Posts Tagged ‘phillip daniels’

Saved By The Rocca

When the Redskins released Phillip Daniels last week I was obviously dissapointed to see the veteran player go. I was also faced with something I’ve never had to deal with in my 37 years…entering a season of football older than every active player on the Redskins roster. Daniels shared my March 4th birthday but he was born one year earlier…so I was always safe with him on the roster. The past couple of years Daniels was the only player older than me, so I knew my streak was in serious jeopardy. Hell, I’m getting so old I’m already older than a handful of the Redskins coaches including offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

But, as one door closed another was open when Bruce Allen inked Saverio (Sav) Rocca to a contract just a few days after Daniels release. Rocca will be 38 this season and has no other punter in camp to compete for his roster spot…so it appears my streak will continue! No word on the details of Rocca’s contract but I’m hoping it’s a multi-year deal that will give me another couple years before the inevitable happens.

A little about Rocca…he holds the record for being the oldest rookie in NFL history, beginning his NFL career at age 33 after 14 years playing Australian Rules Football. He’s huge for a punter, standing 6’5″ tall and weighing 265. Also, he can kick the s%*t out of an Australian football.

Cheers and Hail

An Ode To Phillip Daniels

Thursday morning I was thrilled to learn that the Redskins had finally shipped Albert Haynesworth out of town and had actually gotten some type of value in return. However, my enjoyment was short lived as the Redskins announced a short time later that they had released veteran defensive end Phillip Daniels.

The difference in jersey numbers worn by AH and PD were separated by just one number, with Al having worn #92 and Daniels having worn #93. The difference between the 2 players characters and hearts on and off the field are separated by miles. While Albert strained a knee taking a dump, Phil was playing an entire season with a torn biceps. While Albert was laying down on the field during the middle of a play, PD was trying to jump just a little bit higher…to block a field goal attempt. While Albert was giving terse “no comments” to media members, Big Phil was doing the first ever radio show by a couple of DC bloggers.

Always one of the most fan friendly Redskins, Daniels took to twitter to announce his release and later tweeted this to his fans:

Thank you to the Redskins organization for 7 great years. It’s tough to say goodbye when you have bled burgundy & gold for so many years. I have no regrets because I left everything on the field. To Redskin Nation who have supported me all this time I got nothing but love for you. God opens doors no man can close and close doors no man can open. I want to keep playing football and proud of what I have accomplished as a Redskin. #HTTR and good luck to all the guys that I loved going to battle with

Daniels was first class all the way and he will be missed. While the door for his return has been left cracked open (injuries may cause an invitation to re-sign, coaching opportunities may exist) it appears that #93’s run in the burgundy and gold is over. He goes out having played 7 seasons and 82 games. His large hands batted down 24 passes and picked up 5 fumble recoveries. The muscles that were built up thru hard work in the gym and the muscles that were torn during battle helped him to 17.5 sacks, 181 tackles and 5 forced fumbles. And, on a magical day in December of 2005…in a performance that I will never forget…Phil had 4 sacks and a fumble recovery against the hated Cowboys. Thank you for effort Phil, best of luck to you.

The highlights of that Cowboy game start around the 1:20 mark of the video:

Cheers and Hail

3/1-3/4 Happy Bdays

Happy birthday Phillip Daniels. Phillip was recently offered a contract to return to the Redskins for his 6th season in DC. Phillip has played 68 games as a Redskin, including all 16 last year despite playing most of the season with a torn bicep! It’s no surprise that he played thru the injury, he’s one strong badass. I’ll never forget his 4 sack performance against the Cowboys and he was born on my birthday! Phillip will be entering his 14th NFL season in 2010 and hopes to play another 4-5 years so he and his son can become the first father/son duo to play at the same time in NFL history. I wouldn’t bet against him. Happy 37th Mr. Daniels.

Happy birthday Stephen Davis. Stephen played 7 seasons for the Skins from 1996-2002. Stephen was a 2-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 5,790 yards (4th all-time) and 45 TD’s during his tenure. Stephen’s best season came in 99’ when he rushed for 1,405 yards and 17TD’s. Stephen signed a 1 day contract with the Panthers in 2008 so he could retire as a Panther instead of a Redskin…he played 3 seasons in Carolina. Happy 36th Mr. Davis.

Happy birthday Cory Raymer. Cory played 8 seasons for the Skins from 1995-2005. Cory appeared in 80 games as a Center/Guard. Cory was a 2nd round pick out of Wisconsin. Happy 37th Mr. Raymer.

Happy birthday Chris Webber. Chris played 4 seasons for the Bullets from 1994-98. Chris is one of my all-time favorite Bullets/Wizards. Chris averaged 21.4PPG and 9.3RPG during his Bullets tenure. Chris was an amazing passer and 3 pt shooter for a big man. In retirement Chris has worked in TV and just yesterday was sued for 3 million for a restaurant venture gone bad. Happy 37th Mr. Webber.

Cheers and Hail