM Week 1 of the 2010 NFL Season...it's officially Dallas Week!

The official 2010 NFL schedule hasn't been released, so at this point it's strictly rumor. However, if the guy who's going to be announcing the game knows the week, location and time...it's safe to speculate it's the truth. Let's get it on. Besides having a chip on his shoulder for the Eagles, Donovan should be seeking some retaliation against the Cowboys.

Here's a little something to get us Skin's fans in the mood, the demolition of Texas Stadium. The hole was still in the roof so god saw it...and RFK is still standing nearly 15 years after the Redskins last played there...RFK wins!!!



Cheers and Hail

What's JC Worth?

With Donovan McNabb set to be introduced as the Redskins new QB tomorrow afternoon and talks of a contract extension immanent, the question is what do the Skins do with Jason Campbell?

I guess the obvious thing to do is trade him...but you have to get value in return. I've read reports today that put his value anywhere between a 2nd to 5th round pick. I would run around my neighborhood buck naked in a Shanahan mask if they could get a 2nd rounder for JC. That would basically mean that you traded McNabb straight up for JC and I think anyone would sign off on that deal. If JC's value is a 5th rounder, then you keep him as a backup. I think the over/under is a 3rd rounder, if you can get a 3rd rounder or better you gotta pull the trigger.

Thru all the shit JC has been thru over the past year, he's been a true gentleman. He's never had a coach or front office executive stand behind him and say "this is our guy." Instead he's remained professional as countless names were rumored to replace him. My hope is that JC can be moved to another team where he'll get a shot to remain a starter in the NFL.

Cheers and Hail

McRib?????

Really...the Redskins? No Shit?


Confused? Depressed? Numb? Dumbfounded…words cannot express my thoughts on the Donovan McNabb trade. Are the Redskins better? Yes, they probably are, but I’m in need of a support group.

I hate Donovan McNabb, I’m on record many times documenting my hatred. And at this point…right now…I still hate him. I have this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, like someone close to me has done something very evil. Why would your division rival trade you “the greatest player in the history of their franchise?”

I have an analogy for that. My good friend once bought a new high-def TV and had his old projection big screen still in his basement. In passing he told me it could be mine…for free, all I had to do was pick it up and take it away. Sure, the TV was a little older, but it was big, and I had watched it back in the day and it had performed well. My roommate and I picked up this big awkward TV and took it to our house. Once we got the thing in the house and fired it up, we realized we had a huge hunk of trash taking up precious space in the living room. Meanwhile, my buddy had gotten rid of his trash and was sitting at home enjoying his new TV.


Photo via SuperSkin Defender's FB page


Other thoughts about the trade:

Colt Brennan needs to sell #5 for as much cash as he can possibly get! Milk McNabb for all it’s worth….the QB position is getting very crowded, it may be Colt’s severance pay.

McNabb is set to be introduced on Tuesday, the same day Sam Bradford is visiting.

The Redskins have an awesome roster, if it was 2005.

Winning fixes everything.

Does Donovan know the new overtime rules?

Cheers and Hail

Old Redskins Park Autographs Part 2

Back in the day Redskins Park used to offer 8x10 B&W's of the players for $2.00 (if I can remember correctly.) I'm not sure if this is still offered today and I'm not sure if B.J. still works there, but if she does...she'd be the one to tell you if they do. B.J. was/is the long time receptionist at Redskins Park and would be an awesome interview, Matt Terl? She's probably got more stories than the players, coaches and front office combined. Below are some of my B&W's.




Greatest KR in the history of the NFL. Look closely at this picture...there's so much to love. He's working the pinky ring, gold watch and a Redskins gold medallion necklace!




Darrell's got one of the greatest smiles I've ever seen, I think his smile could cover most of the WR's in the NFL today...not to mention that at age 50 he's still faster than most players in the NFL.




The mullet, the stache. If you never got to play the Donnie Warren game with Fatpickle and Porkboy...then you missed out, that game and Donnie will live forever!




