(AP Images)

Last year Redskins Nation had to watch one half of the dynamic linebacker duo of Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, known more affectionately as Kerrakpo in our Nation’s Capital, sit out the majority of the season with an upper-body injury.

The twosome had the opportunity to brew something as the bookends of a talent laden linebacking unit. In the debut season of Kerrakpo the pair totaled 122 tackles, 16.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, and seven forced fumbles.

With a fully healthy Orakpo on the horizon and a Pro Bowl year under Kerrigan’s belt, Kerrakpo 2.0 could be even deadlier than the first version.

Lookout NFC East.

As OTA’s swung into full gear yesterday a delighted Kerrigan looked on as his pal is fully healed and ready to add a third Pro Bowl appearance to his already extensive NFL resume.

“He looked like the Rak we all know and love,” Kerrigan said. “That’s a good sign for this defense and this team.”

No. 91 was the Redskins lead sack man in 2012 with 8.5. As he continues to build on his team-high 16 over the past two seasons, Kerrigan knows that having Orakpo on the other side could free up a lot of room for the entire front seven.

“He just does a lot for our defense not just in terms of rushing the passer, but playing the run and playing the run and playing in coverage as well,” Kerrigan said of Orakpo’s impact to the Burgundy and Gold. “That’s something you can’t replace.”

As for Kerrigan’s thoughts for the 2012 NFC East champs as a whole, the former Purdue Boilermaker thinks the best is yet to come.

“We’re building something really good here in Washington and you could see us taking some steps last year towards getting better,” Kerrigan said. “We haven’t reached our potential yet and that’s an exciting thing.”

I think we are all excited, Ryan.

Hail to the Redskins!

(AP photo)

Going into the 2012 season, the hype surrounding the Redskins reached unrivaled levels thanks to this fellow by the name of Robert Griffin III.

Griffin III was joining a team littered with first round talents (Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Williams and Brian Orakpo) and undrafted phenoms outperforming their draft day exclusions like NFL ironman London Fletcher.

While No. 10 thrashed his opponents en route to AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, he isn’t the top rated Redskin on CBSSports’ NFL Top-100 list.

Enter Alfred Morris.

While the story of No. 46’s unexpected rise from seldom known sixth-round pick to a franchise rushing record has been told multiple times already, let me give you a shortened recap of the former FAU star’s career.

Before Morris was strapping on a Burgundy and Gold helmet, he worked out 12 hours a day honing his skills that would eventual bolster him to one of the top tailbacks in the league. Then, after being pretty much an afterthought of the 2012 draft class he found himself starting in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints.

1,613 yards, 13 touchdowns and one franchise record later, Morris finds himself as the No. 41 player on Peter Prisco’s top-100 list and the second running back behind 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson.

While Morris’ 2012 output was perhaps the biggest “feel good” story of the year, he wasn’t a one-man band for the league’s top rushing attack.

Griffin III rushed for 815 yards and seven touchdowns along with his 3,200 passing yards and took the Nation’s Capital by storm. While a No. 83 placement seems a bit low for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year,   Prisco does believe that the best is yet to come from the former Heisman-winner.

“He was electrifying until he hurt his leg late and then suffered the ACL injury in the playoff loss. I think it will help make him a better quarterback in the long run.”

Williams paved the way for Morris and Griffin III to rush for over 2,000 yards and protected No. 10’s blindside. The 2012 Pro Bowler is No. 78 on Prisco’s list.

So what are your thoughts on the three Redskins on the list? Are they too low?

Also, do you find it odd that none of the three Pro Bowl linebackers are on the list?

Hail to the Redskins!

(AP Images)

Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan form quite the duo on the outsides of a talent-laden linebacking unit. The two have combined for three Pro Bowl appearances, 45.5 sacks, and countless opponents who fear entering the duo’s territory.

While Redskins Nation is waiting for the moment Orakpo rejoins Kerrigan and the rest of the Burgundy and Gold, the youngest generation of footballers in the DMV will be able to catch a glimpse of the pair and gain unparalleled knowledge from the former first round picks at the Brian Orakpo/Ryan Kerrigan Football Camp this July.

The camp will take place on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Shortly before the pair takes the fields in Richmond for training camp, they will be giving pointers and instruction for players ages 7-18.

