****OFFICIAL 2008 Washington Redskins Thread**** (1 Viewer)

[DCThunder]

Time to retire the OFFICIAL REDSKINS Off-Season thread and move on to the 2008 season thread, for training camp, pre-season games and then on into the regular season.

Training camp is three weeks away!

 

[dgreen]

19-0!

 

[bigalgreek]

Haha, I wish! I'm predicting a 9 win season for my Skins. Too many questions on defense unfortunately.

 

[fatness]

Perfect link to start the season: Chris Cooley asks Jason Campbell 10 fan questions

3. Jason, have you ever smelled the back of your left hand (the one that's securely lodged under the center's sweaty butt crack the entire game) after a game? I would imagine that hand would have to go through a thorough decontamination process after every game and practice.

For everyone to know if you don’t take a bath your butt crack stinks and I think that's what Rabach does to me. Imagine sweating for 2 hours and you're Casey Rabach and you're really hairy and stinky. Rabach has even farted on my hand which is a feelin that never really wears off. I can actually feel it while we’re doing this interview right now. After each practice and game the first thing I do is wash my hands of all that chaotic stuff running off his sweaty, nasty body.

 

[bigalgreek]

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. Thanks for that visual.

 

[Sidewinder16]

IBTPH!

 

[pablito]

FWIW, interesting comment from Peter Schrager on Fox:

Q: Aside from Joe Gibbs, what other big pieces did Washington lose in the off-season?

A: Umm ... nothing. In fact, all 22 starters from last year's NFC Wildcard team are back for '08. Washington also added two intriguing names on defense — oft-injured DE Erasmus James and workhorse safety Stuart Schweigert. Add in all those wideouts from the draft and you have a pretty exciting squad. Everyone's talking Dallas and New York in the NFC East this year. Don't sleep on the 'Skins.

32 burning questions for each NFL team

 

[dgreen]

FWIW, interesting comment from Peter Schrager on Fox:Q: Aside from Joe Gibbs, what other big pieces did Washington lose in the off-season?A: Umm ... nothing.

That's potentially a pretty big loss, though. Whatever people's opinions are about Gibbs 2.0, we know nothing about Zorn 1.0. Even if you think Gibbs was half the coach he used to be, we still don't know if that's significantly better than Zorn.

 

[DCThunder]

Bump.

12 days and counting until training camp opens and 4 weeks until the Hall of Fame game and the induction of Darrell and Art into Canton.

 

[T Bell]

FWIW, interesting comment from Peter Schrager on Fox:Q: Aside from Joe Gibbs, what other big pieces did Washington lose in the off-season?A: Umm ... nothing.

That's potentially a pretty big loss, though. Whatever people's opinions are about Gibbs 2.0, we know nothing about Zorn 1.0. Even if you think Gibbs was half the coach he used to be, we still don't know if that's significantly better than Zorn.

Unfortunately, Gibbs lost enough off his fastball that I think we more or less saw in four years what he was capable of giving. Fortunately, a part of that was a rebuilt roster and locker room, and IMHO also some more education for Snyder on how to run a team. I'm ready to see what a guy like Zorn can do, and I like the gamble with him versus another Marty-esque retread.

 

[Meast21]

Haha, I wish! I'm predicting a 9 win season for my Skins. Too many questions on defense unfortunately.

Are you sure you don't mean on offense?

 

[fatness]

Bump.12 days and counting until training camp opens

 

[Sidewinder16]

Chad Rinehart signs a 4-year deal.

Also of note in that article, Sam Hollenbach was released. I wonder if that says more about Colt Brennan's readiness to play or what they've seen from Derek Devine.

 

[T Bell]

Chad Rinehart signs a 4-year deal.

Also of note in that article, Sam Hollenbach was released. I wonder if that says more about Colt Brennan's readiness to play or what they've seen from Derek Devine.

That's a vote for Brennan. I have zero expectations for Derek Devine.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Chad Rinehart signs a 4-year deal.

Also of note in that article, Sam Hollenbach was released. I wonder if that says more about Colt Brennan's readiness to play or what they've seen from Derek Devine.

That's a vote for Brennan. I have zero expectations for Derek Devine.

