The Washington Redskins are ranked as the second most valuable professional football franchise, surpassed only by the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Joe Gibbs, who became something of a hero as their coach, took a leave of absence to pursue other interests, only to be called back to Washington, D.C. Four of the Redskins’ five trips to the Super Bowl were under his leadership. Coach Gibbs has retired again but the Redskins will hardly lose their tremendous fan base.
Their fans nicknamed the offensive line a few years back as the “Hogs.” The crowd actually dons pig noses and floppy hats to cheer for them. Three of the players who helped make the Redskins as prominent as they were in the past are Art Monk, Emmitt Thomas, and Darrell Green. All are being inducted into the Hall of Fame. According to Coach Gibbs, “We couldn’t have done what we did, had that great run without them. That’s for sure.”
Green won the NFL’s “fastest man” competition four times. Green played until he was 42 years old, a remarkable feat for anyone. Monk was a top receiver for the Redskins and held the admiration of players throughout the league. Monk could operate as well as a blocker as he could taking passes over the middle, a vulnerable place for any receiver.
Thomas, in his role as a coach, helped Monk get to two pro bowls. Thomas played both offense and defense in college and this experience may have given him the insight into the limits to which players can push themselves in the NFL.