For all you future NFLers out there name me another camp that features teaching from two of the top linebackers in the league?

Exactly.

If you aren’t a sack machine like the combo and instead prefer to be the next Robert Griffin III, don’t worry—this camp will improve technique at all positions.

Campers will spend upwards of six hours of daily demonstrations, lectures, and practice time with the twosome.

For those of you who are interested in instruction from a Redskins player but aren’t sure if you can make it to Northern Virginia in the heat of July, no worries—Josh Morgan will also be holding a camp with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Lardarius Webb in June at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.

For more information on both camps as well as sign up information click on the link here.

Hail to the Redskins!

(AP Photo)

As I wrote earlier today, the Redskins had an extra fifth round draft pick in this year’s from a 2011 trade and used it on Florida State linebacker Brandon Jenkins.

Jenkins was the second Florida State player selected by the Burgundy and Gold in the fifth round. Just eight picks earlier, the Redskins took FSU running back Chris Thompson.

Did the Redskins just add another future Pro Bowler to a unit that already features Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrgian, London Fletcher and Perry Riley?

Jenkins was a preseason All-American and All-ACC candidate in 2012 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. If the former Seminole plays up to his top pick potential before being sidelined, the Redskins just got another late round steal–a Mike Shanahan specialty.

Here’s a little video to get you jacked up for Jenkins arrival in the Nation’s Capital.

Jenkins’ strengths according to NFL.com:

Possesses very good initial quickness, eats up grass with long strides, and has the flexibility to turn the corner as a pass rusher. Has length and upper-body strength to rip off blocks and throw quarterbacks and running backs to the ground. Also displays the power to get lesser linemen on their heels. Not contact-shy playing the run, will stick his shoulder to keep leverage against single blocker and double teams to hold the line.

And NFL Draft expert Mike Mayock thoughts on a selection that he had graded well above fifth round levels. 

While Jenkins is on the road to recovery from his injury it will be interesting to see how he fits in.

But one thing is for certain—he has some pretty amazing mentors to work with.

Hail to the Redskins!

Mark your calendars Redskins Nation its official, the 2012 NFC East champions will open the 2013 slate against NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football at FedExField. The opener is one of five primetime affairs for the Burgundy and Gold.

And yes its the same Eagles who the Redskins swept during the 2012 campaign including a 31-6 victory at FedExField that jump started the Redskins epic run to the postseason.

With plenty of storylines to dig into, it only seems fitting to do a way too early preview of a game that is still months away.

Here are some topics to follow that night:

The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles have met 156 times dating back to 1934 when the Burgundy and Gold beat the Eagles in a defensive contest, 6-0.

Don’t expect such a low scoring game this time around, though.

With Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris leading the charge for the Redskins and former Virginia Tech star Michael Vick and 2011 All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy taking command of the Eagles offense, there’s not telling how many big plays could come on offense that night.

Remember last year the highly talked about matchup between Griffin III and Vick never came to fruition as the Eagles gunslinger was sideline both times the teams took the field.

The waiting game to see these two human highlight reels battle for a number one spot on top play countdowns could finally be coming to an end.

Speaking of offensive fireworks, will newly-minted Eagles coach Chip Kelly be able to translate his highly successful spread offense to the pros or will two-time Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shanahan spoil his professional debut?

Kelly’s offense, however, could struggle against the Redskins defense especially with the pending returns of linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker.

Orakpo will rejoin fellow linebackers Ryan Kerrigan, London Fletcher, and Perry Riley to form the best linebacking unit in the league. Fletcher and Riley finished last season in the top-15 in tackles while Kerrigan appeared in his first Pro Bowl.

Other storylines to follow:

–Morris broke the Redskins single-season rushing record in his first year, what will he have for an encore in year two?

–How will the newest members of the team perform in their first regular season games in Burgundy and Gold?

–Tight end Fred Davis was one of Griffin III’s favorite targets before he went down with a season-ending injury in Week 7 last year, will a fully healthy Davis be No. 1o’s go-to-guy once again?

–This is the Redskins second primetime, home opener under Shanahan. In his debut in the Nation’s Capital in 2010, the Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7 on Sunday Night Football.

–Same story, different year: Fletcher’s games played streak. Need I say more?

