After a weekend that all Redskins'  fans would rather soon to forget, a bright light has shined down on former Redskin Greats! Thank you FoxSports for having a preview on the front page that immediately drew me in because of my Hero Darrell Green. 

Darrell is eligible this year, as it has been five years since his retirement. Wow, that blows my mind. His last game was on my thirtieth birthday, and I cried. I am not shamed to admit that I cried buckets! Darrell honored us all by doing a lap around FedEx Field and then he gave a tear filled speech. We miss you Darrell!  

After I read the article here, I went to check out the HOF's homepage. I pulled up the  2008 Preliminary Nominees and I was shocked and delighted to find that thirteen plus retired Redskins players have been nominated.

 Redskins Players nominated:

Darrell Green

Gary Clark

Henry Ellard

 RussGrimm

                                         KenHarvey

Joe Jacoby

 Jim Lachey

 Wilber Marshall

Mark May

 Art Monk

 Andre Reed

Joe Theisman

Doug Williams

 Ernie Zampese 

These men are some of the finest football players to ever play in the National Football League, and many of them should have been inducted long before now.  The most recognized case of being overlooked is that of Wide Receiver Art Monk.  

I was in a local sports store in Lynnhaven Mall called Tidewater Sports on Friday and there was a shirt in there that was on display. It was for getting Art Monk in the HOF. Here in Tidewater there have been a lot of unhappy grumbles over Art being passed over time and again.  

Will this finally be the year that Art is inducted? I am not sure. Art Monk has never been one to cater to the media. During his time in Washington he never really made time for the local sports writers and that is what has done him in for the past classes of the HOF.

It was not that Art felt he was above the media. It was that he is a private family oriented kinda guy. He was interviewed two weeks ago on Comcast Sports while leaving a golf game, and he said that he really hardly ever watches sports on TV. He said he is not a sports fan. Now I thought that was rather odd, but then he said that his love of sports came from playing. That I understood.  

 Purity of the game seems to mean so much to him. He was asked if it has bothered him that he has been passed over for the HOF, and he answered simply, "No." Most would think yeah right! But, he went on to say that if it is meant to happen, it will. That is class!  

Now let me tell you about another Redskin great, Gary Clark. Gary is the best Redskins player I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Long story short....                                                
     

2006- 1st. Annual Virginia Beach, Redskins Beach Blitz my Mom and I stood hours in line to get a chance to meet current and former Redskins' players. When we got to the front, the guard closed the line. My Mom and I pleaded to no avail. Gary Clark was getting up to leave and my Mom yelled out to him. We were back behind the rail, but he heard her. So we got louder calling his name, and he kept staring at my Mom and me in a line of hundreds. My Mom held up her helmet and mouthed, "Please?"  

Gary Grinned and jumped the rails. You should have seen the security guards go crazy, lol. Gary got caught up in the mix of all the people waiting, but he was steadily making his way to us. When he finally stood in front of me and flashed that beautiful smile I became star struck.  

He asked me what I would like for him to sign and I could not find my voice. My Mom finally elbowed me and I stuttered, "My Hat?" LOL!  I leaned over and he signed the hat on my head. My voice finally came back, and I asked for a hug. He gave me the biggest, friendliest hug. When he pulled back, his Super Bowl ring was right in front of my eyes. I reached out and took his hand. He did not seem fazed and let me look at it. Okay, I had tears in my eyes because it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  

I introduced him to my Mom, and these were his exact words, "I know. She is the reason I came out here. I just felt like I could not let her down." He looked at my Mom and me and said, "I have always been able to tell who is a real Redskins fan!" OMG! We were in Hog Heaven!  

This year I was not able to go because I was sick, but my Mom went. She was able to get up to the table this time. When she stood in front of Gary she said, "I bet you don't remember me!" He said, "I bet I do! You got me in trouble last time." He was laughing. My Mom said, "I bet I can get you in trouble again! Gary said, "No you can't!" My Mom said, " You see that lady standing there where they cut everyone off? She is nine months pregnant and has been waiting to see you and they would not let her in." Gary flashed a grin at my Mom and said, "Your right, you did it again!"  

He jumped up on the table, and the fans went wild. He looked at my Mom winked and disappeared into the crowd!                                                 

That my friends is one of the many reasons why I love my Washington Redskins! Every single guy that has been nominated has the same kind of heart and love for their fans. I am so proud of them, and this may finally be the year of the Redskins in Canton!  

 Link to the 2008 Preliminary Nominees :

http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/st
ory.jsp?story_id=2583