The first-ever Redskins Beach Blitz was full of surprises, as more than 60 Redskins players, coaches, alumni and cheerleaders made the trip to my hometown of Virginia Beach for a fun-filled weekend interacting with the finest fans in football!
Fans who came out had the opportunity to join the Redskins in jam-packed festivities at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Redskins Cheerleaders were scattered about the abundant hotels and restaurants of Virginia Beach's Oceanfront, drenched with waves of burgundy and gold all weekend long.
Chastity, Brittany, Katie and Chelsea taught cheerleading clinics at the Convention Center while Genienne, Jamilla, Shannon, Anabel, Arlene and I performed for fans at the Tailgate Party each night. We danced and energized the crowd with some routines that 10 of our cheerleaders will perform for our troops in Qatar, UAE and Kuwait during our 21st overseas tour in late June.
After our Saturday performance, it was a real treat to watch the players and coaches have fun, feeling at home amongst the warm hospitality of Virginia Beach.
Assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams pumped up the fans for next season, while left tackle Chris Samuels performed a rap and cornerback Shawn Springs led fans in a touchdown dance contest.
On Sunday, the cheerleaders attended the Redskins Football Challenge at the Convention Center to spend some time with the diehard fans who had waited in line to get autographs. Fans could also run, pass, catch, block and kick in challenges featuring targets, blocking dummies and goal posts. I even tested my kicking skills--and I made my 20-yard field goal!
There was never a dull moment at the Redskins Beach Blitz.
But for me, it was just a great feeling returning home to Virginia Beach with the Redskins to partake in the largest gathering ever of players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans--outside of game day, of course.
Virginia Beach will always be home for me. But who knew that the town I grew up in would make the entire Redskins organization also feel at home for an entire weekend? Thanks, Virginia Beach!
