DC’s Got Their Mo-Joe (Gibbs) Back

Before my current writing life, there was The Hilltop, Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form.

From The Hilltop Archives

Originally published in The Hilltop, Howard University — February 6th, 2004

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DC’s Got Their Mo-Joe (Gibbs) Back

By now, the crews have left. ESPN, FOX Sports and every local network has filed their footage into the archives. It's old news to Washingtonians and they patiently watched and waited as Super Bowl XXXVIII ended in historic fashion: maybe next year that will be us.

 

After completing only two of his five seasons with the Redskins, Steve Spurrier's "Fun & Gun" offense ultimately killed his career and almost killed quarterback Patrick Ramsey. 

 

"He didn't know what it took and couldn't cut it at this level," explained Kenny Gilmore, co-owner of Howard Deli 

 

Fans can rest easy because HE'S BACK. 

 

Jordan's return to Washington had nothing on Joe Gibbs.

 

Redskins' fans around the city are hyped about the promise next season might bring. 

 

There have already been speculations of a playoff appearance as early as next season. But, the die-hard Redskins enthusiasts aren't content with a mere playoff appearance. They have already purchased their tickets to Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Florida. And why shouldn't they? Bill Parcells came out of retirement to coach the Dallas Cowboys and led them to the playoffs that same season. If the Cowboys could do it, what's stopping the Redskins from going all the way? This is Joe Gibbs.

 

Even if many fans feel the playoffs are a good possibility, Gilmore, born and raised in DC, couldn't disagree more.

 

"I am a realist. I am not going to say they're going to make the playoffs. I know that we're going to have a team. The team was 5-11 and I am not an illusionist. They might be 5-11 next year, but it will be an earned 5-11."

 

When you walk into the family owned and operated Howard Deli, you'll see just how long Gilmore has been a fan. 

 

Behind the counter, to the right (the customer's right) of the Rap Snack are three Wheaties boxes with the '83, '88 and '92 Super Bowl Champion Washington Redskins. The '92 box is the only box that isn't in mint condition. Aside from being mistakenly opened, the trademark orange is so faded that if one didn't know any better they'd swear it was a box of Kix. Also in his possession is a Washington Redskins seat cushion and two cans of Coca-cola with a picture of the former Jake Kent Cook Stadium.

 

Like everyone else in the city, when Gilmore heard the news of Gibbs' return he was shocked and didn't know who or what to believe. Thoughts of the good old days with Coach Gibbs flashed in his mind.

 

"Joe brought that team concept," Gilmore remembered. "He was hard working, prepared and thorough. If Plan A wasn't working, he went to Plan B. He had flexibility and made adjustments."

 

Gilmore has witnessed the Redskins shortcomings over the past years. Previous attempts to revitalizing the Redskins glory days started when multi-million dollar a beefed up roster wasn't worth a big face twenty. 

 

Then a coaching change led to the hiring of Spurrier who lost his NFL debut game to San Diego 30-3. He would lose five straight before adding one to the win column and finishing the season at .500 was a high note for what started as a horrifying season. The following season, Spurrier could have been arrested for attempted murder leaving Ramsey to get sacked 30 times last season.

 

Gilmore pointed out that Spurrier wasn't flexible because he was married to one style and didn't have a supportive coaching staff. 

 

"Chemistry is much more important," Gilmore said. "Football is the biggest team sport. The sum is greater than the individual parts."

 

The way Gilmore explained it Gibbs is the one to bring that chemistry back to the Redskins. He accumulated three super bowls led by three different quarterbacks and was credited for assembling the first nickname, The Hogs, given to an offensive line. 

 

"He's got the town turned on," Gilmore exclaimed. "Winning makes everybody feel good. People are more excited than ever," 

 

He compares the anticipation of the upcoming Redskins' season to Heinz Ketchup: you continue to hold the bottle because worth the wait.