ASHBURN
It was all about Robert Griffin III. Or Robert. Occasionally Bob. And sometimes RGIII.
The Washington Redskins’ heralded rookie quarterback finally made it to training camp Thursday after three months of hype since he was drafted. Usually a couple dozen storylines are probed on the first day of camp, but all everyone talked about Thursday was Griffin.
Fifteen of the first 16 questions directed to linebacker London Fletcher were about Griffin. Tight end Chris Cooley answered two questions about his knee, then talked about Griffin’s role for nearly 10 minutes. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall spent most of his time on the rookie.
The only person who wasn’t talking about Griffin was the quarterback himself. He will speak to the media only on Mondays during training camp.
There wasn’t any talk about sensational plays during the first quasi-real practice. Griffin’s teammates noted his leadership potential, which somehow makes him the next Sun Tzu. Can’t wait for Griffin’s “The Art of War 2.” Griffin’s running ability earned comparisons to Michael Vick.
It’s not just fans who are taking a hard look at Griffin. Teammates are also watching. Defensive players want to see what the hype’s all about. Offensive mates wonder whether Griffin really will supercharge their unit to the point that all of their numbers benefit.
But the really interesting part is how Griffin already has become one of the guys. Don’t expect the veterans to tape him to the goalposts. The Baylor fight song may not be heard at dinnertime.
Maybe the veterans understand that as Griffin goes so goes the season, so it’s best to skip the hazing. Just as Gus Frerotte was accepted by his teammates in 1994 as a seventh-round pick who was starting by midseason, Griffin is already everyone’s best friend.
“He has to come in and be one of the guys,” Cooley said. “He makes it so easy to treat him well and like one of the guys because he is one of the guys.
“I feel like there’s been a chemistry between all the guys and Griff. He’s blended right in. I’m excited to work with him. I’m really looking forward to see what he’s going to do. The chemistry is there with everybody. I just can’t say how much I know everyone’s impressed with him and how much he’s become a part of a team very quickly.”
Quarterbacks and chemistry are hit and miss. Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer were beloved by teammates. Joe Theismann not so much. Doug Williams was a locker room leader, but no one cried when Jay Schroeder was traded. A linebacker once gave Heath Shuler a black eye after an interception in practice.
Brad Johnson was king of the boys club. His successor, Jeff George, was dragged by a Dallas defender, and none of the offensive linemen bothered to stop it. Jason Campbell was liked by his teammates. Patrick Ramsey never resonated in the locker room.
Griffin already seems to know every teammate’s favorite meal, radio preset stations and shoe size. It’s pretty amazing. But then, so is Griffin.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