Personally, I don't either, but that doesn't mean Zorn doesn't. Devine spent last offseason/preseason with Zorn, too, so there's some familiarity there. Maybe that just gets him the nod over Hollenbach, but if Brennan isn't physically ready to go then Devine is the de facto QB3.

 

[Sebowski]

I think we should only carry two QBs on the 52 and put Colt on the practice squad or IR. Were fine with just Campbell and Collins.

 

[dgreen]

I think we should only carry two QBs on the 52 and put Colt on the practice squad or IR. Were fine with just Campbell and Collins.

Hey, they didn't mass produce Colt Brennan jerseys for him to go on the practice squad.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I think we should only carry two QBs on the 52 and put Colt on the practice squad or IR. Were fine with just Campbell and Collins.

Hey, they didn't mass produce Colt Brennan jerseys for him to go on the practice squad.

 

[T Bell]

Brennan is just good enough of a prospect for a team with multiple QB injuries (e.g. Carolina last year) to sign him away from us if he was put on the practice squad. I'm not sure I'd be happy with that.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Brennan is just good enough of a prospect for a team with multiple QB injuries (e.g. Carolina last year) to sign him away from us if he was put on the practice squad. I'm not sure I'd be happy with that.

If he's on the PUP list, though, I don't think teams can do that.I wouldn't be happy to lose him to another team for nothing either.

 

[T Bell]

Brennan is just good enough of a prospect for a team with multiple QB injuries (e.g. Carolina last year) to sign him away from us if he was put on the practice squad. I'm not sure I'd be happy with that.

If he's on the PUP list, though, I don't think teams can do that.I wouldn't be happy to lose him to another team for nothing either.

I think we'd get a compensatory pick next year, but I still wouldn't like it.

 

[thayman]

I think we should only carry two QBs on the 52 and put Colt on the practice squad or IR. Were fine with just Campbell and Collins.

Hey, they didn't mass produce Colt Brennan jerseys for him to go on the practice squad.

You may laugh but there is so many Brennan jerseys out here. Every freaking store has a Redskins Brennan jersey in the window.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Brooks and Kelly now signed.

That leaves just Thomas, Davis and Brennan.

 

[Swing 51]

Anyone heading to Canton for the ceremony?

 

[T Bell]

Brooks and Kelly now signed.

That leaves just Thomas, Davis and Brennan.

Brennan's holding out for 5th round money.

 

[fatness]

That didn't take long.

On the tenth day of D.C. sports radio held hostage, DCRTV reported that the Dan Snyder-controlled WTEM/980 fired baseball show host Phil Wood, Redskins beat reporter Jerry Coleman and Doc Walker Show producer Jay Cottrell. Wood was the best known of the trio as the station's leading baseball expert and the host of a Saturday morning show devoted largely to the sport. Of course, baseball expertise hardly fits Dan Snyder's one sports team centered vision of the universe.

Contrary to initial claims from Red Zebra Broadcasting in fact, the initial firings are evidence that little room for true differences of opinion will be tolerated by D.C.'s new sports radio monopoly. Wood, Coleman and Cottrell were all perceived by Snyder's ardent supporters to be opponents of the Redskins, Dan Snyder or both. Regardless of any independent popularity they may hold, expect other such alleged enemies of the Snyder state to meet the same fate.

Another stupid example of "you're with us or against us" thinking.Second story on the topic

A good guy lost his job on Thursday and the Redskin Park media room will be a worse-off place (if thats possible) because of it.

The new honcho at 980 has turfed Redskins beat reporter Jerry Coleman, a friend of this blog and somebody who didnt make an enemy amongst the writers or broadcasters who cover the team (an incredibly tough feat, speaking from experience).

Jerry, who covered the Redskins for two seasons, was at his best during Joe Gibbs Monday press conferences and we were all looking forward to how he would interrogate Jim Zorn during his day-after-game briefings. He was fearless with players and coaches and had hilarious stories that made him a break-the-monotony figure.

Great. Just great.

3 Gone From TEM - 7/10 - DCRTV hears that baseball show host and reporter Phil Wood, Redskins beat reporter Jerry Coleman, and Doc Walker show producer Jay Cattrell are gone from SportsTalk 980, which came under Redskins owner Dan Snyder's control on 7/1. More WTEMers will be leaving soon, we're told. Stay tuned.....

