Washington Redskins By the Numbers: #12

by Ken Meringolo on May 28, 2009 9:30 AM EDT in Redskins By The (Jersey) Numbers

Just when you think this string of Super Bowl era players could come to an end...it does. I toyed all day yesterday with the notion of a sentimental favorite of mine: Steve Cox.

He kicked and punted (I know...why the distinction?). He was brought in for long-yardage field goals and owns one of the six field goals ever made from beyond 60 yards. That's right...a dude who packed serious power between the pipes using a straight-ahead style and who regularly hung his balls in the air for record times also had a fantastic porn name.

But as hard as I tried, I could not get past a certain #12 that will always have a place in our hearts. I would never forgive myself if I let #12 go by without properly paying tribute to Mr. Concussion himself, Gus Frerotte. He was our Joe Everyman who came from the depths of the same draft as a more touted player who shall remain anonymous...let's call him Heath S. No wait, that's too obvious, let's call him H. Shuler. The 7th rounder who beat out the 1st rounder.

#12

Gus Frerotte

via www.geocities.com

I was at the headbutt game. It was a Sunday Night Football game. It was cold, windy, even a little rainy at times (ok, I am only like 50% sure any rain fell, but whatever the case was, it was miserable.) I was still in college and my father and I got two tickets to go so I drove down to DC. The tickets were (and this part I am not making up) in the tippy-top row directly behind the uprights, on the band side. They had yet to put the FedEx wind guards in at that point and let me tell you it blew (that is how I tell the story--no wind guards--so if you have any evidence to the contrary, please destroy said evidence.)

It was a freaking puntfest. People mistakenly called it a defensive battle, but like I said before, I was there. Ken Harvey was a beast in that game to be sure, and clearly both defenses made stops. But it was definitely more the offenses struggling than the defenses shining. If Frerotte had stayed in the game who knows if we could have taken advantage of the young Giants roster.

It was also the game that Westbrook may have cost us with his helmet removal in OT. I am happy to lay the blame on Westbrook. But let's not forget that Hostetler had TWO INT's and a fumble...in overtime. Jebus...I still can't believe that freaking game. I am glad I went though. I bought a tee-shirt in the parking lot that read:

"In Gus We Trust"

#12

Gus Frerotte

I know there are some Gus fans out there. Get on the comment board. I could use your help for the next handful of numbers.

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#13 suggestions

At this point, you could call Orakpo our number 13 (in reference to his draft pick number). Beyond that, there is only the old DE Ed Justice. Can’t wait to hear your analysis on him.

by monk81 on May 28, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

Does anyone

have a copy of the clip of Gus going head first into the wall? I cant find it anywhere!

by ACo on May 28, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

I remember

all the stadiums that would have a big target on their wall with a “Head Butt Here” sign taunting for that one.

by monk81 on May 28, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

I looked for that video too

I was shocked that I could not find it. It definitely exists. I will keep looking to try and find something to at least link to.

is going to be tough…you’re right Joe.

by Ken Meringolo on May 28, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions

#13 that is

by Ken Meringolo on May 28, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I have

looked and looked I can’t find one either.

by RedskinCali63 on May 28, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

Steve Cox!

I think you are over-looking that sweet square-toed kicking shoe that Steve Cox wore. And how many times a year does the kickoff land at the 10 yard line and your buddy starts calling for them to bring in a kickoff specialist, like Steve Cox? Maybe I’m the only one left that would go straight-ahead style if I were in a PPK competition? Steve also wore #15, so maybe he will get some love when we get there.

by liger99 on May 28, 2009 2:17 PM EDT reply actions

and the wall wins…

"The character of a person is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence." -Vince Lombardi.

by VA_Skin on May 28, 2009 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

2 Stories

I met a guy who claimed he was in several classes with Ferotte while both attended the University of Tulsa. This guy, who I went to graduate school with, said that a TU professor had the Ferotte grading line. If you scored below Ferotte, then you failed the assignment.

FWIW.

Background to this story: I went to high school in Little Rock, AR., and was a “kicker” on my high school football team. On with the story.

One summer (’84 IIRC), I met Steve Cox, who was living in Little Rock in the off season, while practicing at a junior high school field. Cox tried to teach me how to punt like him, but I could never get the hang of his drop and body technique. He dropped the ball low with the laces facing to the outside of his body. At the time, most people kept the laces up. Reggie Roby used that style, I think.

Anywho, I could not lean my body over my leg like Cox, nor could I release the ball consistently. Occasionally, I could crack a high boomer that went 45 yards or so. Like I wrote, occasionally.

I did learn how to kick off and place kick thanks to Cox’s efforts. I was a much better place kicker than punter. I credit Steve Cox for that achievement.

Because he took the time to teach some random high school kid how to kick and punt, I give the nod to Cox at #12.

by milevin on May 28, 2009 9:46 PM EDT reply actions

13, 14,15, 16, 17....

I had to research most of these:

13 – Ed Justice or Jake Scott

14 – Eddie LeBaron or Brad Johnson

15 – Jim Barber or George Izo

16 – Steve Slivinski, Al Dorow, John Steber, Norm Snead, or Richie Petitbon

17 – Turk Edwards, Billy Kilmer, or Doug Williams

"The character of a person is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence." -Vince Lombardi.

by VA_Skin on May 28, 2009 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

15- Todd Collins!

by smutsboy1 on May 29, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions

#17

JC!
gonna have to throw some HH love behind our QB at #17.

Also missing a pretty big one at 16. Will have to see how I can work some of these in.

by Ken Meringolo on May 29, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

No way

I love Doug Williams. Big fan and think he should be in the HoF.

However, Billy Kilmer was amazing. Started his NFL career as a running back, IIRC, injured in a car wreck that effectively destroys his knees, came back as a quarterback. A story makes the round that the shotgun was invented for Kilmer. Even if that is not true, it should be.

by milevin on May 29, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

can’t believe you were at that game.

excellent.

by smutsboy1 on May 29, 2009 12:31 AM EDT reply actions

Excuse Me

but, dose anyone know what number RAK’s Jersey will be I was thinking of getting it.

Amazing, Jamarcus Russell hands off to McFadden who pitches it back to Russell who finds Darrius Heyward Bey in the Middle of the Field wide open 30, 20,10,5 Touchdown Raiders! Amazing. This telecast is Brought to you by Cable.

by nishal26 on May 29, 2009 1:28 AM EDT reply actions