Tag: London Fletcher

Commanders season opener in 59 days: Washington’s best No. 59

London Fletcher is the greatest to wear No. 59 in Washington franchise history.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 59 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 59?

Brad Dusek (1974-81) was drafted by the Patriots (3rd round in the 1973 draft. But just before the season began, Dusek was traded to the Redskins. Playing all 14 games of the season on special teams in 1973, Dusek became a starter in the 1974 season. For the next five seasons, Dusek played in and started each and every game for Washington. He appeared in every game during the 1980 season, starting 14 of the 16 regular season games. Dusek started nine of his ten 1981 games, ending his NFL career. The former Texas A&M Aggie recovered three fumbles for Washington that he returned for touchdowns. Sadly Dusek, in recent years, is battling ALS.

London Fletcher (2007-13) came to Washington after having played four seasons for the Rams (1998-2001) and five for the Bills (2002-2006). Fletcher was Mr. Dependable, as he played in all 16 games each season of his NFL career. In his seven Washington seasons, Fletcher started every single game of those regular seasons. Fletcher earned four consecutive Pro Bowl trips with Washington (2009-12) when he was ages 34, 35, 36 and 37. When Fletcher was age 36 in 2011, he led the NFL with 166 combined tackles.

Former Washington linebacker London Fletcher will announce Commanders’ 2nd-round pick

The Commanders are on the clock at No. 47 overall.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes the stage on night one of the NFL draft, much to the chagrin of fans. However, things change on night two for the second and third rounds.

The NFL has legendary former players, special guests, or superfans announce the picks for their teams in the second round.

For the Washington Commanders, who are first on the clock at No. 47 overall, former linebacker London Fletcher will announce the Commanders’ first pick Friday.

Fletcher played 16 NFL seasons with three teams [Rams, Bills & Washington]. He spent the most time in Washington, as Fletcher played the final seven seasons of his career there. Fletcher earned four trips to the Pro Bowl while in Washington and was also named second-team All-Pro on two occasions.

Fletcher was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Pro Bowlers giving back to other communities

Washington’s Pro Bowlers gave back to the community on Saturday.

Saturday was about giving back to the community.

The NFL scheduled time out for this season’s Pro Bowlers to come out and participate in the refurbishing the Reynolds Boys and Girls Club in Las Vegas.

“It’s great what the NFL has done,” said former Washington linebacker and current member of the Commanders broadcasts London Fletcher. “They come into these communities and they give back, refurbishing the Boys & Girls Club here and also encouraging kids to get out of the house and play 60 minutes a day.”

“This is really rewarding, I like giving back to the community, ” said Terry McLaurin. “It doesn’t matter if I am in the DMV, Indianapolis, or Las Vegas. It is a unique opportunity to talk to kids, letting them see you without your helmet.”

“It’s been a bunch of fun being able to be around all of these guys, laugh and joke around,” expressed Commanders DT Daron Payne. “I got a chance to paint a little bit. It’s a bunch of fun to be able to give back to the community.”

“I hope the kids have some fun. I don’t know if they should learn anything from me,” said Tress Way. “But hopefully, they do have fun. This has been really cool, the structure of it, how they have treated us. Splitting everyone up into competing in different types of games has been fun too.”

The Pro Bowl Games television coverage will continue Sunday at 3 pm and be televised by ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and Disney XD.

Sunday, there will be two 7 on 7 Flag Football games instead of an actual Pro Bowl “game” between the AFC and NFC. Also on the schedule for Sunday will be the following:

  • Best Catch – Finale
  • Gridiron Gauntlet
  • Move the Chains
  • Kick Tac Toe

According to Julie Donaldson, Major Tuddy, is a big hit with the kids out in Las Vegas.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Washington Commanders reached out to Frank Herzog after 18 years

The final installment of our interview with the legendary voice of Washington’s franchise, Frank Herzog. Frank discusses coming back for Sonny’s jersey retirement and how good everyone in the organization was to him.

Frank Herzog was in this 26th season broadcasting all of the WMAL Washington Redskins football games from 1979-2004.

But all good things must come to an end.

This is the fifth and final installment in our Commanders Wire feature on Washington broadcast legend Frank Herzog.

