Redskins' fans from all over the country swarmed Canton, Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this weekend. So much so that it was a bit embarrassing for the non-Redskin inductees.
The stands were a sea of burgundy and gold. The stadium seemed to be full of Redskins jerseys.
Inductees included Garry Zimmerman, offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, Fred Dean, defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers, Andre Tippett, linebacker for the New England Patriots, Emmitt Thomas, cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs and later an assistant coach with the Washington Redskins under Joe Gibbs, Art Monk, wide receiver for the Washington Redskins, New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, and Darrell Green, cornerback for the Washington Redskins.
For Gary Zimmerman, Fred Dean, and Andre Tippett, it must have seemed strange the entire weekend. While there were, of course, fans of New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings, the throng of Redskins fans made the weekend feel much more like a Redskins celebration.
Emmitt Thomas was elected as cornerback of the Kansas City Chiefs, but he also coached Art Monk and Darrell Green during Joe Gibbs' first stint with the Redskins, which included Super Bowl wins.
And when the Redskins fans in attendance at Fawcette Stadium, directly across from the Hall of Fame, stood for a standing ovation for Art Monk for over three full minutes, the evening was completely, absolutely Redskin.
The ovation was in recognition of the fact that Monk was overlooked for eight years of eligibility before finally being elected to the Hall of Fame.
Skins fans also made it difficult for ex-Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver Michael Irvin to do his job as a guest analyst for NFL Network. Fans continuously chanted, sang the Redskins fight song, and generally gave Irvin a hard time all day on Saturday leading up to the induction ceremonies.
Irvin was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007 and was also attending ceremonies as part of the traditional return of all living inductees for incoming members.
5 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jack Anderson 11 months ago
Did you attend, Craig?
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Craig Garrison Sr 11 months ago
Unfortunately, no Jack. I couldn't go. But I watched the entire ceremony, and then some, on TV. It was really something to see. You?
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William Berry 11 months ago
Good article, but why is it in the AFC East?
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Craig Garrison Sr 11 months ago
Thanks.
That's a good question William, it is now showing linked from the Skins and NFC east, it could have ended up on the AFC from the slight connection to Colts(through the HOF Game itself)
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Jack Anderson 11 months ago
I watched it on TV as well...Fantastic ceremony.
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