Preston Smith's assignment on the field as an outside linebacker is to keep outside containment, set the edge and pressure the quarterback. Or, more simply put, sack the quarterback when he drops back. Smith proved he's good at that last season, leading all rookies with eight sacks, beating out first-round pass rushers like Vic Beasley, Bud Dupree and Shane Ray.
Well, fortunately enough for Smith, he can hold onto three of those special moments for the rest of his life thanks to Malcolm Blacken, the Redskins Director of Player Development.
When Blacken isn't helping rookies find apartments or giving money management tips, he is painting. Blacken, who participated in the 2014 NFLPA Smocks & Jocks Jazz Brunch and Art Auction during Super Bowl Week in New York City, has had his paintings displayed throughout the country.
He has works displayed locally as well, at the Studio Aloft Gallery in McLean, Va., and another in The Cooley Gallery in Leesburg, Va., which is owned and operated by former Redskin tight end Chris Cooley.
His most recent work was a gift for Smith, which Smith displayed on his Instagram, making sure to give credit to the artist.
The first picture (left) displays the pass rusher pressuring the Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill, the second (middle) shows him strip-sacking rival Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford and the far right shows Smith laying on top of former Virginia Tech standout Tyrod Taylor of the Bills.
If you would like to know more about Blacken's art career, see his various works, or even become a fan on Facebook, be sure to visit ArtByMalcom.com
It does seem that Smith is trying to add more Redskins décor to his place, as he posted another picture of a new wood carving he received, which features the state of Virginia with a Redskins logo in the middle, from a few weeks ago.