Doug was always awesome with me...not sure what happened here?




In Gus we trust! Does Gus not look like he could be a cast member of Jersey Shore?




Back in the mid 90's I wanted to promote a fight, Ken Harvey vs. Greg Lloyd. As a matter of fact, I'd like to see that fight right now! Ken is one of the nicest guys on earth...and he could kill you with his bare hands.




Love KB, he rushed for over 4K yards in 3 seasons with USFL.




Yes, Ricky once wore #46. He also had 193 receiving yards in Super Bowl XXII...168 yards in the 2nd quarter alone. Awesome guy!




If you've ever been to the Ice House in Herndon, Va...then you've been to my Grandmother's old bar. It used to be Margaret's Inn and it was a place many Redskins visited in the late 70's to blow off steam and drink a few beers. Riggo knew my Nanny well.




Mark was on IR the year he signed this picture, with one of those mysterious injuries that would come up late in the preseason. Gibb's young QB's always came up with those phantom injuries back in the day. Give them a clipboard and make them wear an ugly sweater until they're ready to play. Anyway, he was healthy enough to sign this picture and toss the nerf football around with me.

Cheers and Hail

Old Redskins Park Autographs Pt. 1

You've heard stories of my days spent at the old Redskins Park collecting autographs and memories. I thought I would start posting some of the collectibles I acquired during that time. Here's a look at some of the football cards I had signed back in the 80's. Next week I'll post my 8x10 black & whites, which are my favorite items.



87 Topps Wilber Marshall. Wilber had a very unique way of signing; he's left-handed and signs his name upside down and from right to left. Wilber was a bad ass!




1984 Topps Dexter Manley. There are many reasons to love this card, the mohawk is definitely one of them and the fact that Dexter even signed it "Mr. D" for me. Alas, this card and a few other autographs I obtained that day were F'd up by a faulty marker. Son of a...




1983 Topps Dexter Manley. Dexter was always super-cool and never at a loss for words...he was also so full of energy. The back of this card says that Dexter served as a Deputy Sheriff in Virginia...really?




1986 Topps Jim Lachey. Don't remember a whole lot about the interactions with Jim other than he was quiet and polite. Thank you Bobby Beathard for the Jay Schroeder for Lachey swap.




1988 Topps Kelvin Bryant. Kelvin was one my favorite players during the 80's. He was a great all-around back and had a 13 catch 130 yard 2 TD day against the Giants in 86', it says so on the back of the card!




1984 Topps Joe Jacoby. Jake's always been good to me, I'm hoping he's the next Redskin in the Hall of Fame. All he did was block Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White and Too Tall Jones for a decade...and did it well.




1984 Topps Darrell Green. This is Darrell's rookie card and is probably the only one in the group that's worth much $$. Doesn't matter, I wouldn't sell any of these for any price...well I'd cut Bostic loose.




1979 Topps Doug Williams. This is also a rookie card and it's mint. Doug also signed his SI Super Bowl cover for me, "To Doug, From Doug." Unfortunately, it was with the same sucky marker Dexter used to sign "Mr. D." Son of a...




1987 Topps Charles Mann. Charles was always super nice and cool. The faulty marker makes another appearance. Son of a...




1988 Topps Earnest Byner. Earnest was the consummate professional as a player and didn't get the respect he deserved as a coach. Thanks Bobby Beathard for Mike Olpihant for Earnest Byner.




1982 Topps Dave Butz. Anyone remember the "Big Bad Butz" song made for Dave Butz? I need to find that, help me. I googled big bad butz and nothing but porn sites comes up. Per the back of Dave's card "he performs week-in and week-out, playing often with injuries, and continues to get the job done in fine fashion." I agree Topps, I agree.



1984 Topps Jeff Bostic. Jeff Bostic was not cool, he was not nice...it says so on the back of his card.

Cheers and Hail