Fan Day Draws Huge Crowd!
By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
August 7, 2004
In one corner, the line of fans for cheerleader autographs stretched past several tents. In another corner, fans like Bill Scheurer of Annapolis, Md., relaxed in the sun beside his wife.
Stationed along the fence of the main practice field was Ryan Van Horn of Washington, D.C., wearing a No. 11 jersey and hoping to get it signed by Patrick Ramsey. Later, Van Horn was among the fans who started chanting "We Want Joe!" shortly before Redskins practice began.
The Fan Day crowd was estimated at 25,000. (Photo by Gary Fitzgerald)
An estimated 25,000 people attended Redskins Training Camp Built by The Home Depot on Saturday. Many came to watch Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs in action for the first time since his return to the team last January. The first group of fans arrived as early as 4:30 in the morning. A line to get in the training camp grounds started at 6 a.m.
Since the team has held training camp at Redskins Park only three times in history, it's safe to say that the attendance number is a record crowd.
"Hopefully we accommodated as many as we could and tried to make it a fun day for them," Gibbs said after signing autographs for more than an hour. "I think it carries over to the players and everybody in the organization. I don't think anybody else has fans like we do."
Added defensive tackle Renaldo Wynn: "They are unbelievable. These are the most fans I have seen in years. It just really shows you how much they love the Redskins."
The day's festivities included an autograph session with Redskins Cheerleaders, performances by the cheerleaders and the marching band
Fan Day festivities officially got underway at noon when the Redskins Cheerleaders held an autograph session in a tent. Later, the cheerleaders and Redskins Marching Band performed for the crowd.
When Gibbs addressed fans just before practice, he was serenaded with rousing applause from fans.
"I want to say that all week, you fans have been great," Gibbs said. "We want to say a big thanks to all of you. We appreciate you all coming out."
The two-hour practice was, as Gibbs called it, a "polish-up" for Denver. Toward the end of practice, the team
Linebacker Mike Barrow sat out practice after being diagnosed Friday with tendonitis in his left knee. His status is day-to-day and he is unlikely to play in Monday's game.
Regarding Clinton Portis and his abdominal injury, Gibbs said: "He practiced. I think he could go on Monday."
Immediately after practice, the team hosted autograph session under tents on the Astroturf field. Fans lined the entire length of the field, waiting in line for autographs. Most players stayed well beyond the allotted 45-minute period.
The Redskins travel to Canton, Ohio on Sunday. The Hall of Fame Game is slated for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
Here are some more of the highlights from Fan Day:
Play: After giving up a deep touchdown pass to Laveranues Coles, cornerback Shawn Springs later redeemed himself when he intercepted a short pass. Falling backward, he threw a lateral to Matt Bowen, who raced down the sideline.
Player: Running back Sultan McCullough, a second-year player who played sparingly with the Redskins last season, has flashed some nifty moves early in training camp and is making a push for a roster spot. The former USC standout switched his jersey uniform from No. 22 to No. 32 for Saturday's practice. No word yet on whether that's permanent.
Quote: "They sat Regan [Upshaw] and me next to Coach Gibbs? Hey Regan, we've got to be on our best behavior!" -- defensive lineman Ron Warner's reaction after seeing his seating assignment for the player autograph session after practice.
Atmosphere: It was a near-perfect day-not too humid with a slight breeze to keep everyone cool. Fans arrived early and stayed late, with many of them not wanting to give up their place along the perimeter where they could watch practice. Other fans lined a small hill and got somewhat of a bird's eye view of practice. There were plenty for fans to see and do, from making crafts at the Home Depot tent to getting pictures taken with the team's three Super Bowl trophies in one of the tents.
Notes:
-- After players and coaches spent nearly an hour signing autographs for fan, they had one more autograph to sign: at the front entrance, the team signed a banner to send to Courtney Kupets, a 14-year-old gymnast who is part of the U.S. Olympic Team. The banner read: "Good luck U.S. Athletes in Athens!" and was signed by all the players.
-- In the Redskins' media room, running back Clinton Portis unveiled a new T-shirt emblazoned with Portis's image among Washington monuments and the words: "Run, Clinton, Run. Another 8 Years."
-- Players stayed well past the 45 allotted minutes. The last to leave the field? Rookie offensive lineman Mark Wilson.
-- The Redskins' next practice open to the public will be Wednesday, Aug. 18. The two practices scheduled for that day will be the last ones open to the public.
