(AP)

Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin III was among several rookies who reported back to Redskins Park this week to return to studying the playbook and meeting some more teammates.

Griffin III — the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor and the Redskins’ second overall pick in last month’s draft — has already been named Washington’s starting quarterback, and was seen yesterday getting in a good workout with his teammates in the weight room.

Griffin III has assuredly been spending a lot of his free time filming commercials, as was the case with adidas recently. For those looking for a more “behind-the-scenes” look at the Redskins’ rookie quarterback, check out this video from that shoot (warning, for those at work: there is a siren noise at the beginning):

Those familiar with Griffin III also know he’s famous for his unique sock collection. He’s even now selling a replica of the same socks he wore to Radio City Music Hall the night of the draft; the Redskins’ burgundy-and-gold-striped socks that have “Go Catch Your Dream” written on them, according to Griffin III’s Twitter:

What's up everybody, Heard your requests and have acted accordingly. #GoCatchYourDream socks are now on sale. Now back… say.ly/sGi3jzV—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 15, 2012

We look forward to bringing you Griffin III sock updates as much as we can.

(AP)

Rookie Redskins’ cornerback Richard Crawford was 5-foot-7 when he graduated from El Camino High School in Oceanside, Calif.

The major college football programs, in turn, passed on offering Crawford — a short-but-speedy defensive back and kick returner — a spot on their teams.

Two years later, Crawford — now four inches taller — had transferred from Saddleback Community College in California to Southern Methodist University, where he would continue to move up the lists of professional football scouts nationwide.

According to an October 2011 article from The Dallas Morning News, SMU coaches said it didn’t take long for a never-satisfied Crawford to catch on to the quickness of Division 1 football.

“It’s a confidence deal,” SMU defensive coordinator Tom Mason said. “You have to have a short memory. We really had to work with him on that.”

Mason said that Crawford eventually developed into the team’s best cornerback.

“He’s really come a long way,” Mason said.

Crawford also impressed in the kick-return game. He tied the SMU school record for longest punt return when he juked and sprinted his way to a 92-yard score that proved to be the biggest play of SMU’s win over Central Florida last season.

Crawford’s all-around play impressed Redskins personnel, who selected the cornerback in the seventh round of last month’s draft. Crawford then quickly signed a contract with the team.

Here’s a video of some of Crawford’s highlights from SMU:

(AP)

Art Monk, the Redskins’ legendary receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion, on Tuesday was named one of 14 players chosen to enter the National Football Foundation’s Football Bowl Subdivision Hall of Fame.

Monk was a standout receiver at Syracuse University from 1976 to 1979 until being drafted by the Redskins in the first round of the 1980 NFL Draft.

According to an NFF release, Monk — the ninth player from Syracuse to enter the College Football Hall of Fame — was a feared receiver and kick returner while in college. He currently ranks sixth in school history with 3,899 career all-purpose yards and was the last Syracuse player to lead the team in receiving for three consecutive seasons.

Monk was named a First Team All-American in 1979, and went on to an illustrious professional career with the Redskins, where he became the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions. He remains the Redskins’ all-time leader in career receptions (888), most career receiving yards (12,026), most receptions in a single game (13 against Detroit in 1990) and most receptions in a season (106, 1984).

Monk joins a 2012 Hall of Fame class of players and coaches that also includes:

• - Charles Alexander, TB, LSU (1975-78)
• - Otis Armstrong, HB, Purdue (1970-72)
• - Steve Bartkowski, QB, California (1972-74)
• - Hal Bedsole, SE, Southern California (1961-63)
• - Dave Casper, TE, Notre Dame (1971-73)
• - Ty Detmer, QB, BYU (1988-91)
• - Tommy Kramer, QB, Rice (1973-76)
• - Greg Myers, DB, Colorado State (1992-95)
• - Jonathan Ogden, OT, UCLA (1992-95)
• - Gabe Rivera, DT, Texas Tech (1979-92)
• - Mark Simoneau, LB, Kansas State (1996-99)
• - Scott Thomas, S, Air Force (1982-85)
• - John Wooten, OG, Colorado (1956-58)
• - Phillip Fulmer, coach, Tennessee (1992-2008)
• - Jimmy Johnson, coach, Oklahoma State and Miami (Fla.) (1984-88)
• - R.C. Slocum, coach, Texas A&M (1989-2002)

Monk is certainly no stranger to Hall of Fame speeches — he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He’s also a community leader; Monk is the co-founder of the Good Samaritan Foundation and has worked with the Leukemia Society, I Have a Dream and Project Harvest.

