With a swagger and a smile, Robert Griffin III charmed the Washington Redskins.
There really wasn’t any pressure on the passer on Wednesday. After running a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and faring well in interviews, Griffin was simply increasing Baylor teammates’ draft exposure during the pro day workout.
All Griffin needed was to flash some footwork and show a little arm. This was the easy part of readying for the NFL Draft on April 26.
But he did so much more.
Griffin completed 75 of 81 passes with four drops and two misses. Between each pass he flashed a comfortable smile. An easy rapport with teammates laughing at his jokes. A comfort rarely seen in athletes, much less young ones. All the intangibles were demonstrated by the Heisman Trophy winner.
Redskins fans are going to love this guy.
More than anything, Washington needs a charismatic sports leader. John Wall seems overwhelmed by the Wizards’ losing. Capitals star Alex Ovechkin doesn’t quite cross over to non-hockey fans. Nationals All-Star Ryan Zimmerman is just too quiet. Maybe Bryce Harper does it soon for them.
Not since the 1980s with John Riggins, the Hogs, Fun Bunch and all things Redskins have Washingtonians truly enjoyed their sports heroes. Winning has a lot to do with it, but so does personality. As the money in sports grew, so did teams’ desire to turn players into robots to avoid losing any coin over controversy.
Athletes have become all too bland. If someone shows confidence and charisma, there are sad individuals that live to wipe that smile off their face.
It’s not happening with Griffin, though. It’s apparent he has the “it” factor. Good for him.
The workout also showed what a great athlete he is. Griffin looked so fluid during bootlegs while skipping across foot drills with ease. The 4.41 over 40 yards at the combine proved his speed, but the NFL requires agility and Griffin danced like Muhammad Ali in the ring.
The only remaining question is can Griffin react to quicker NFL defenses? Pro days don’t come with defenders so there’s no knowing until September.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder, coach Mike Shanahan and staff saw the team’s future flicking balls with the joy of playing a pickup game with pals. They watched a ready-made franchise player who simply needs time to solve the team’s quarterback problem of the past 12 years.
Joy will once more return to Redskins Park when Washington selects Griffin second in the draft. That is, unless the quarterback somehow also impressed Indianapolis enough to switch from Andrew Luck to take Griffin first. It seems unlikely, though. Both are franchise passers and each team appears happy with its expected choice.
Redskins fans will be happy, too.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
