GOP’s front office wooing ex-Redskin star Darrell Green

The Hill ^ | 3/12/03 | Bill Thomas Open Secrets column

[Gothmog]

It may be just a coincidence that former Washington Redskins star Darrell Green acts like a member of Congress, with a battery of aides helping him manage his busy schedule, but it’s not surprising that a lot of people would like to have him on their team.

As he did on the football field before retiring last year, Green is keeping his options open.

When Republicans held their recent retreat at The Greenbriar resort in West Virginia, the future Hall of Famer was invited to give a pep talk on what he called “the fundamental aspects of the Republican charter.”

Green, who thought his message was “well received,” said his involvement in the event came about through “my very healthy relationship with the White House” and President Bush’s faith-based initiative.

Since 1988, Green has headed the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, an organization that helps local inner-city children “by teaching them strong moral values.” Like other football greats in Congress, former Republican Reps. J.C. Watts and Steve Largent of Oklahoma and Jack Kemp of New York, Green lines up to the right on most issues.

“I’m not a politician,” he said, though he’s not ruling out politics as a second career. “I’d never say ‘never.’ If I did get involved, the impact that I could have would have to be clear to me.”

However, there’s no shortage of Republicans eager to show Green what he could do for the party, particularly if he set his sights on the job currently held by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

“ He was impressive at the retreat, and if he decides to run for the House as a Republican, there are a lot of people who would be very excited,” said a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee.

[biss5577]

Mr. Green spoke at my son's graduation from an Annapolis high school last Spring. He is an inspiration to all.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

if he set his sights on the job currently held by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

I'd much rather see Green run for a real Congressional seat, one that could help the GOP expand its majority, rather than for Holmes Norton's ceremonial, non-voting seat.

[jwalsh07]

Absolutely fabulous football player and a real good man.

I'll be urging him to run and if he does, I'm pledging a 100 right now.

[xsmommy]

i was hoping he lives and would run from VA ?

[Coop]

I've never liked the Redskins, especially since Dan Snyder's reign of terror began, but I always thought Darrell Green was just a first-class citizen as well as an outstanding football player. He and Bruce Smith truly are role models for our younger generation.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I don't know where Green lives, but judging from the article it sounds like he might live in DC itself. But I'd say he could establish residence and run anywhere in northern VA.

Why not in Jim Moran's district?

[xsmommy]

heck yeah!!! i truly can't imagine that he lives in DC, although it said that about Eleanor Holmes Norton, most football players live in big mansions out in VA.

[Gothmog]

New flash to Fox sports division, forget the All Pro game (no one watches) and do an end of the year NFL Political Bowl. Get the best conservative football players and match them up against the 'best' lib/Dem players. I will bet you a lot of people would watch.

[Gothmog]

That would be a great idea. Even the WPost would endorse him, ha ha ha.

[mhking]

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[dead]

Who in the world wants Norton's worthless seat?

A seat on the subway has more value.

[Gothmog]

I would rather see him in a real seat, but one less dem is one less dem.

[jwalsh07]

Do you remember when he ran down Dorsett?

[mattdono]

I was thinking the same thing. He is a northern VA district fairly close to DC?

In light of the hateful comments recently made by Moron, this could be a perfect time.

Mr. Green is, simply put, an outstanding human being.

[biss5577]

You bet a lot of people would watch! Great idea.

[Pushi]

Great idea!

[Honcho]

Do you remember when he ran down Dorsett?


You Redskins fans kill me. It was Eric Dickerson he ran down from behind in the complete open field, which is actually a lot more impressive than if it had been Dorsett. It was in a big playoff game too. Nobody else in the league could have caught Dickerson from behind like that save for Green, and I mean NOBODY.

[Zack Nguyen]

Do you remember when he ran down Dorsett?

I never believed it until I saw the film. A Herculean feat to say the least. Though he had the angle on Dorsett, it was still amazing. Green ran professional track in the off-season, I think.

[GraniteStateConservative]

As an aside, Donna Brazile wants that seat when Eleanor is done with it. She used to be her chief of staff.