Check back with the blog and website as we will be dissecting each game over the next few weeks as we inch closer to September 9th.

Tell me your thoughts on the schedule as well as the opener at FedExField.

Hail to the Redskins!

By now you know all about the 2012 campaign where the Burgundy and Gold secured their first division title since the turn of the century.

While the season that was will go down as one of the most exciting  in franchise history thanks in large part to the instant injection of highlight reel moments by rookie record-breakers Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris, the team as a whole stepped up their “game” after the bye week and made those that told them it was time to consider the season a lost cause bite their tongues.

With the 2013 season fast approaching (OTAs start next week!) its time to look forward to what the campaign can bring to the DMV.

As I was browsing the Internet this morning I came across an article by Yahoo! Sports that states what they believe will be key to the Redskins making back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since they made it three straight years from 1990-1992. (Also, in the second year—the Redskins made the playoffs they won Super Bowl XXVI. Just sayin’.)

So lets take a look at what they believe will help the franchise make the 2013 playoffs.

According to Russell Baxter, the Washington Redskins will find themselves playing in January and beyond if…

“Washington stays committed to the running game. With a major assist from rookie running back Alfred (1,613), the Redskins totaled an NFL-high 2,709 yards rushing in 16 games last season (169.3 yards per game); totaling more than 1,100 yards than they did (1,614) in 2011. Combine that with the efficient passing of quarterback Robert Griffin III and it was little wonder that Shanahan’s team scored 436 points and totaled 46 offensive touchdowns, up considerably from the previous season (288 points, 27 offensive touchdowns).”

Not only do Morris and Griffin III have a season of professional experience under their belts, the running game and passing game for the matter, will benefit from the return of Roy Helu Jr. to the lineup. Helu Jr. spent the majority of the 2012 season on Injured Reserve after being plagued with lower bodies issues. In 2011, Helu Jr. tallied over 1,000 combined yards and his versatility will play dividends to the read-option attack.

The Redskins will also return to the playoffs if…

“Griffin III (7) as well as backup quarterback Kirk Cousins (3) continue to practice ball security. The two rookie signal-callers last season coughed up the ball a combined 10 times. Hence, the Redskins were guilty of an NFL-low 14 turnovers in 2012.”

The fact that Griffin III and Kirk Cousins were in their first seasons in the NFL and only turned it over is impressive and when you factor in that Morris only coughed up the pigskins three times on his 348 touches is just as amazing.

The one worry that Baxter has with the Redskins chances to be one of the last 12 teams standing, however, is how the defense will perform.

“If Washington’s defense doesn’t look a whole lot better than it did a year ago, the team’s reign as NFC East champions will be short-lived. Injuries to defensive end Adam Carriker and outside linebacker Brian Orakpo in a Week 2 loss at St. Louis took their toll on the defense as it totaled only 32 sacks while allowing 31 touchdown passes. The Redskins also gave up 388 points, the most among the league’s 12 playoff teams in 2012.”

In 2011, Adam Carriker and Brian Orakp0 combined for 93 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and five passes defensed and will help bolster the unit’s threat to opposing quarterbacks with their pending returns. With newly signed cornerback E.J. Biggers and a fully healthy Brandon Meriweather in the secondary, passing touchdowns given up may be few and far between.

So Redskins Nation, what do YOU think will be vital for the Redskins to make a march into the 2013 playoffs?

Chime in here!

Last week, the Washington Redskins signed former Philadelphia Eagle and Seattle Seahawk Darryl Tapp. During his seven years in the National Football League, Tapp has dug his hand deep in the dirt in the three-point stance on the line.

However, with the Burgundy and Gold Tapp will convert to linebacker and provide quality depth for one of the best linebacking units in the league that includes Pro Bowlers London Fletcher, Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo. Middle linebacker Perry Riley was top-15 in tackles in his first year as a full-time starter and Rob Jackson burst onto the scene after setting career-highs across the board including a key interception in the team’s Week 17 NFC East clinching victory against the Dallas Cowboys.

While he has spent the past three years with one of the Redskins biggest foes, Tapp is ready to play for the team he grew up rooting for.