 

[Sidewinder16]

Brennan under contract.

Sources say it's for four years, with a signing bonus of under $100,000. It figures to be for $295,000 the first year, $385,000 the second, $470,000 the third, $555,000 the fourth -- typical rookie stuff. It all adds up to $1.705 million, so figure it's a little over that.

Pretty cheap, even if all he does is become a serviceable QB2 for the next 4 years.Less than a week until players report to camp. I expect we'll be hearing about contracts for Thomas and Davis in the next couple of days.

 

[dgreen]

What's the contract status of other players selected around Thomas and Davis? Thomas was selected 17 spots ahead of Kelly, so he and his agent should have a good idea of what they can expect to get.

 

[Meast21]

Signed Colt:

Brennan Agrees to Terms; Two Unsigned

Colt "Best Name Ever for a QB" Brennan and the Redskins have agreed to terms of a contract. Sources say it's for four years, with a signing bonus of under $100,000. It figures to be for $295,000 the first year, $385,000 the second, $470,000 the third, $555,000 the fourth -- typical rookie stuff. It all adds up to $1.705 million, so figure it's a little over that.

With players reporting for camp Saturday, this means that two of the 10 draft picks -- Devin Thomas and Fred "Five-Alarm Fred" Davis -- are unsigned.

Brett "Hamlet" Favre continues to suck the air out of the NFL's room. Obviously he's been a topic of discussion on the blog and elsewhere. We're not hearing much in the way of interest in him from Redskins Park. Obviously that can change and no one would be surprised if he made a stop here (It's the nation's capital! He could go to the Newseum!) if it comes time to peddle himself. But at the moment it appears to be a odd fit for the Skins. It would be an incredible distraction, it would fly in the face of developing a young, durable guy with a rifle for an arm and it doesn't seem to fit with the way the team has chosen to build over the last few seasons. Still, we make our calls.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

 

[Sidewinder16]

There's like an echo in here, or something.

 

[Sidewinder16]

What's the contract status of other players selected around Thomas and Davis? Thomas was selected 17 spots ahead of Kelly, so he and his agent should have a good idea of what they can expect to get.

I can't find a round-by-round list or tracker anywhere, but in looking up some names from the second round I know Matt Forte has recently signed, and he was picked between Thomas and Davis. I don't think any other 2nd rounder before Kelly has signed, but the contract info for Forte and Kelly may be enough to get Thomas and Davis done soon.

 

[Marvelous]

Chad Rinehart signs a 4-year deal.

Also of note in that article, Sam Hollenbach was released. I wonder if that says more about Colt Brennan's readiness to play or what they've seen from Derek Devine.

That's a vote for Brennan. I have zero expectations for Derek Devine.

Personally, I don't either, but that doesn't mean Zorn doesn't. Devine spent last offseason/preseason with Zorn, too, so there's some familiarity there. Maybe that just gets him the nod over Hollenbach, but if Brennan isn't physically ready to go then Devine is the de facto QB3.

The norm is to have 4 qbs in camp. There is too much work for 3. With 5 or more, there is not enough reps.If the Redskins have exactly 4 qbs, they are expecting Brennan carry his share of the load in training camp. That makes the PUP list unlikely unless he has a setback.

 

[Marvelous]

Brennan is just good enough of a prospect for a team with multiple QB injuries (e.g. Carolina last year) to sign him away from us if he was put on the practice squad. I'm not sure I'd be happy with that.

If he's on the PUP list, though, I don't think teams can do that.I wouldn't be happy to lose him to another team for nothing either.

I think we'd get a compensatory pick next year, but I still wouldn't like it.

This is incorrect.Comp picks are for players whose contract have run out, and then are signed by other teams. Practice squad players are cut, then signed to the practice squad. Anyone can sign them if they put them on the team roster.

 

[T Bell]

Brennan is just good enough of a prospect for a team with multiple QB injuries (e.g. Carolina last year) to sign him away from us if he was put on the practice squad. I'm not sure I'd be happy with that.

If he's on the PUP list, though, I don't think teams can do that.I wouldn't be happy to lose him to another team for nothing either.

I think we'd get a compensatory pick next year, but I still wouldn't like it.

This is incorrect.Comp picks are for players whose contract have run out, and then are signed by other teams. Practice squad players are cut, then signed to the practice squad. Anyone can sign them if they put them on the team roster.

