Redskins Start Camp Early Under Donovan McNabb's Watch

Training camp for most NFL teams doesn't officially start until July 29. That is unless, you're the Washington Redskins. 

Or better yet, if Donovan McNabb is your team's quarterback. 

Over his 12-year career, McNabb has invited his teammates to his home in Phoenix, Arizona, in order to go through a week-long regimen that he likes to call, "Hell Week."

Now it's the Redskins' turn. 

The week in Phoenix usually involves the skill-position players, travelling to Arizona to train, bond with one another, and work on team-building.

"I think it's important for the specialists on the offense to have that chemistry, to have that bond," McNabb says, "where they can trust me and I can trust them."

"Hell Week" for the Washington Redskins begins Monday, July 26. 

Of the reportedly expected participants, third-year receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, back-up quarterback Colt Brennan, and veteran wideout Santana Moss. The teammates are set to arrive on Sunday with a detailed itinerary that will include early wake-up calls and late night lifting. For all workout activities, McNabb welcomes his teammates to train with his personal trainer, Brett Fischer, at the 20,000-square foot Fischer Sports training facility. 

"For them, I think it's an eye-opener what we're doing," said Fischer. "I think it's an eye opener for them, comparing themselves with their quarterback, with how hard he's working out here. To me, it's him telling them, 'Hey, I'm taking this thing seriously to the next level. Let's go to the next level.' "

The fact that the Redskins have a true leader on the team is exciting news within itself. But for that same leader to go above and beyond just to help build strong relationships with his closest working teammates is incredible and commendable. 

And although the Redskins players are not used to having such a passionate and relentless personality on the team, the 'Hell Week' participants seem to embrace their team's new look. 

"Some guys tend to go off on their own, work out on their own and do their own thing," Devin Thomas said. "But for him to really collectively try to gather the guys that he knows are going to be key components in our offense, and get us all together to work for about a week, is a great thing that he's doing. It'll help us all out."

A special thanks to Rick Maese of The Washington Post for providing continuous, informative, and solid coverage. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/18/AR2010071801107.html