Part one.     Part two.     Part Three    Part Four

December 2004, Frank Herzog remembers a broadcast producer expressed, “Hey, our Christmas party is this weekend, and I think you should go.”

“Ok, I can go, I guess,” replied Frank. “No, I think you ought to be there. You need to show your face.”

Herzog initially found that odd but went and was introduced to a man from the CBS parent offices in Philadelphia. Then the man showed up in the broadcast booth that Sunday. “Sure enough, following the season, there was a meeting at a coffee shop in Montgomery Mall, and I was informed they were not bringing me back the next (2005) season.”

“I was puzzled, of course, but I had to learn to accept it. What else can you do? Those are the facts of life.”

18 years later, the Friday before the season finale, Herzog found Julie Donaldson and Bram Weinstein reaching out to him on the phone, apologizing Herzog had not been officially invited to Sonny Jurgensen’s jersey retirement on Jan. 8.

Donaldson and Weinstein wanted Herzog at FedEx Field. Even more, they wanted him in the booth during some of the broadcast as well. The Commanders made all the travel arrangements. Sunday, Frank was on a flight from Wilmington (NC), arriving at noon.

“They had a chauffeur (Pierre) in a big black SUV meet me and drive me to FedEx. They escorted me to my suite, then to the broadcast booth for the pre-game segment with Julie Donaldson. Employees and fans were so nice to me, greeting me and welcoming me. I was treated as first class.”

Donaldson had asked Herzog during the pregame show to do his legendary call (“Touchdown, Washington Redskins”), but he kindly declined, stating he had only done the call during actual game broadcasts (1979-2004) and would prefer to keep it that way.

That is Herzog, the professional, the man who was skilled in his craft. He doesn’t want the call to ever become corny or silly. He wants it to be remembered as it actually was, in the heat of NFL competition.

Donaldson was also professional, apologizing to Herzog during the on-air segment for his not having been officially invited. She even stated she was partly responsible and expressed her love and respect for the work Herzog had accomplished. She demonstrated class and humility.

Invited back for the third quarter Herzog sat and interacted with Weinstein, Donaldson and London Fletcher on the broadcast.

Weinstein (49) grew up listening to Herzog and was the sideline reporter during the 2006-2008 seasons.

Upon landing the job, Weinstein had even reached out to Herzog for professional advice. “I am certainly aware I am only the third play-by-play announcer for this team since 1979 (Herzog, then Larry Michael (2005-2019). I respect the legacy of this team, and Frank is a big part of it.”

“When the third quarter began, I was so happy Frank was there with us,” Weinstein expressed with gratitude.

While the Commanders were driving down the field on the Cowboys in the third quarter, Weinstein mentioned to Herzog that Washington might score a touchdown.

A few plays later, Washington had the ball at the Dallas 9-yard line. Here was the call from Bram Weinstein: “Howell, play-action, Howell keeps. Runs back to the center of the field. At the 5, into the end zone! (pause).

When Howell crossed the goal line, Weinstein had laid out (paused), and looked to Herzog, who instantly finished the call with, “Touchdown, Washington Commanders!”

“Frank was right on cue with his famous call, ‘Touchdown Washington Commanders!‘ “said Weinstein. “For me, it is an incredibly cool moment. To have that moment with him is something I will never forget.”

When I spoke with Herzog two days later, Frank said it was such a moving moment for him as well. He was grateful to both Donaldson and Weinstein. Their thoughtfulness had given him a very special day, something he, too, will never forget.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

London Fletcher comes up short in bid for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Unfortunately, London Fletcher and Henry Ellard miss the cut for 2023.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 15 finalists for the class of 2023 Wednesday, with three players named finalists in their first year on the ballot.

Noticeably absent from the list was former Washington linebacker London Fletcher. The 16-year NFL veteran played his final seven seasons in Washington, where he made four consecutive Pro Bowls and was twice named second-team All-Pro.

Fletcher was named as one of 28 modern-era semifinalists in November, along with former Washington wide receiver Henry Ellard, who also failed to make it as a finalist.

Fletcher was an NFL Ironman, having played in 256 consecutive games, tied for No. 4 in NFL history. His 215 straight starts at linebacker is an NFL record.

In 16 NFL seasons, Fletcher played in 256 games and recorded 2,039 tackles, 39 sacks, 109 tackles for loss, 19 forced fumbles, 23 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries and three touchdowns.

