In continuing our trend of checking in to see how Redskins players, past and present, are spending their offseason, we’re going to take a look at free agent tight end Chris Cooley.

Cooley has been a staple of the Redskins organization for just over nine years. He is the Redskins’ all-time leader for receptions by a tight end (428), a fan-favorite among many crowds, a leader in the locker room, a spokesperson in the fight against breast cancer, and an experienced potter. He’s an all-around good football player and good leader; the kind of guy you would want your daughter to date.

Despite being released by the team back in August, Cooley returned to Redskins Park this past October to help host the fifth-annual All-Star Survivors Celebration in conjunction with the Redskins Charitable Foundation, which he started in 2008. Why? Because he loves the fans, he loves the DMV area, he loves the tradition, he loves his teammates and he loves what the Redskins organization represents.

Following his release, Cooley hit the free agent market and had opportunities to play elsewhere but came to grips with the fact that his career may be over. His passion for the sport lay in the palm of the Redskins organization. He quickly realized that football may not be in the cards unless he was strapping on the pads for a Redskins team which he had devoted blood, sweat, and tears to over the years.

Matter of fact, the tight end bleeds burgundy and gold.

That’s why he decided in December 2010 to invest in art and open The Cooley Gallery, located in downtown Leesburg, instead of returning to his hometown of Logan, Utah. Population: 49,010; a far cry from the Nation’s Capital. The tight end made Virginia his home and pursued his career after football.

The Cooley Gallery is a place where Cooley finds solitude off of the gridiron. He’s not in it for the money (even though he does sell some of his work here), but instead it’s a passion for the 30-year-old tight end.

In a recent interview with Redskins.comTV at a school book reading sponsored by the Redskins Charitable Foundation, Cooley said he’s been keeping busy with his pottery gallery and giving back to causes he believes in.

“I’ve been trying to put together three or four community events,” he said. “It’s been really fun.”

One of the events at his gallery is to help benefit Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA). For his part, Cooley is making 400 ceramic dog bowls to be donated to the foundation.

In fact, Cooley has formed a partnership with Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA), a “non-profit, no-kill shelter that focuses on the rescue and placement of homeless dogs and cats in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area”.

The Cooley Gallery will donate ten dollars from every pet food bowl sold (handcrafted by Cooley, #47, himself) directly to FOHA to help in the placement of these cats and dogs.

If you would like to support or attend, the event will take place this Saturday, April 27 at The Cooley Gallery in Leesburg.

Though his charity work is noble,  his love for ceramics extends far beyond any cause or provision of help. Each piece is custom hand-crafted and represents a love for pottery that’s reflected in each porcelain creation on display in his Leesburg shop.

And for all of you artists out there, you can submit your work to be on display at The Cooley Gallery!

So if you’re ever in the Leesburg area, be sure to stop by The Cooley Gallery and check out some of his handcrafted pottery. You may even get to meet the former Redskins tight end!

You can follow Chris Cooley on Twitter (@thecooleyzone). If you want more, check out his blog at http://chriscooley47.blogspot.com/ or for more information about The Cooley Gallery, please visit http://www.thecooleygallery.com/index.html.

If you’ve been following the Redskins this offseason then you already know that the team has been able to retain most of last year’s championship roster. But did you know that they are the NFL’s retention leaders?

Following the re-signing of CB DeAngelo Hall, the Redskins now have more returning starters than any other team in the league with 21 of their 22 starters on both sides of the ball expected back next year (previously cited by CSN Washington’s Rich Tandler and Draftmetrics.com). That leaves unrestricted free agent safety Madieu Williams, who is still on the open market, as the lone remaining player.

The next closest competitors are the Patriots, Packers, and 49ers who each retained 19 of their starters. Five teams were able to keep 18 and the list goes on.

That’s not a bad crop of teams for the Redskins to have their name referenced considering that in recent years all of those teams have been playoff mainstays and are often viewed as perennial Super Bowl contenders.

So what does that all mean?

Stability, camaraderie, and continued success are just a few words or phrases that immediately come to mind.

It also means that this offseason the Redskins have focused on retaining players who were key ingredients in last year’s recipe for success.

What Redskins fans witnessed last year was a team that boasted the league’s top rushing attack, consistent quarterback play, an opportunistic defense, and immediate contributions from the rookie draft class.

And seeing as the roster is relatively young at the skill positions suggests that consistent success is imminent. We can only hope that the rookies will build on last year’s success and have a strong second season.