Ok, got it. Thanks. Then I'd definitely be unhappy.

 

[fatness]

I'm glad Gibbs is retired

Watching the Brett Favre saga unfold gave twice-retired Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs reason to chuckle.

"Brett Favre whipped us last year up there, and then I said, ‘Oh, my gosh, if this guy's going to kill us, I might as well get out of football,'" said Gibbs, who left the the Washington Redskins for the second time after last season.

"I get out of football, and then he's going to retire. Now I don't know whether he's coming back, but if I was in there some place, I'd be trying to get him."

 

[T Bell]

I'm glad Gibbs is retired

Watching the Brett Favre saga unfold gave twice-retired Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs reason to chuckle.

"Brett Favre whipped us last year up there, and then I said, ‘Oh, my gosh, if this guy's going to kill us, I might as well get out of football,'" said Gibbs, who left the the Washington Redskins for the second time after last season.

"I get out of football, and then he's going to retire. Now I don't know whether he's coming back, but if I was in there some place, I'd be trying to get him."

Santana Moss whipped us last year in Green Bay. But anyway, yeah, I wouldn't want the team chasing Favre and Gibbs' time has passed.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Boooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning will need four to six weeks of recovery time after having a bursa sac removed from his left knee, the team revealed in a press release on Monday.

That timetable means he would miss at least the start of training camp. The Colts open camp on July 25 and break camp on Aug. 15.

I think Manning was having nightmares about the first half of the '06 Skins v. Colts game where he got hammered a time or two. How convenient that he now has to miss the Hall of Fame game.

 

[nittanylion]

Bumping back to Page 1, where it belongs.

Running a heckuva lotta complete Dan Patrick Show and 'Best Of' Sports Reporters etc. these days on WTEM AM980...

 

[Swing 51]

Breaux RetiresAs noted, Don Breaux has retired from the team. Jasno shares his thoughts:Longtime assistant coach Don Breaux has retired from the Redskins because of a heart condition, the team announced Thursday. Breaux, who will turn 68 on Aug. 3, coached 27 years in the NFL, including two stints with Washington, winning three Super Bowls under Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs and remaining one of Gibbs's closest friends.Breaux served as offensive coordinator for Gibbs the past four seasons but had assumed a less prominent role on Coach Jim Zorn's staff, set to handle advance scouting and special assignments before his retirement. Breaux's departure leaves just two members of Gibbs's Super Bowl winning staff at Redskins Park -- offensive line coach Joe Bugel and tight ends coach Rennie Simmons. Breaux coached in Washington from 1981-1993 (as running backs coach) and again from 2004-2007, when Gibbs lured him out of retirement."I felt it was a privilege to coach for one of the NFL's premier franchises for 17 years under an outstanding leader of men in Joe Gibbs," Breaux said in a statement released by the team.Owner Daniel Snyder also thanked Breaux for his contributions and commitment in a statement.Breaux was a pro quarterback before beginning his coaching career with Houston in 1972, and he coached tight ends for the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers between his stints in Washington.. He is one of Gibbs's closest confidants, with the men sharing holidays and family time together.Both struggled with various health ailments during their return to the NFL, however, with the men often joking about the toll the long hours and intense pressure placed on them. When Gibbs retired suddenly after a playoff defeat in January, Breaux expressed a desire to stay with the Redskins, however, and he was serving as an offensive assistant in 2008.The Redskins are set to open training camp Sunday morning, and with Breaux gone only three member of Gibbs's 2004 offensive staff remain with the team (Bugel, Simmons and receivers coach Stan Hixon). Messages left for Breaux were not immediately returned.Breaux was one of the nicest, most humble people at Redskins Park. In fact, he'd let you believe he was not even there if you let him, content to just blend into the scenery and quietly go about his business. I always felt he was overlooked by most of us media schlubs in terms of what a resource he could be, breaking down certain aspects of the game, but I made a point of seeking him out whenever possible, and was always struck by his genuine kindness.Breaux spoke with a Southern twang, and could pause seemingly at any time and draw out a particular word for emphasis. I'll never forget the first time I met him back in the spring of 2004, as I was making the rounds trying to introduce myself to the legion of coaches. It was pretty daunting getting around to everyone before they left for vacation, but he could not have been more gracious. He invited me to his office and we spent a good 30 minutes chatting; he spent the bulk of that time interviewing me, taking a general interest in my family, professional history, hobbies, whatever.He perked up when I told him I had covered hockey the previous nine years. He'd always had an interest in the game from afar, but, being from Louisiana, had no real exposure to it other than a minor league game and watching a bit of the Stanley Cup on TV. We talked about catching a Caps game together -- I would explain what was going on in more detail -- but never got around to making it happen. I'm sure he'll be spending time in North Carolina and maybe visiting his family around the country as well, so if I don't get a chance to run into him again, well, Coach Breaux, thanks for your time and insight over the years.Most importantly, I hope he can overcome his heart problems and enjoy retirement. I've left messages with him and if I hear from him I will post whatever he has to say.By Cindy Boren | July 17, 2008; 4:16 PM