Here’s a video of Monk’s Hall-of-Fame career with the Redskins:

Note: The Redskins Blog will be profiling several former players, coaches and team officials eligible to be voted by you, the fans, in this year’s Redskins 80th Anniversary celebration. To vote for Sam Baker or your 10 other all-timers to join the already-chosen list of the 70 Greatest Redskins, go to http://www.redskins80th.com/

Sam Baker is one of the greatest punters in team history, but it was actually one of his field goals that might be his best moment in a Redskins uniform.

Nicknamed “Sugarfoot,” Baker played five seasons with Washington, entering the league as a 22 year old and then spending three years away from the game before returning for his final four seasons with the team.

 Perhaps Baker’s greatest individual moment was Nov. 8, 1959, when the defending NFL champions Baltimore Colts came to Griffith Stadium looking to continue their three-game winning streak against their rivals, the Redskins.

According to Redskins historian Michael Richman, Baker came on the field to attempt a 46-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining in the game with the score tied at 24.

He promptly kicked the ball through the uprights, sealing the Redskins’ 27-24 back-and-forth win over the Colts and sending “the fans into delirium as they celebrated the seismic upset,” Richman wrote.

To this day, that win over the Colts is considered one of — if not the No. 1 — greatest upset in Redskins history.

Here’s a look at Baker’s punting and kicking stats while a member of the Washington Redskins:

Baker, who hailed from Corvallis, Ore., would go on to play with the Cleveland Browns (1960-61), Dallas Cowboys (1962-63) and Philadelphia Eagles (1964-69), where he played both fullback and continued his kicking duties.

He was named to the Pro Bowl team in 1965 and 1969 as a member of the Eagles.

Tim Hightower certainly hasn’t forgotten where he’s came from.

The University of Richmond alum proudly wore his alma mater’s hat Monday morning as he signed his contract, signfying his official return with his hometown Washington Redskins.

Hightower — an Alexandria, Va., native, where he grew up less than 20 minutes away from Washington D.C. — played collegiately for the Spiders. While there, he set school career records for rushing yards (3,617), all-purpose yards (4,448), rushing touchdowns (34) and total touchdowns (39) in 49 career games.

In 2007, Hightower earned first-team All-American and unanimous All-Colonial Athletic Association honors as a senior after setting the school’s single-season rushing records for yardage (1,924) and touchdowns (20).

Hightower late Sunday also announced via his Twitter he was “baaaaaaaack” and attached a picture of himself wearing a Washington Redskins hat:

I'm baaaaaaaack http://t.co/9qG4TDTB—
Tim Hightower (@Tim_Hightower) May 14, 2012

Hightower’s signing means the Redskins have at least three running backs capable of rushing for 100 yards on any given Sunday.

Roy Helu Jr. and Evan Royster rushed for a combined 968 yards in their 2011 rookie campaigns, and Helu said Hightower’s veteran presence was a big part of that.

“I appreciate Tim’s leadership,” Helu said. “That’s my man right there, and I count him in when I think about (the 2012) season).”

In 2011, Hightower started the first five games of the season, totaling 321 yards on 84 carries with one rushing touchdown. He also added 10 receptions for 78 yards and recorded the first receiving touchdown of his career.

His season was cut short in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers when he tore his ACL.

Here’s a video from Hightower’s alma mater showcasing the running back’s first game last season against the New York Giants. Interesting note: Hightower was kicking field goals during his pre-game warmup:

(AP)

When the Redskins take the field this season for two games wearing their 80th Anniversary Uniforms, it actually won’t be the first time a version of that uniform has been worn in recent memory.

The team also wore a version of the same uniforms Sept. 25, 1994, in a home game vs. the Atlanta Falcons at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, and we’ve dug up photos from that day.

The special occasion that year was the 75th anniversary of the National Football League.

