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by John S. Pappas (Redskins Fan) – 01/07/04 For those of us who grew up in and around Washington D.C. rooting for the Washington Redskins, today was maybe the greatest day ever. The rumor and then confirmation of the return of Joe Gibbs as head coach of the ‘Skins was the most amazing, unlooked for gift we could have dared hope for. In fact, none of us could have hoped for it. None of us would have dared to think it possible. For those of us who have remained devout for the 11 years since Gibbs retired, who remember the days when teams trembled to come here and play, who then watched the decline and malaise of our cherished Redskin tradition of excellence, for us today was big. It was bigger than big. Today was epic. In one day and with one announcement we Redskins fans got our collective pride back. In one day our city and team went from feeling like the laughing stock of the NFL to the franchise most likely to succeed. It started quietly in the Washington Post late last night, but news like this reported around here does not have to be screamed to be heard. By this morning phone calls, instant messages and e-mails were flying back and forth between the diehards relaying the news. News like this was justification to wake people who had hangovers. News like this was reason to call the brother you haven’t spoken to in five years, if he is a fan. And the theme of the fan communication was nearly universal; our champion was returned and would set things aright. We Redskin fans understand that Gibb’s success was no fluke, and that success now is almost assured. For we know the measure of the man; intelligent, innovative, and determined. He is sincere and will give his best to and for the team. Redskin fans today hung on the radio and Internet and TV for the latest, some not daring to believe. As more reports surfaced, they all supported the initial story: Joe Gibbs was coming back. By early afternoon Coach Gibbs confirmed the rumors. He is again the coach of the Washington Redskins. Oh the joy, the elation, the giddiness. If you’ve never seen an entire city smile, you should have been in Washington today. Today was better than the best Christmas. Today Washington re-discovered and re-affirmed its identity. And our expectations are that our team’s future is destined to meet the glory of its past. The consensus is that Gibbs’ return will translate almost instantly into victory for the team. Redskin’s fans found themselves laughing aloud and grinning like silly today. They were nice to one another. They struck up conversations with strangers and wondered why ESPN was still bothering to cover less significant news like this year’s playoffs. They classified the team’s immediate needs and decided how the draft picks were to be used. And through it all this eerie feeling prevailed, like the past and present had juxtaposed. We wanted to pinch ourselves to make sure we were not dreaming. But the waking
was much better than the dream today, for it was real. Today we ‘Skins
fans had maybe the best day ever, for we once again became winners. © 2004 Johnny P News |