Fletcher’s numbers compare favorably to Ray Lewis — a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. However, Fletcher wasn’t as outspoken as Lewis when both played, which, unfairly, hurts him more than some will admit.

Ellard’s candidacy is also strong. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams before spending five seasons in Washington. Ellard had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for Washington in the 1990s. He finished his career with 814 receptions for 13,777 yards and 65 touchdowns.

Washington is no stranger to having qualified players somehow not make the Hall of Fame. The first name that comes to mind is Joe Jacoby, and there is also Brian Mitchell.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders Julie Donaldson: A lifetime of preparation and development

In part three of our interview with Commanders senior VP of media and content Julie Donaldson, she discusses hiring former players such as Logan Paulsen and London Fletcher.

Part three and the final segment of Commanders Wire interview with Julie Donaldson, the Commanders senior VP of media and content.

Part one.        Part two.

Julie Donaldson was driving home one night after doing a postgame show listening to the radio. Catching the middle of a discussion she heard this guy talking about the Washington game earlier that afternoon and she instantly realized he was quite informative.

“I was driving, and I was thinking, ‘I am learning things listening to this guy that I didn’t even learn in our one-hour post-game show.'”

Hearing it was Logan Paulsen she contacted him for interest in future shows.  Paulsen is a veteran of 120 NFL games and four teams including his longest stay which was with Washington from 2010-2014.

“He is so coachable. He takes his work in the studio work seriously. He went out and bought a suit, and I think Bram had to tie his tie for him the first time. He has cut his hair; he really gets into it. I enjoy watching him grow in the studio. He keeps hitting it out of the park.”

Donaldson has been in the business for two decades now. She knows intelligence and talent when she sees it. Regarding Paulsen, she openly offered, “I just hope he doesn’t leave us.”

In becoming the department head, Donaldson quickly learned the hard way she could attempt to micromanage and do all the shows and interviews herself, keeping control.

“I really want to use a lot of people; let them do what they do well. I don’t want this to be “The Julie Donaldson Show.” It’s definitely going to be a much different conversation when Santana Moss is talking with Terry McLaurin than myself.”

“It’s great when we permit our alumni Logan, Santana, Fred Smoot, London Fletcher to dialog with each other, and the conversations that come out of that NFL experience they share.”

Part of leadership is hiring. So when DeAngelo Hall decided after two years to pursue things outside of radio, Donaldson looked for Hall’s replacement.

“London had done the postgame show the first season 2020 and voiced he really missed the game, missed being at practice, being on the field game day.”

“During his audition, he was so coachable, and I could see his desire, his willingness to work. Hey, London is in our Ring of Fame. He is a great ambassador for the team and embraced by the fan base.”

“Taking on this job I have learned you really need the right people around you, making sure you hire people who share your vision, your work ethic.”

Donaldson readily acknowledges it is also the people never on camera who are vital to a department’s success and productivity.

“Executive producer Ryan Yocum knows how to deal with the operations, and make things happen. He has really helped in what we’ve accomplished and where we are going as a team.”

“I knew I needed someone to help me, set the vision, keep us focused and let me focus on what I need to do. Ryan has really provided structure and practices into place, helping us operate much more efficiently.”

For Julie, there was more than a decade in broadcasting and reporting previously.  She was studying the business of broadcasting at the University of Florida, she was competing in Miss Florida and Miss USA pageants, graduating with honors in high school, and her mother was an elementary school teacher.

“Mom taught us, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’  She also taught us ‘God gives people different skill sets, so grow that, take advantage of that.”

Perhaps Julie Donaldson was prepared all along for such a time as this.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

London Fletcher is a semifinalist for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Washington wide receiver Henry Ellard also made the cut.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed 28 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2023 class, and two former Washington stars made the cut.

Linebacker London Fletcher and wide receiver Henry Ellard were among the 28 players, which was trimmed down from 129 players on Tuesday.

Fletcher signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent from John Carroll University in 1998. Fletcher spent four seasons with the Rams before signing with Buffalo, where he spent the next five years of his career. Fletcher signed with Washington as a free agent in 2007 and played seven seasons in the burgundy and gold.

