Given a rare day off, six D.C. United players spent Tuesdayafternoon in Ashburn, Virginia, checking out Washington’s other footballteam. On the final day of Redskinstraining camp, Bill Hamid, Nick DeLeon, Danny Cruz, Joe Willis, BrandonMcDonald and Perry Kitchen were granted special access for the last openpractice of 2012.
Of the group, only Hamid claims the Redskins as his hometownteam. A native of Annandale, andlifelong fan of the Burgundy-and-Gold, the 21-year-old was the most amped upfor Tuesday’s outing.
“It’s amazing,” said Hamid. “I've been following the team for a while. I’ve always been a Redskins fan. I’ve never backed down on being a Redskinsfan, even during the hard times. But it looks like some good times are approaching.”
United’s players arrived at Redskins Park to a palpablesense of excitement. Thousands offans lined the practice field, some of which recognized the D.C. contingent andlined up for pictures and autographs.
The flattered players gladly obliged.
After practice, a stream of Redskins stopped by to greettheir soccer counterparts. PunterSav Rocca regaled the group with tails of physical play in his former line ofwork – Aussie Rules football. Longsnapper Nick Sundberg recalled attending United’s 3-2 win over AC Milan in 2010and - along with Evan Royster - vowed to make it to RFK in the comingmonths.
Second-year defensive star Ryan Kerrigan admitted to beingrather green in his soccer knowledge, but seemed eager to learn more.
“My girlfriend played soccer in college so I’m starting toget more into it,” said Kerrigan. “Forthe longest time I never really understood it, then I watched my girlfriendplay for four years at school. Nowthat I get it. I really want to check out a D.C. game sometime soon.”
Roy Helu Jr. was next to visit with the Black-and-Red. The young running back told D.C.’splayers he plays "a ton" of the popular video game FIFA ’12.
“I have to try playing with D.C. United now that I met someof the guys,” Helu said with a smile as he made his way towards the Redskins’ indoorfacility.
Finally, Robert Griffin III came to say hello. Washington’s quarterback of the futurestopped by to take a few pictures and thank the club for a customized Unitedjersey he received shortly after being drafted in April.
“The highlight of the day – for sure – was meeting RG3,”said Kitchen, who hails from Indianapolis where the Colts were the one NFL teamto pass on the Heisman trophy winner. “Even though I’m an Andrew Luck fan, I’ll definitely be pulling forRG3. After meeting him today, I want him to be successful and have a great career here.”
D.C. United returns home this Sunday as they take on the Philadelphia Union at 5:00PM - PURCHASE TICKETS
