The Washington Redskins and Prince George's County officials conducted a joint pep rally on Wednesday to declare this week as "Redskins Kickoff Week."
With the Washington Redskins' season opener quickly approaching, the excitement around the team is building, especially near the Redskins' home stadium.
Check out photos from the press conference and pep rally announcing this week as "Redskins Kickoff Week" in Prince George's County on September 7, 2016.
FedExField, where the Redskins have played their home games since 1997, resides in Prince George's County. On Wednesday, the county wanted to make sure the Redskins knew how excited it was for football to be back.
Washington's home date with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football is only five days away and Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker made a proclamation declaring this not only Burgundy and Gold Week, but Burgundy and Gold Season.
"I know I'm excited like many of you," Baker said before a crowd at the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro, Md. "It was a great season last season, but I'm looking to go deeper in the playoffs and more importantly, I'm looking for them to play those playoff games right here in Prince George's County."
Baker referred to Redskins fans as both "fervent" and "diehard" while paying homage to the late Zema Williams – a legendary Redskins fan and Prince George's County resident commonly known as "Chief Zee."
Also on hand was former Redskins player and current Prince George's County resident Ken Jenkins, who played for Washington in 1983 and 1984.
"The best thing about living in Prince George's County is living five minutes away from the stadium," Jenkins said with a smile. "Bring out your burgundy and gold. Bring it out Monday because we're going to need it as we take on the Pittsburgh Steelers."
At the rally on behalf of the Redskins were the Washington Redskins' cheerleaders and Larry Michael, Voice of the Redskins, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the team.
"One thing is for sure: We want to hear, 'Hail To The Redskins,' all throughout Prince George's County on Monday night when the Redskins defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers," Michael said.
One thing Wednesday's rally made clear: There is a strong bond between the Redskins and Prince George's County.
"I want to thank Dan Snyder and the Redskins organization for not just having the team play here in Prince George's County, but being good corporate citizens, being a part of this community, giving back," Baker said. "It is my honor and pleasure to present this proclamation today."
