Offensive lineman Ray Brown spoke with Redskins.com after training camp practice:
What are your thoughts on returning to football?
"Well, I was in California and I knew I wanted to play football again. I just never envisioned this happening. I'm just grateful for the opportunity and I want to contribute in any way that I can."
How soon will you be able to get in shape and get ready for the season?
"What has happened for me the last two preseason camps was, that I didn't come in until two weeks after camp started. I played two preseason games and then I was ready to go. I am going to have to adjust. I am over forty years old. I am going to have to pace myself and get ready to go to work."
How have you been able to play for so long?
"I have always taken it one year at a time. I am grateful for the years that I have played, and hopefully I have 16 more games to give them this year."
How many more years do you want to play football?
"I can do this year and that's what I am excited about. I don't look beyond that. I promised Joe Gibbs that I am going to work as hard as I can. I am going to give because so much has been given to me."
How did the process begin where you ended up coming to play here?
"I guess there is always conversation. Anytime someone that you know in the league or you have a connection with, you put in a call. Maybe it was initiated by my agent Steve Baker or maybe Vinny Cerrato called me. I'm just glad I got an opportunity to come out."
How does it feel to be back in Washington, D.C.
"It feels good, but it's a little hot. It's nothing like Northern California. I am truly grateful though. This is somewhere where I grew up into a football player. Hopefully I can recapture some of that and bring back what I have learned here."
On becoming a mentor:
"I think that's what happens when you become a veteran ball player. I'm not as quick as I used to be. I can contribute on the field as a football player. I can contribute in the locker room as a mentor. I can also contribute on the field as a coach, because I have been through a lot of things and I have seen a lot of things. I am going to try and share with my teammates as much as was shared with me."
