[JoeRedskin]

<sigh> Two more days until the end of the RGIII era.

Regardless of my current opinion as to his skills and potential as an NFL QB, I wish him luck where ever he lands (as long as it is outside the division).

I have said it before and I'll say it again, after 2012, I was higher than I had been in a long, long, lonnnngggg time on the Skins future. Not only was RGIII going to revolutionize the position, we had a coaching set up that would allow for a natural progression from Mike to Kyle with RGIII young and with sky-high potential. I was looking forward to my son sporting an RGIII jersey for years and becoming inculcated with the Skins fanaticism by being able to root for a winning team during his formative football fandom. Even the injury didn't concern me, the guy was working hard, seemed to be a natural leader. Went to training camp the following year with CR and the optimism was palpable - easily 2/3's of the jersey's worn by fans were RGIII's (hell, it may have been as high as 4 out of 5 were RGIII). Was telling anyone who would listen it was the beginning of a new Skins' era of winning after 20 years of mediocrity. The glory years I grew up with were about to be eclipsed by the new shining star with the revolutionary offense that was going to change the NFL.

Then the season started. My optimism was crushed early and as high as I was at the start of 2013, by it's end I at my lowest point ever. I just didn't care. For 30 years, I had lived and died by the Skins on Sunday. From the over the hill gang, to the fun bunch, the diesel, through the parade of mediocrity that was the mid 90's and 00's, I had stuck with them. I could practically count the number of games I missed watching in all that time. I planned my life around the Skins schedule. By the end of 2013, however, I was empty, all my passion was gone. RGIII was exposed as a one-trick pony, as damaged goods, and a prima donna. MS's camp was sabotaging the team. There was not only no light at the end of the tunnel - I was convinced it was a pit from which they would never, ever emerge ... and I just didn't care.

Slowly, I am becoming hopeful again. I am daring to hope KC is the next Drew Brees and not the next Nick Foles. Scot McC is running the team and seems to be building something good - foundationally good. This year, after the Eagles game where we all but clinched the division, I was hoarse for days b/c I was yelling so much. It was good to have the passion back.

... but I still remember the promise and optimism of 2012-2013. RGIII was a shooting star and that was special. Regardless of all that has happened since, and to paraphrase the late, great Bogey, "We'll always have 2012. ... Here's looking at you kid."

Thanks RGIII for the moment in time. Despite the train wreck since, I truly wish you success and hope you turn out to be what we all hoped you would be - a great QB, a great leader, and a great person.