Dear Mr. Snyder:

As you, I have been an almost life-long fan of the Washington Redskins.  I have followed ‘my team’ through thick and thin.  I have cried through the losses and cheered through the wins, always bleeding burgundy and gold.

I have supported the Redskins through three different ownership groups and believe that none have been as big a fan or cared as deeply about this team as you have during your ten years.  As you, I am frustrated when the ‘skins aren’t doing well, and elated when they are.  I know better than the General Manager and Head Coach which players should be selected and played, and what plays should be run.  If only they would listen to me through the glass of the television, the ‘skins would be perennial Super Bowl champs!

Alas, I cannot affect the Redskins future.  I can only support and cheer my team on.  All true fans suffer this fate.  All true fans also fantasize about running the team, but none should ever be put in that position.  Emotions run too high and decisions would be made with the heart and not the head.  I know you are a true fan, with one exception.  You do have the power to affect the future of the Redskin football organization.  Please sir, keep your emotions in check.  Take the time and effort necessary to hire a top level General Manager and sit back and watch him work his magic.

Enjoy the Redskins with every other true fan.  Cheer and cry as necessary.  Let your opinions be known.  Deck out in the only true colors, burgundy and gold.  Walk the aisles of FedEx Field and exchange high-fives with the rest of the fans.  As a true fan, you will be embraced.  Let the football people run the football operations, and you and I will set an example of how true Redskin fans nationwide follow this beloved franchise.

Hail to the Redskins!

Sincerely,

Grandpa Grouse

Hogs Haven

OK, I’m going to date myself, but it’s all right, ‘cause y’all think I’m ancient anyway.  So sit back and let grandpa tell you a story.

I’ve been a Redskin fan through head coaches Bill McPeak, Otto Graham, Vince Lombardi, Bill Austin, George Allen, Jack Pardee, Joe Gibbs I, Ritchie Petibon, Norv Turner, Terry Robiskie, Marty Shottenheimer, Steve Spurrier, Joe Gibbs II, and now Jim Zorn.  In my opinion, two have been successful.  George Allen and Joe Gibbs I.

What is it that made these two coaches, the only two to lead the Redskins to the Super Bowl, so successful?  My thoughts after the jump.

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