Sometimes u jus gotta go home—
Darryl Tapp (@dtapp55) March 28, 2013

Tapp was born and raised in Redskins country in Portsmouth, Virginia. After a standout career at Deep Creek High School, he had several options as to where he could play at the next level. Although he had discussions with the University of Virginia and the University of Florida, he ultimately decided to stay close to home and attended Virginia Tech under coaching legend Frank Beamer.

Over the last several decades, Virginia Tech’s success has been built on lockdown defenses. From 2003-2006, the unit’s dominance was headlined by Tapp. His senior season was his best as he was an All-American nomination for a top-15 team that held opponents to 20 points or less in 10 out of 13 contests.

Across the board the 2006 NFL Draft was one of the deepest in league history. While the first round was littered with high-profile prospects, the entire draft features 35 different players that have appeared at the Pro Bowl.

After the Seattle Seahawks selected Tapp with the 53rd overall pick in the draft, the Virginia Tech product made a cross country move to Washington state.

After four years in the Emerald City, Tapp decided to move closer to home and wound up with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Burgundy and Gold.

For his career Tapp has 288 tackles, 24 sacks, nine forced fumbles and two interceptions. 47 of his 288 tackles have come against NFC East  teams, and yes for those of you who are wondering 14 of those have come against Washington.

As an admitted lifelong Redskins fan one can only wonder the mixed emotions he might have felt on each take down. No worries for Tapp or the Redskins as he is coming home to the team that he loves.

With four playoff starts and 107 career appearances, Tapp fits in perfectly with an experienced defensive unit that will also featuring the return of Adam Carriker.

Keep and eye on Tapp’s transition to linebacker under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and his 3-4 scheme during training camp this summer in Richmond. With Fletcher, Kerrigan and Orakpo as mentors for Tapp we have no doubt that his move is in good hands.

Hail to the Redskins and welcome home, Darryl!

(AP Photo)

There is no denying that Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is one of the most naturally gifted athletes on the planet. Baylor students and Redskins faithful can attest to his heroics with the pig skin, as he simply does the unimaginable sometimes. Just ask Vikings fans for proof after his 76-yard touchdown scamper against Minnesota during the 2012 season.

In high school, Griffin III was one of the best hurdlers in the Lone Star State.

But like the rest of us, his eyes have been glued to the hardwood in recent weeks. In the days leading up to the NCAA Selection Show, his alma mater was on the bubble and with the Bears needing a lift against perennial Big 12 power Kansas, Griffin III gave his school a much needed pregame speech to get them prepared for crunch time.

To the delight of all in attendance, Baylor was able to knock off Kansas – the last team to do so prior to the Jayhawks Sweet 16 run.

With the NCAA Tournament taking a few nights off after an amazing first weekend, it was the NBA’s turn to take center stage Monday night.

Griffin III was still amped up to watch some hoops and tuned in to see what was going down on the court. Last night, it was the performance of one local star that left the quarterback in amazement.

47 Points 7 Rebounds AND 8 assists!?!?!?!? OK I see you @John_Wall #DCTakeOver—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 26, 2013

On this night, after a career performance, who couldn’t see Wall as one of the best young talents in the NBA.

Speaking of “#DCTakeOver” these two were spotted together on the cover of an issue of ESPN the Magazine this past fall with the headline “Happy Days are Here Again!”.

With an NFC East crown in Griffin III’s pocket and Wall lighting up the scoreboard for the Wizards, there’s no denying that the DMV has been smiling more than usual in recent months.

Griffin III and Brian Orakpo were spotted at a Wizards-Heat game earlier this season at the Verizon Center, and while Wall did not play due to injury, Griffin III’s luck rubbed off on the Wizards as they knocked off the defending NBA Champions.

Hey, I wonder if Griffin III gave the Wizards a pregame speech too?

Anyways, after meeting with the media at the conclusion of another Wizards win, Wall made sure to respond to Griffin III’s congratulatory tweet.

Thanks big homie RT @RGIII: 47 Points 7 Rebounds AND 8 assists!?!?!?!? OK I see you @John_Wall #DCTakeOver—
John Wall (@John_Wall) March 26, 2013

With the NCAA Tournament resuming in a little over 48 hours, most brackets have been destroyed with some double-digit seeds making the Sweet 16.

Griffin III could not pick his school from Waco, but find out who he did pick in his bracket and see how his Sweet 16 as well as some of his Burgundy and Gold teammates picks stack up against yours by clicking the link here.