 

[fatness]

Bumping back to Page 1, where it belongs.Running a heckuva lotta complete Dan Patrick Show and 'Best Of' Sports Reporters etc. these days on WTEM AM980...

Yeah, Andy and Steve must be vacationing together this week. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[DCThunder]

Bumping back to Page 1, where it belongs.Running a heckuva lotta complete Dan Patrick Show and 'Best Of' Sports Reporters etc. these days on WTEM AM980...

Yeah, Andy and Steve must be vacationing together this week. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

New line-up for WTEM starting Monday will be:6-10AM--Mike & Mike10-12--Cowherd12-2--Doc Walker & Kevin Sheehan (ex of the Riggo show on Triple X)2-4--Thompson, BMitch & Smokin' Al4-7--Sports Reporters (Andy, Czabe et. al)Riggo will do game day features and Doc Walker will the the sideline reporter for games. Czabe's national morning show won't be carried locally, except if you've got the Magic Radio, XM-142.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Any word if Devin or Davis is close?

 

[T Bell]

Any word if Devin or Davis is close?

Nothing I've heard, but FWIW I've also not heard any inklings of difficulty in the negotiations. I think they'll get signed and report to camp essentially on time.

 

[Meast21]

Any word if Devin or Davis is close?

Nothing I've heard, but FWIW I've also not heard any inklings of difficulty in the negotiations. I think they'll get signed and report to camp essentially on time.

SIGNED!http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=36668

Per JLC:

4 Years with a max of $4.8 million in his deal, with $2.75 million as his signing bonus, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm glad Gibbs is retired

Watching the Brett Favre saga unfold gave twice-retired Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs reason to chuckle.

"Brett Favre whipped us last year up there, and then I said, ‘Oh, my gosh, if this guy's going to kill us, I might as well get out of football,'" said Gibbs, who left the the Washington Redskins for the second time after last season.

"I get out of football, and then he's going to retire. Now I don't know whether he's coming back, but if I was in there some place, I'd be trying to get him."

This gave me a flashback to Gibbs' first season back 4 years ago. I was at the bar (as usual) watching an early season game and the camera panned down to the Skins sideline showing the Skins coaches, Gibbs, Bugel, etc., who all looked old as hell. One of the regulars started shouting feverishly at the tv "OMG, look how old those ####ers are!!!" Even as a Skins fan I had to laugh because it looked like it was "Senior citizens on the sideline appreciation day."

 

[aiverson]

Bumping back to Page 1, where it belongs.Running a heckuva lotta complete Dan Patrick Show and 'Best Of' Sports Reporters etc. these days on WTEM AM980...

Yeah, Andy and Steve must be vacationing together this week. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

New line-up for WTEM starting Monday will be:6-10AM--Mike & Mike10-12--Cowherd12-2--Doc Walker & Kevin Sheehan (ex of the Riggo show on Triple X)2-4--Thompson, BMitch & Smokin' Al4-7--Sports Reporters (Andy, Czabe et. al)Riggo will do game day features and Doc Walker will the the sideline reporter for games. Czabe's national morning show won't be carried locally, except if you've got the Magic Radio, XM-142.

Just what we need - to hear Mike & Mike on 2 local stations and no Czabe. Hating Snyder even more....

 

[fatness]

Any word if Devin or Davis is close?

Devin Thomas is signed. Fred Davis is not. That's twice Davis is late now.

