For the past 3 weeks, newly aquired Redskin WR Brandon Lloyd has contributed a training camp journal over at the official Redskins Website. Today was his 14th and final entry.
I, for one, have been a huge fan of this project. First and foremost I'm rabidly obsessed anytime a player says virtually anything to the media -- and these journals are far more interesting then scattered soundbites. He chronicled the juicy bits of training camp: the night practices, the workouts, dorm living, having rookie Mike Espy haul his helmet around, so on and so forth. He touched specifically on the heat -- "It's hotter than hot outside..." (4th Entry). Deep.
But in all seriousness there is a depth to his postings that took me by surprise. He comments on his growing relationship with the other receivers and the respect he has for them. He expresses genuine excitement about being a part of the Washington Redskins franchise, particularly under Hall Of Fame Head Coach Joe Gibbs. His journals are littered with thankful notes to the fans, Dan Snyder, and the entire Redskins organization. He comes across as a guy who is happy where he's at and wants to be there. That's precisely the kind of player I want in Washington.
It might not be for everyone, but I sincerely enjoyed his pieces and think they present a unique insight into Brandon Lloyd. He was an offseason acquisition and thus hasn't had a lot of exposure with the Redskins community and his journals are an excellent introduction. Definitely check it out if you have not already.
And if you are like me and profoundly appreciated the effort, maybe you could shoot the Redskins an email and remind them to do it again next year.