The Redskins Blog

Rypien Whistles ‘Hail’ Over Fan’s Voicemail

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Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien was the gunslinger under center for the 1991 Redskins–arguably the greatest team ever assembled–but had a reputation for being a man of the people.

Outside of the magical season in Washington, he had a journeyman’s career, and forged his best relationships with the fans.  As far as I can tell, he never ‘big-leagued’ anyone during his career or post-playing days, and continues to be a Redskins fan and ardent supporter.

He even whistles the Redskins Fight Song in perfect form.

Redskins fan Tom Kuhne heads up the Nation’s fan base in Colorado, running a dedicated fan site and associated Twitter handle (@COSkins).  It came to my attention, via Mark’s daughter Angela’s Twitter account, that he had a voicemail message from Mark, where he thanks Kuhne for his support and whistles “Hail To The Redskins.”

Listen to the full message on Kuhne’s site.

Angela approved of the voicemail, and suggested he has other musical talents as well:

Love it!! Yes I did you should hear him sing karaoke!! #funnytweet RT “@COSkins: did you know your dad was so musical? coskins.tumblr.com/post/111425480…”—
Angela Rypien (@Angela_Rypien) March 24, 2012

The story behind the voicemail is even better.

Last fall, Rypien was playing golf with my brother in-law, who told Ryp that he was a die-hard Redskins fan.  Kuhne said that this was one of the best voicemails he’s ever gotten, and was only disappointed by the fact it was a message.

“It was a mixed reaction,” Kuhne said, via Twitter.  ”I was pretty mad that I’d missed his phone call, but thought the message was awesome.”

I’m certain Kuhne will be sure to answer when his brother-in-law calls on sunny afternoons in the future.