So kudos to the front office for going into the offseason with a plan and executing that plan despite somewhat difficult circumstances and chock it up as a positive first step in the team’s NFC East Championship defense.

With OTA’s set to begin in 11 days at Redskins Park, Redskins.com’s Brian Tinsman takes a look at the team’s strengths and offers storylines to watch. Check back later as he evaluates the quarterback position in the next installment of ‘Redskins Roster Review’.

Redskins’ Roster Review: Offensive Tackles

Redskins Roster Review: Receivers

Redskins’ Roster Review: Interior O-Line

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

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

- Foursquare – www.foursquare.com/redskins

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- Redskins YouTube Channel

- Download the Official Redskins Mobile App

Have you ever made a pact with a group of friends that years later became a reality? It could be as simple as an agreement to always remain in touch or it could be a pact much larger, much more meaningful than that.

In the case of Redskins NT Chris Baker, it was a pact with two of his high school teammates from Windsor (CT) that one day they would all be playing in the National Football League.

Fans already know how much we appreciate a good Disneyesque, “based on a true”, inspirational, feel good story around here especially when it involves a Redskins player setting out to accomplish a goal and succeeding in every respect. (See Morgan’s D.C. Return: ‘It Was All A Dream’)

So when we saw Chris Baker’s Instagram account (@bigbake92), we felt the need to share his story with you! To avoid over exhausting this story in nauseating fashion, we’ll let you read for yourself.

Here’s Baker with high school defensive line teammates Terrance Knighton (now a member of the Denver Broncos) and Damik Scafe (now a member of the San Diego Chargers).

“It was all a dream we said, ‘Yo, lets all go D1’. Did that then we said, ‘Yo, we got to make it to the #nfl.’ Did that! My whole high school d-line is in the NFL. @scafe75 @mrknighton2u started from the bottom now we here #windsorhighschool #whs #warriors.”

Ultimately, what started as a brotherhood, and resulted in a pact, culminated in the success story seen in the picture above.

But all the picture really shows us is the storybook ending.

So without knowing the exact details of how or why Baker, Knighton and Scafe decided to come together, we tried to recreate the scene and like to think it went a little something like this (with a twist, of course):

Redskins.comTV, articles, blogs, social connections, live streams, archives, player fantasy stats, exclusive interviews with Redskins players, and more! All of it will remain free for the greatest fans in the NFL!

Today’s Redskins Park Update notes that content on Redskins.com will continue to remain free of charge, plus gives an update on the team’s re-signing of OT Tyler Polumbus.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III relocated to Texas for several offseason events this week, and found some time to cheer on his alma mater’s men’s basketball team in their big matchup against Kansas.

Griffin III wore a personalized No. 10 Baylor basketball jersey and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Apparently, he earned it.

Griffin III proved once again that he can be a good-luck charm, as the Baylor Bears (18-13) shocked the visiting Kansas Jayhawks (26-5), 81-58, to keep the Jayhawks from the Big 12 regular-season title.

It turns out that Griffin III provided the team with more than a familiar face in the crowd.

He actually gave the underdog Bears a pep talk at the Bears’ last practice (via SI columnist Seth Davis, who interviewed Baylor coach Scott Drew after the game):

SI.com: I saw RG3 was at the game, did he bring you luck?

Drew: He gets the credit for the pep talk on Friday in practice. He came in and shared what the Redskins talked about when they had their backs against the wall at 3-6.

He’s a huge basketball fan. He was a very good basketball player in high school. He was just phenomenal with our guys. If he ever retires from football, he can be a great coach.

In the mean time, he’s a great fan. After the game, Griffin III took to twitter (@RGIII) to share in his excitement

Tonight was a magical night for the Seniors and Baylor Nation
Congrats baby!!!!—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 10, 2013

Seeing the mutual emotion between Griffin III and his alma mater is pretty special, understanding all that he did for that athletic department during his time at the school.

Even after taking his talents to the Nation’s Capital, Griffin III still has the ability to deliver the people of Waco, Texas with something to remember forever.

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[Tip of the cap to the Washington Post, who had this as well.]

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(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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Josh Wilson reads to his wife Jazmin at the ‘Redskins Read’ Redskins Charitable Foundation event at FedExField on September 25, 2012.

Redskins.com’s Alex Corddry, caught up with Redskins CB Josh Wilson following yesterday’s National Health Through Fitness Day to talk about the team’s recent offseason moves and how he is preparing for the 2013 season.

Hear what he had to say about the departure of fellow defensive back DeAngelo Hall and what it means for the defense, his offseason approach as the new leader of the secondary in addition to how the team plans to build on the momentum from the 2012 Season.

