They made a name for themselves in the summer, entering as relative unknowns, or longshots, and exiting as fan favorites. Sometimes they became more than summer phenoms; in other cases that became their legacy. But at least they’ll always have Carlisle … or Frostburg … or Ashburn.
10 » Marcus Mason
Leading the team in preseason rushing didn’t carry a lot of weight. Mason had the added sizzle that comes with being a local kid. But he was still cut after the preseason. He’ll have another chance to make the roster this summer.
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9 » Mark Stock
In the early 1990s, Stock seemed to always star in the preseason, but he was never good enough to last more than one season with Washington. He had a strong preseason in 1993 and landed a roster spot. However, he did not catch a pass in his three games.
8 » Joe Jacoby
It’s hard for linemen to be summer phenoms, unable to make flashy plays. But Jacoby was the last linemen signed by Washington in 1981. Yet with first-round pick Mark May holding out, a spot opened for Jacoby, who flourished and earned four Pro Bowl berths.
7 » Raphel Cherry
The former fifth-round choice starred in his first training camp in 1985 and wound up starting six games that season. What a terrific story. Except that it ended rather quickly; he was cut before the next season.
6 » Dexter Manley
He was a fifth-round choice, but he was also a linebacker making the switch to end. It was a quick adjustment. Manley had a big game in a rookie scrimmage vs. the Baltimore Colts and recorded a franchise-best 97.5 sacks in nine seasons with Washington.
5 » Colt Brennan
Colt became a cult hero last summer, especially after a stirring performance vs. Indianapolis in the preseason opener. Players raved about his demeanor and fans predicted he’d soon be starting. He’s still the No. 3 QB, but is in position to make noise once more.
4 » Babe Laufenberg
The 1983 sixth-round pick never took a snap for the Redskins, but he became a cult favorite. He spent two years on injured reserve, then, in his third camp, led a preseason comeback win with a late touchdown pass. He was cut within a week.
3 » Gus Frerotte
Nobody expected much from the seventh-round pick, mainly because he entered along with Heath Shuler. But Frerotte starred in a scrimmage vs. Pittsburgh as a rookie in 1994 and soon became a fan favorite. He started four games that season.
2 » James Thrash
He was an undrafted free agent, already cut by the Eagles, in 1997 when he returned kickoffs for touchdowns in each of the first two preseason games. He won a job and became a mainstay on special teams. He recently retired after a 13-year career.
1 » Larry Brown
In his first camp, the 1969 eighth-round pick was discovered to have a hearing problem. In the following preseason game he scored two touchdowns. Brown became a favorite of coach Vince Lombardi and went on to gain 5,875 yards in seven seasons.
