ASHBURN, VA.- For those who aren't quite sure if Washington is a 'Redskin Town,' Sunday's first day of training camp should serve as an eye opener. More than 6,000 fans turned out for the 'Skins first 8:30 a.m. practice, some showing up 2.5 hours earlier.
"It was packed," said Katie Nothie of Montgomery County, MD. "We got here pretty early so we managed to get right up along the fence, but I looked back and it was just a sea of people. Obviously people are really excited about Jim Zorn and everything that's been going on."
Zorn said yesterday that his morning practices will typical run in the 2:15-2:30 range, but today's first time on the field went just over 90 minutes with the temperature in the high 80s.
But not even the hot weather could keep these fans from supporting the burgandy and gold.
"It's a great vibe and a lot of fun," said Jeff Zimmerman of Vienna, VA., who spent the morning at Redskin Park with his 11-year-old daughter Nora. Both were wearing matching Clinton Portis jerseys. "The players are real good about signing autographs and are very friendly. The secret is having [daughter Nora] squeeze through the crowds right up to the front."
Beth and Bob Ridpath of Fredericksburg, VA. brought grandson Sam out to camp for his birthday present.
"I think you really can identify the players when you see guys like [Antwaan] Randle El up close," Beth said. "Rock Cartwright signed [Sam's] book and when he watches him on TV now, our grandson is really going to identify with it."
Fans were kept behind bike racks, but select players signed autographs for up to 45 minutes after practice including Santana Moss. Redskin merchandise tents were also crowded with packs of fans throughout the morning.
(Photo Credit: www.washingtontimes.com)
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