Who Will Succeed Chris Cooley as the Washington Redskins' Most Popular Player?

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Chris Cooley was the most popular player on the Washington Redskins during his eight seasons with the team. 

Fans were drawn to him more for his personality than for his on-field exploits.  Chris Cooley was the Redskins' "everyman."  He played fantasy football, frequented strip clubs, and hated the Dallas Cowboys. 

But now that Cooley has been cut by the team, there is a void to fill.  Here is a list of seven possible Redskins who could succeed Chris Cooley as the most popular player on the team.

7. Sav Rocca, Punter

Why is the punter on this list???

Because unlike most punters, Sav Rocca is a 6’5”, 263-pound giant who played Australian rules football and has a cool accent. 

Plus, he tackles like a linebacker. 

All those factors help him compensate for his position's inherent lack of cool.

6. Brandon Banks, Kick Returner

Brandon Banks has been a fan favorite since joining the Redskins out of Kansas State three years ago. 

The diminutive kick returner leaves fans on the edge of their seats every time he touches the ball, as they're not sure if he'll take it to the house or get absolutely drilled. 

Skins fans almost lost the pleasure of seeing this spectacle, as Banks was close to being cut during training camp.  He survived the cuts to make the team, but he slid down this list as a result. 

5. Josh LeRibeus, Offensive Lineman

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The rookie from SMU is quite the colorful character, mainly because his vocabulary is quite colorful. 

Shortly after the 2012 NFL draft, Josh LeRibeus cursed on the air two different times on the same radio show in the span of a couple days. 

Plus, while at training camp, Josh LeRibeus was crazy enough to reenact Chris Farley’s “Chippendale’s” skit from SNL for his rookie skit—before promptly getting booed off stage. 

The FCC hates his mouth. 

His teammates hate his comedic stylings. 

Redskins fans love everything about him. 

4. Nick Sundberg, Long Snapper

The long snapper is not even as cool as the punter, but Nick Sundberg gets a special dispensation in the eyes of Redskins fans. 

During Week 1 of the 2012 season, Sundberg completed nine snaps on special teams after suffering a broken arm. 

Nick later said it was "the worst thing I've ever put myself through," (via The Washington Post). 

Football fans love their tough guys, so Sundberg will score lots of points for playing while his arm was clicking. 

3. Brian Orakpo, Linebacker

Orakpophobia is a favorite part of the Redskins' fan experience every Sunday. 

The only way Brian Orakpo can be prevented from recording a sack is to be held by the opposing offensive linemen. 

Skins fans love that about him. 

Plus, he has done a few funny, local commercials since joining the Redskins.

2. London Fletcher, Linebacker

One of four Redskins captains, London Fletcher continues to win over fans with every spectacular, age-defying play he makes. 

But the 37-year-old is popular for other reasons.  He is a great interview, and he has an outgoing and enthusiastic personality. 

And fans love his underdog story.  He has now played in the NFL for 15 seasons after playing at tiny Division III John Carroll University.  Perhaps as a result of his unimpressive pedigree, he continues to be underappreciated throughout the NFL, not being selected to his first Pro Bowl until 2009. 

Fans love to pull for the little guy.  Especially when he hits like a Mack truck. 

1. Robert Griffin III, Quarterback

RGIII may have the physical abilities of Superman, but he has the personality of Clark Kent. 

Polite, intelligent and approachable, Robert Griffin III is even a little bit nerdy and bookish.  He was a big enough dork to wear Superman socks—with capes, no less—to the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City the night he won the Heisman Trophy. 

His disarming personality is a breath of fresh air, and he has quickly become a fan favorite because of it. 

Though his skill at the quarterback position certainly doesn't hurt his case.