Atogwe--Finally a smart move in free agency!

The Redskins signed a 5 year, $26M contract with former Rams Free Safety O.J. Atogwe.  Most probably remember him on the Pete Kendall catch-and-fumble play against the Rams in 2008. He is reunited with his former Defensive Coordinator Jim Hasslet.

Atogwe is an all-around safety that can tackle, cover, and create turnovers. But the part that Redskins fans care most about--he is a classy, hard worker. His teammates in St. Louis enjoyed playing with him and he has never made controversial comments or argued with his coaches. So don't worry--I fully expect this signing to work out for the best!

When Atogwe was signed, I immediately followed him on twitter. His first post that I saw said, "With all due respect, I will not be rocking nor even asking to rock 21..." You rarely see that kind of respect. In all honesty, I doubt the Redskins would oppose him keeping the number 21. The Redskins love Sean Taylor and are forever saddened by his murder, but 21 is just a number. Atogwe's move is in respect for the fans, in my eyes, and Taylor's family. He knows that when we think football and 21, we think of our late safety that played like a Redskin should--with nothing but heart and love for the game. That kind of respect from a player to the fans is rare. You see people like Brandon Jacobs and Vince Young who throw things at fans and make obscene gestures towards them. Respect for fans is rare. Sean Taylor also had it, citing the fans as the reason he loved D.C. Atogwe has shown it in his first move as a Redskin.

I am excited to see this guy play for the Redskins and help improve the defense. Hopefully his passion will spread to the other players as Shanahan tries to mold the culture of the team into that of winners. No longer will players come to D.C. to get paid and retire. They will come here to be part of a franchise full of passion, class, and love for the game of football.