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.

[Gothmog]

I don't know (with proof) which NFL players are conservative, but I'll bet Brett Favre is. And best -- this is a game where Rush Limbaugh could star in as commentator, ha ha ha. You could get Camille Paglia to do the sideline reporting.

[jwalsh07]

I'm a Giants fan amigo and Green ran down Dorsett in his first game in the NFL when Dorsett was the Eric Dickerson of the day.

[Constantine XIII]

It would be great to see Reggie White throw his hat in the ring. He can hold his own in an argument, to be sure.

[jwalsh07]

It was amazing, I was watching the game and the angle didn't matter, Green seemed to be accelerating when he caught TD Tony. I'll never forget that one, an amazing show of athleticism.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Interesting. Thanks for the info. Wonder what she figures that would do for her? Make it hard to be a campaign consultant.

[Dante3]

There are too many bad guys in the NFL, such as the Vikings former choach Greene?(according to the book PROS AND CONS) and Ray Lewis.

However, Green is a good guy from all I've heard. And let's not forget Pat Tillman.

[Gothmog]

Was Tillman the former AZ Cardinal cornerback who gave up a big contract to join the Special Forces? Anyway, that would be part of the fun, watching 'felons' like Lewis (I'll bet he's a Dem) get thumped by the good guys.

[Wright is right!]

"I don't know (with proof) which NFL players are conservative, but I'll bet Brett Favre is."

John Elway, the retired Denver QB is, and there was some talk back when he was still playing that he might run for office in CO. I'm surprised that hasn't happened, because he would be a shoo-in.

Michael

[ken5050]

Snyder is buying the NY Jets, one player at a time...but the Redskins will stil fall flat, and again, you'll be capped out for the next decade..

[Coop]

you'll be capped out for the next decade..

Hey! Don't throw me in that mix! :-)

[Gothmog]

I'd take Elway, too, even though I hated him as a Bronco.

[rabidralph]

You Redskins fans kill me. It was Eric Dickerson he ran down from behind in the complete open field,

He ran down Dorsett his rookie year. He's run down every running back of note up to and including his final season. Hey, remember when he hurdled Cap Boso of the Bears on his way to returning an interception for a touchdown in the '87 playoffs?

[Ciexyz]

Let's wish Darrell Green the best of fortune in any future Republican political endeavors.

[Guillermo]

I doubt there will be one dissenting vote when he gets voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Imagine, a guy in his late 30's was still the fastest player in the NFL...

[The Old Hoosier]

I bet he could knock off Jim Moran.

[spintreebob]

I don't know (with proof) which NFL players are conservative

The way Mike Singletary campaigned for Bob Thomas here in Illinois, he can pretty much have any Republican race he wants. But so far, he's happy doing the "motivational speaker" tour of business and church groups.

[Liz]

Go for it Darrell.

[MinorityRepublican]

We need to nominate Darell Green and have him run aganist Moran!

It's no surprise that most athletes are conservatives. I wonder if Steve Young would be interested in politics?

[MinorityRepublican]

He could also run against Christopher Van Hollen, he is a freshman who could be defeated by Mr. Green if he's strong enough.

He is probably the only bona fide Republican who have a chance to win in Socialist Montgomery County.