After recently being released by the Saints, Junior Galette officially signed with the Redskins today. He couldn't be more excited to start anew.

Junior Galette is thankful that the Washington Redskins gave him a second chance.

The veteran linebacker was recently released by the New Orleans Saints, but after only a few days on the open market he was gobbled up by the Redskins after meeting with team brass on the first day of training camp.

"First off, I'm thankful to be here and just grateful to have this opportunity," Galette said Friday in his first comments as a member of the Redskins. "I'm just blessed and grateful to be a 'Skin. I just want to move forward and not worry about the past, but what's ahead of me."

Galette certainly isn't void of talent, as the six-year veteran has amassed 122 total tackles (87 solo), including 34 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks. He has also registered five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. 

Over the past two seasons, the Temple and Stillman College product has recorded 22 sacks and had four games in which he recorded at least two sacks.

While several teams were reportedly interested in his services, Galette chose the Redskins in large part because of general manager Scot McCloughan.

"I like the fact that Scot was honest and upfront with me and told me what he wanted out of me, what he expected out of me," Galette said. "I loved it. I loved the honesty and he shared the same passion and enthusiasm that I have, and I'm just thankful to be with such a functional organization."

Galette said McCloughan "loves my passion, and then he knows that I'm a good person."

"Obviously I've made some mistakes," Galette admitted. "We all make mistakes, but it's what you do after that and I'm ready to learn from them and be part of this organization that's ready [and] that's taken me in as family."

Galette reportedly signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. While he could've possibly waited longer to sign with another team -- and at a higher price -- he said his focus is excelling on and off the field, and not in his wallet.

"It's not about the money right now, it's about the relationship I can have with the teammates," he said. "A lot of guys I know on this team from the past and shared some good relationships with a lot of the players on here. So it's about that, the relationships and what you can bring to the team. Yeah, I could have waited a little longer, but I love football and I don't want to be sitting around at home unemployed five or six days was a little uncomfortable."

While his first day of training camp was limited to learning the playbook and meeting his new teammates, Galette is looking ahead to what he can do for the Redskins this season.

"I'm not here to talk about the past, I'm here to talk about what I bring to this team," he said. "Obviously, you know, passion is a great quality that's worked for me. So, I've got to stay enthused and excited. I'm blessed to be here. It's a humbling experience I've been through, and I'm just ready to play ball."

RELATED LINKS:
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-- K. Robinson Explains Lunch Pail Mentality

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