 

[fatness]

New line-up for WTEM starting Monday will be:

6-10AM--Mike & Mike (this sucks ###)

10-12--Cowherd

12-2--Doc Walker & Kevin Sheehan (ex of the Riggo show on Triple X) (Doc Walker is pretty terrible: "It's a manhood issue!")

2-4--Thompson, BMitch & Smokin' Al (been a bad show for years)

4-7--Sports Reporters (Andy, Czabe et. al) (thankfully)

Riggo will do game day features and Doc Walker will the the sideline reporter for games. Czabe's national morning show won't be carried locally, except if you've got the Magic Radio, XM-142.

Czaban was overbearing and got into too may of his personal pet peeves on his morning show, but it was still a hell of a lot better than Game Show Host & Mike.

 

[fatness]

TRAINING CAMP STARTS SUNDAY!

 

[fatness]

There is a very good article on Shawn Springs in the Washington Post today. It's pretty easy to respect this guy. Link

Shawn Springs was suffocating. His father was in a coma in Texas. His stepmother had had cancer diagnosed. He and his wife had separated, their 1-year-old son leaving with her. So he backpedaled. He stopped answering most phone calls and for a few months he left home rarely unless it was for a workout. At his most despondent, the cornerback considered retiring from the Washington Redskins, walking away from $5 million this season, and maybe becoming a teacher or buying land and building a house near his family in Dallas.

"I felt overwhelmed, like: 'What can I do? How can I simplify things? What can I cut back on?' " Springs said. "I just wanted to simplify everything and be a normal dude and take my son to the park and just chill and breathe." He confided only in his personal trainer and a few family members. He said nothing to the Redskins, not wanting this emotional period to be confused with a contract ploy. He skipped the team's voluntary workouts but that was expected because he had done the same thing a year earlier, preferring to work out alone. "I didn't really watch TV, because every time I'd turn on the news it's like, 'Why isn't Shawn Springs coming to practice?' " Springs said. "And I was just over that. I didn't really answer no phone calls; I didn't really come out of the house that much."

Eventually he regained his mooring. Many unresolved issues remain, but Springs has a renewed fondness for the game that he found by returning, at age 33, to the sport in its most basic form. And when Redskins players report to training camp today, Springs will again be among them, beginning his 12th NFL season.

Ron Springs went into a coma last October after what the family believed would be routine surgery to remove a cyst. Doctors have been able to take him off a ventilator and he can breathe on his own, but he lies motionless on a hospital bed in Dallas with his son's belief in a miracle fading. "I'm to the point where for me -- and just for me, this is just my words and not representing other family members -- for me it's hard to still see my dad laying in the hospital," Springs said. "I'd rather see God save his soul or him somehow wake up. And if that's not going to happen then just let him be at peace."

Taking his oldest sons -- 9-year old twins Samari and Skylar, who reside with their mother in Ohio -- to visit his father in the hospital this offseason was most difficult. "It brought tears to my eyes to see them look at my father," Springs said. "They know what a coma is, but it's like he's sleeping and they stare at him, and they're afraid to talk to him and they don't know what to do. I don't think you can prepare yourself for stuff like that."

Watching his father linger in a vegetative state just a short time after losing teammate Sean Taylor to a senseless slaying had been trying enough. Then Springs's stepmother, Adriane, had breast cancer diagnosed this winter.

A turning point occurred when Samari and Skylar came to stay with their father after getting out of school. They know that one of the benefits of having a pro football player as a dad is that whenever you want to play, there's a pretty knowledgeable potential teammate nearby. So as Springs contemplated retirement, his sons were dragging him out to the field. Suddenly, he was Coach Springs, leading them through the same drills his father once navigated, playing quarterback as they battled for hours playing one-on-one. While his teammates began implementing nuances of Zorn's offense during practices, Springs was taking to the parks and school fields near his home.

"Throwing the ball around with them and their little cousin, that's what football's all about," Springs said. "I want to be that excited to play, and they couldn't get enough. It's like, "Dad, let's do one-on-ones, let's do this, let's do that.' And then I find myself out there coaching them through the drills and I realized: 'That's who I am. That's what I love.' And that's what really got me back, because for a minute there I really thought this was it, I'm quitting."