As a bonus, Wilson discusses his new job–being a father to his four-month-old baby girl. Congratulations, Josh!

Earlier today, CB Josh Wilson represented the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation by participating in National Health Through Fitness Day in Washington, D.C. as part of Capitol Hill’s campaign to “Get America Moving to Improve Health”.

The program’s goal is to help overcome America’s obesity crisis which falls in line with the Redskins Charitable Foundation’s commitment to health and wellness through the NFL’s Play 60 initiative.

There was much anticipation for Josh’s arrival and the students wasted no time challenging him to a game of Dance Dance Revolution.

Seeing as number 26 is not one to shy away from competition, he welcomed the challenge with open arms and nimble feet. But little did Josh know that his toughest challenge would come from a crowded room of students in the middle of March and away from the gridiron.

Needless to say, Wilson experienced firsthand what fathers everywhere can attest to – a child’s energy is limitless. Click here to see how he fared in today’s dance off!

Josh was just one of the many celebrity athletes that were greeted by students from D.C.-area public schools today. You can view the complete list here.

After all was said and done, the day was chock-full of activities, laughs, and ear-to-ear smiles. Many bottles of water were consumed and many teenagers-to be left today with a feeling of excitement that reverberated through the halls of Congress.

Redskins Nation, let’s give Wilson a roaring round of applause for helping fight obesity and two-stepping his way into the hearts of D.C.-area youth!

Pictures serve little justice of the fun time had by all, but here are a few photos from today’s event. Please visit http://www.redskins.com for a full album and complete coverage from today’s National Health Through Fitness Day on Capitol Hill.

Plus, check back tomorrow for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Josh, including his thoughts on the release of CB DeAngelo Hall, how he thinks the team will ride the momentum from 2012 into next season, and his new role as a father! You won’t want to miss it.

via swinginggate.wordpress.com

While most of the NFL is tuned into the lukewarm stove of free agency, front offices are also keeping an eye on amateur talent, via school pro days. In our own backyard, the University of Maryland holds its in-house workouts today over in College Park.

For the non-rabid Terps fans, Redskins.com intern Eric Avissar gives a preview of who to watch for coming into Wednesday’s workouts:

Matt Furstenburg, tight end:  As the only Terrapin invited to the Combine, Furstenburg did plenty to help his draft stock, running his 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds and logging a 35.5 inch vertical jump.  His speed and agility should allow him to get open against NFL linebackers.  Furstenburg was a three-year starter for Maryland, and had his best season statistically as a junior catching 31 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns.  In order to firmly establish himself as a blocking tight end in the NFL, Furstenburg (6-3, 242 pounds) will need to get stronger and prove he can gain leverage against bigger opponents.

Kenny Tate, linebacker/safety:  Tate is in a unique situation heading into the NFL, having likely hurt his draft stock to return for his senior season.  After originally being recruited to play free safety at Maryland, Tate was moved to a linebacker/safety hybrid position.  Earlier in his career, Tate was projected as an early-round prospect, but now looks like he may go undrafted after the position change and previous injuries hurt his stock.  In 2010, Tate was a first team All-ACC pick with 100 tackles (8.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and three interceptions playing free safety.  As a result of his position change, Tate is considered a tweener heading into the NFL, but has the type of football IQ that makes him an intriguing addition.  If Tate can find the right position and stay healthy, he has a chance to be a late-round steal.

Joe Vellano, defensive tackle:  Vellano finished his senior campaign with 61 tackles (14 for loss) and six sacks.  As an accomplished college player, Vellano is also considered a positional tweener heading into the NFL, needing to add strength and mass to his 6-1, 285 pound frame.  Many teams could have a hard time figuring out where he fits best, but Vellano in all likelihood would be best suited for a tackle position in a 4-3 defense, or an end in the 3-4.  If Vellano’s work ethic and leadership skills are properly utilized, he stands a great chance of contributing to a team as a late round pick or undrafted free agent.

A.J. Francis, defensive tackle:  Francis enjoyed a solid final season at Maryland, recording 43 tackles, including nine for loss and four sacks.  In fact, his impressive senior campaign came after Maryland coaches admitted they did not utilize him properly in the previous season.  He also boosted his stock with an impressive performance at the East-West Shrine game.  Additionally, potential suitors will appreciate Francis for his nose for the ball, as he blocked three kicks and forced three fumbles last season.  As an All-ACC honorable mention pick, Francis will likely have to make a NFL roster without getting drafted.

Check back for results later.

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