In less than 24 hours, Round 1 of voting to decide your favorite Redskins draft class of all-time will be complete. So consider this your last warning, or hoorah, to vote now for your chance to win an autographed photo from LB Brian Orakpo just for participating.

We know it may sound too good to be true but, believe us, it’s not. It’s meant to act as a token of appreciation thanking our fans for your support! So click here and place your vote now!

In fact, we’ll be giving away an autographed item at the end of each round simply for placing your vote. (Hint: The items will increase in size as the rounds progress.)

Before we make one final push to vote/recap Round 1, here’s a quick look at the voting timeline:

1. Round 2– Saturday, March 23rd at 5:01pm – Thursday, March 28th at 12pm
2. Round 3– Thursday, March 28th – Monday, April 1st at 12pm
3. Round 4 – April 1st – Thursday, April 4th at 12pm
4. Round 5 (Finals) – April 4th – Monday, April 8th

The grand prize winner will be announced via the @Redskins Twitter account at 3pm on Monday, April 8th. So without further ado, below are some quick takeaways from Round 1 based on how you voted.

1. Voters picked straight chalk to advance to the next round and it looks like all of the top seeds will advance
2. The 2012 draft class appears to be the early favorite to win it all after the first round of voting
3. The best chance for an upset is the 1996 draft class (#6 seed) over the 1998 draft class (#3)

Under Further Review - Best Chance For a 1^st Round Upset:

The 1996 draft class is making a late charge to upstage the higher seeded 1998 draft class.

Highlighted by tight end Stephen Alexander, running back Skip Hicks, and linebacker Shawn Barber, the 1998 draft class currently holds 55 percent of the votes over the underdogs from the 1996 draft class featuring running back Stephen Davis.

By no means is this an attempt to sway the vote but keep in mind that Davis ranks fourth on the Redskins all-time rushing leaders list with 5,790 yards on 1,383 carries (4.2 average) and second on the all-time touchdowns list (only to Redskins great John Riggins) with 45.

On the other hand, Shawn Barber was a force in the middle and Stephen Alexander was no slouch himself. Many consider Alexander one of the top ten tight ends to ever play for the Redskins during the team’s rich 80 year history.

We’ll leave it up to you to decide!

Biggest Route AKA ‘I Never Stood A Chance’:

Sorry 1989 draft class, but you never stood a chance against this year’s stud class. It looks like in what was originally our featured matchup of Round 1 (2012 vs. 1989) is coming to a close in a massive blowout. We pitted the 2012 class (#2 seed) vs. the 1989 draft class of Mark Schlereth and company (#7 seed). Based on the first round results, it looks like QB Robert Griffin III, RB Alfred Morris, QB Kirk Cousins and friends are heading into the clubhouse as early favorites with 100% of the votes. To that we say, bring it on 2008 in Round 2 of voting!

Round 2 Preview:

If Round 1 ended tonight, here’s a quick preview of next round’s matchups in the Sweet 16 along with some of the key names from each class:

2004 vs. 2001

#1 Seed (2004): Sean Taylor, Chris Cooley

#4 Seed (2001): Rod Gardner, Fred Smoot

2000 vs. 1998

#2 Seed (2000): LaVar Arrington, Chris Samuels

#3 Seed (1998): Stephen Alexander, Skip Hicks, Sean Barber

1981 vs. 1990

#1 Seed (1981): Mark May, Russ Grimm, Dexter Manley, Charlie Brown

#4 Seed (1990): Brian Mitchell

1980 vs. 1986

#2 Seed (1980): Art Monk

#3 Seed (1986): Mark Rypien

1999 vs. 2009

#1 Seed (1999): Champ Bailey, Jon Jansen

#4 Seed (2009): Brian Orakpo

2010 vs. 2011

#2 Seed (2010): Trent Williams, Perry Riley

#3 Seed (2011): Ryan Kerrigan

1983 vs. 1995

#1 Seed (1983): Darrell Green, Charles Mann

#4 Seed (1995): Michael Westbrook, Cory Raymer

2012 vs. 2008

#2 Seed (2012): Robert Griffin III, Alfred Morris, Kirk Cousins

#3 Seed (2008): Fred Davis, Rob Jackson

Redskins Nation, it’s up to you! Have some fun and remember to cast your vote for the Top 32 Draft Classes of all-time for chances to win big. Plus, see how your Redskins Bracket is faring in the Redskins Bracket Challenge at www.redskins.com/brackets.