In that game, the Redskins nearly battled back from a 27-13 fourth-quarter deficit, but lost 27-20 to the Falcons.

The defense was swarming for Washington that day. The Redskins had six sacks, led by Ken Harvey’s two. Leonard Marshall, Dexter Nottage, Bobby Wilson and Tony Woods each had one sack apiece.

Wide receiver Henry Ellard had a monster game that day against the Falcons, catching six passes for 162 yards and a touchdown — the longest of which a 73-yard reception from quarterback John Friesz.

Friesz that day was 17-of-29 for 230 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

But back to the uniforms.

The main difference between the 1994 uniform version and this year’s 80th Anniversary Uniforms is the helmet.

In 1994, the team’s throwback uniform featured a dark burgundy helmet — matching the jersey — with a yellow facemask and white chin strap.

The 80th Anniversary Uniforms to be worn this year feature a helmet with a leather-like finish — honoring those worn in the 1930s — with a dark facemask and a white chin strap.

Also, the ’94 uniforms were created by Starter. The 2012 uniforms are created by Nike.

Here’s a few pictures from that 1994 game against the Falcons, as shot by the Associated Press:

(Wysocki as a youngster with the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Note: The Redskins Blog will be profiling several former players, coaches and team officials eligible to be voted by you, the fans, in this year’s Redskins 80th Anniversary celebration. To vote for Pete Wysocki or your 10 other all-timers to join the already-chosen list of the 70 Greatest Redskins, go to http://www.redskins80th.com/

It’s no surprise Pete Wysocki made an art of busting wedges while chasing kickoffs as a member of the Washington Redskins.

After all, the former Redskins outside linebacker and special teams standout was an award-winning painter while studying at Western Michigan University.

Wysocki’s six-year career with the Redskins spanned from 1975 to 1980. He began his professional football endeavors in the Canadian Football League, where he last played with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was the third CFL player signed by head coach George Allen, joining Joe Theismann and Moses Denson.

(Pete Wysocki, #50, with the Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Wysocki — who gained the nickname “Suicidal Socker” by teammates — became well-known by Redskins fans as a smashmouth-type player with a knack for finding the ballcarrier.

“I try to stay just this side of being rabid,” Wysocki once said. “You can’t go nuts all the time. But there are times when you really have to put a lick into a guy. I’m not very careful, put it that way.”

In 88 games with the Redskins, Wysocki recovered three fumbles and intercepted one pass. In 17 games as a starter his last two seasons in Washington, Wysocki recorded 111 tackles.

Wysocki died in 2003 at 55 after a battle with cancer. He’ll be forever remembered in Redskins Nation for his large heart — he was well-known for his charity work — his tough play on the field and his quick wit off of it.

Several Redskins players on Sunday took the opportunity to give a public Mother’s Day shoutout to the special women in their lives.

Here’s just a sample of the messages tweeted by the players on Sunday:

Recently-resigned running back Tim Hightower and his mother:

Thankful to be able to spend the day with my mom. I honor her for teaching me the power of being purpose driven http://t.co/Qi8G6hZH—
Tim Hightower (@Tim_Hightower) May 13, 2012

Tackle James Lee with a special shoutout to his grandmother:

She didn't birth me but she act like she did. #Grandmother instagr.am/p/Kk_VKyxDAT/—
James Lee (@77ways) May 13, 2012

Defensive lineman Chris Baker took to the kitchen for his Mother’s Day treat:

Getting ready to prepare a meal for my mom and grandma on mothers day—
Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) May 13, 2012

Safety DeJon Gomes with a special message:

Happy mothers day to all. I know i wouldn't be in the place I am today with my queen. I love that women with all my heart. She's ALL I need—
DeJon Gomes (@D_Gomes24) May 13, 2012

Tight end Niles Paul with a touching tribute to his mother:

My moms! RIP #HappyMothersDay lockerz.com/s/208726113—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul84) May 13, 2012

Linebacker Markus White also with a special message:

#HappyMothersDay 2 all the courageous woman of our world—
MarKus White (@Em_Whyte55) May 13, 2012

Defensive lineman Adam Carriker gets some brownie points with this tweet:

Happy Mother's Day to my wife Angie! No disrespect to anyone else, but she is the most beautiful woman, awesome mom and wonderful wife ever!—
Adam Carriker (@BigPoppaPump94) May 13, 2012

Longsnapper Nick Sundberg with this message to his mother…:

Happy mothers day @staciesundberg I would never have gotten where I am today without your love and undying support. #GreatestMomOfAllTime—
Nick Sundberg (@NickSundberg) May 13, 2012

…And his mother responds right back:

@NickSundberg thank you Son! You are my greatest achievement!!—
Stacie Sundberg (@staciesundberg) May 13, 2012

Linebacker Brian Orakpo:

Happy Mothers Day!!!—
Brian Orakpo (@rak98) May 13, 2012

And fellow linebacker London Fletcher:

Happy Mother's Day!—
London Fletcher (@LFletcher59) May 13, 2012

Quarterback Jonathan Crompton with a shoutout to two special women in particular:

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there but especially the greatest mom #JanetCrompton but also to the future mom @BrookeSmith416—
Jonathan Crompton (@jcromp8) May 13, 2012

Safety Reed Doughty with a message to his “#1 fan:”

Happy mothers day to my mom. she is the best. Loving, supportive, encouraging and Godly woman. Truly my #1 fan. #blessed—
Reed Doughty (@doughty37) May 13, 2012

Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander:

Happy mothers day to all especially to my mom & wife.—
Lorenzo Alexander (@onemangang97) May 13, 2012

Running back Evan Royster:

happy mother's day to all the moms out there!!—
Evan Royster (@Evan_Royster) May 13, 2012

And, finally, wide receiver Anthony Armstrong gives his orders:

Good morning and Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful Moms out there. Y'all can sleep in, everyone else #GTAU—
Anthony Armstrong (@MrArmstrong13) May 13, 2012

With that, we certainly hope everyone out there in Redskins Nation had a wonderful Mother’s Day.

Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan just couldn’t resist quoting Deion “Primetime” Sanders when asked about the team’s 80th Anniversary Uniforms.

“I like them a lot,” Kerrigan told CSNWashington.com. “Like Deion Sanders said, ‘Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good.’ So hopefully that amounts to us this year.”

Kerrigan wasn’t the only one digging the team’s new threads.

His outside linebacker colleague, Brian Orakpo, said he enjoyed everything about the uniforms, including the helmets, which were designed to look like the leather helmets used in the 1930s.

“I’m a big fan of it,” Orakpo said. “I mean, I think it’s different and it looks good. Hopefully we play good in them.”

The Redskins’ 80th Anniversary Uniforms will be worn at two games to be determined in the 2012 season. Several fans have already expressed their interest in picking one up as soon as possible.

Orakpo and Kerrigan also talked with CSNWashington.com about the new Indoor Practice Facility, rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III and their thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers throwback uniforms in this video clip:

Who knows how many additional yards and touchdowns Sammy Baugh could’ve racked up had today’s technology been available to him?

It’s a question that’s fun to ponder, but both the Redskins and Nike had “Slinging Sammy” in mind as they developed the team’s new 80th Anniversary Uniforms, which were unveiled Thursday afternoon at Redskins Park.

Though the organization began in 1932, it wasn’t until five years later that the Redskins made the move from Boston to the Washington, D.C. area.

According to a press release, the 2012 80th Anniversary Uniform design “pays tribute to 1937 QB ‘Slingin’ Sammy Baugh, who in his first year in the league led the newly relocated Redskins to their first National Championship.”

The photo above is from that 1937 season. It shows Baugh carrying the ball in the Redskins’ 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears on a frozen Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Pretty cool, huh?

Even in black and white, you can tell the similarities between the actual 1937 uniform and the 80th Anniversary Uniforms.

Nike’s football Twitter account also tweeted out a photo of a No. 33 version of the Redskins’ 80th Anniversary Uniform, the same number Baugh wore with the Redskins:

#FollowFriday #FF @Redskins, and check out their new alternate "anniversary" uniforms in the meantime. #httr http://t.co/jd7BlWXA—
Nike Football (@usnikefootball) May 11, 2012

An organization like the Redskins can boast one of the greatest traditions in all of professional football, and it’s always neat to see that past literally coming alive, as it has in recent days — and as it will in the coming months.