Here’s how you can stay current with all Redskins news, notes and updates:

- Facebook – www.facebook.com/redskins

- Twitter – www.twitter.com/redskins

- Google+ – www.google.com/+washingtonredskins

- Foursquare – www.foursquare.com/redskins

- Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/redskinsdotcom

- Instagram – http://instagram.com/redskins

- reddit – http://www.reddit.com/user/redskinsdotcom

- Redskins YouTube Channel

- Download the Official Redskins Mobile App

(AP photo)

Not every charity has a happy inspiration, but Redskins’ defensive end Stephen Bowen would like to provide peace to families that might not otherwise be so fortunate.

It was June 2011, shortly before signing with the Redskins, that Bowen and his wife Tiffany gave birth to twin boys, Stephen Jr. and Skyler.

The boys were born prematurely at just 24 weeks, and entered immediately into the fight of their young lives.

Weeks later, Skyler developed an infection that his underdeveloped immune system was unable to fight, and he passed away.

Understanding how fortunate they were cover the medical and funeral costs of their child, Stephen and Tiffany developed a plan to turn their loss into a saving grace for others.

That was the inspiration behind the Skyler’s Gift Foundation, which officially launched on Nov. 17, 2012, to coincide with World Prematurity Day.

“We started it last year,” Stephen explained. “What happened to me and my wife we wanted to just do something that would help people out.”

Bowen said the two have partnered with the March of Dimes, which is designed to lend support to families with premature births. Stephen Bowen and his wife want to take it one step further.

“The March of Dimes, they’re all about the health of premature babies. But people don’t talk about the bad side, a lot of people lose their kids,” he explained. “They can’t afford to have a funeral.  When you can’t afford to bury your child, they use them as medical waste, or mass cremation.  That is very traumatic.

“We try to give people the chance to bury their child, and be at peace with what has happened.  We pay for the costs of those things.”

Using the foundation’s website and his celebrity status, Bowen is hoping to spread the word about his foundation to families that find themselves in the same situation.

“We select people that go onto the website of myself or my wife’s.  We’ve reach out to so many hospitals, and when need help, they just reach out to us,” Stephen said. “We want to spread out.  We’re willing to help anyone in the U.S.”

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Bowl-A-Thon Unites Washington Redskins And Dallas Cowboys

It isn’t very often that a cause or player can unite such historic rivals as the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, but Bowen has the clout and history to do so.

Originally an undrafted free agent by the Cowboys in 2006, Stephen Bowen has had success in both cities, including being named a Redskins’ team captain in 2012.

Calling on his current teammates, past teammates and friends around the league, Stephen and Tiffany organized the first ever Bowl-A-Thon to raise money and awareness for the Skyler’s Gift Foundation.

The event will be held at Lucky Strike in Washington D.C. on Sat. May 4 at 6 p.m., and celebrity attendees are scheduled to include Redskins Barry Cofield and Brian Orakpo, Cowboys DeMarcus Ware, Jason Hatcher, and Miles Austin, free agent lineman Willie Colon as well as former Hofstra teammate and Saint  Marques Colston.

Bowen said the storyline of Redskins and Cowboys coming together sounds strange, but the event is really about friends coming together for a good cause.

“We just want to give people the chance to bowl with some of their favorite players.  I’m friends with a lot of guys around the league, and they just want to show support,” Stephen said. “It’s not about competition, it’s just about supporting the event and everyone having a great time.

“We want exposure and we want to raise awareness around the league. We are not pocketing any money. I don’t want anyone to pocket any money. This is just to help the families.”

So what kind of bowling game can we expect out of big Bowen? Well, it depends on the day.

“I’m OK at bowling,” he said with a humble grin. “I’m very inconsistent, so I have my good days and bad days.  For the most part, I just like having fun.

“It’s a good thing for everyone to have a great time, it’s just everyone being silly.”

Come on out if you can, but even if not, be sure to support Tiffany and Stephen Bowen with a donation to help support Skyler’s Gift Foundation.

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