In 16 NFL seasons, Fletcher played in 256 games and recorded 2,039 tackles, 39 sacks, 109 tackles for loss, 19 forced fumbles, 23 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries and three touchdowns. He appeared in four Pro Bowls [all with Washington], was a two-time second-team All-Pro, is in Washington’s Ring of Fame, and is also one of the franchise’s 90 greatest players. Fletcher is currently a radio analyst for the Washington Commanders.

Fletcher’s numbers rival Ray Lewis, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 — his first year of eligibility.

Fletcher was a quiet leader during his career, while Lewis was more demonstrative. Fletcher belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Ellard enjoyed a 16-year NFL career, the first 11 of which were spent with the Los Angeles Rams. Ellard signed with Washington in 1994 and enjoyed three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Overall, he spent five seasons in Washington, finishing his career with the New England Patriots in 1998.

Ellard caught 814 passes for 13,777 yards, with 65 touchdowns. In five seasons with Washington, Ellard had 216 receptions for 3,930 yards and 17 touchdowns. Ellard had a terrific career and put up outstanding numbers despite playing with a myriad of quarterbacks.

Here is the complete list of semifinalists.

Brian Mitchell, London Fletcher among nominees for Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023

Brian Mitchell, London Fletcher and 10 others who played in Washington are among nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.

Is this the year for Brian Mitchell?

The NFL announced 129 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2023 Tuesday. Mitchell was one of several players who spent time in Washington that made the initial list.

Mitchell played 14 NFL seasons, including 10 with Washington, and is one of the greatest return men in league history. Mitchell still ranks No. 2 in NFL history — behind only Jerry Rice — in all-purpose yardage with 23,330 yards. Mitchell returned nine punts and four kickoffs for touchdowns in his career.

Joining Mitchell on the ballot is former Washington linebacker London Fletcher. Now a broadcaster with the team, Fletcher enjoyed a 16-year NFL career, with his final seven seasons spent in Washington. The ironman was an undersized undrafted free agent out of John Carroll University in 1998. Fletcher finished his career having played in 256 consecutive games, with 215 consecutive starts, the most for a linebacker in NFL history.

Fletcher’s career was often overshadowed because he played in the same era as Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher. From a numbers perspective, Fletcher stacks up against either player.

Several other players who spent some time in Washington were also on the ballot:

  • WR Henry Ellard
  • WR Irving Fryar
  • QB Donovan McNabb
  • RB Shaun Alexander
  • FB Larry Centers
  • WR/RB Eric Metcalf
  • G Mark Schlereth
  • LB Jessie Armstead
  • CB Troy Vincent
  • P Matt Turk

 

Washington names 10 players to franchise’s ’90 greatest’ list

Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Williams, Chris Cooley and Santana Moss were among Washington’s additions to the “90 greatest” list.

To commemorate 90 years as an NFL franchise, the Washington Commanders named 10 former greats to their “90 greatest” list on Thursday.

Washington announced nine former players and one former coach to the list at the team’s annual Welcome Home Luncheon at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill.

The list was trimmed to 10 after the organization began a fan vote in July. Here is the complete list:

  • DE Ryan Kerrigan (2011-2020)
  • LT Trent Williams (2010-2019)
  • WR Santana Moss (2005-2014)
  • TE Chris Cooley (2004-2012)
  • DT Darryl Grant (1981-1990)
  • LB London Fletcher (2007-2013)
  • CB DeAngelo Hall (2008-2017)
  • CB Champ Bailey (1999-2003)
  • DC Larry Peccatiello (1981-1993)
  • RB Stephen Davis (1996-2002)

Interestingly enough, all but Grant and Peccatiello were with Washington after owner Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999. However, it’s difficult to dispute any of the players on the list.

Bailey is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Williams is still active with the San Francisco 49ers — and one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles.

Former quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III were among those on the ballot that didn’t make the final 10.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

When the Washington Commanders were on the clock in 1st Round…

Logan Paulsen and London Fletcher provided live commentary during Washington’s first-round pick Thursday. It was outstanding.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

In case you were not watching the local coverage hosted by Julie Donaldson, Washington commentators had much to say during the Commanders live broadcast coverage Thursday night of the first round.

When time for the No. 11 pick came,

Bram Weinstein, “I think they trade back.”

London Fletcher: “They went into this draft thinking, ‘add a playmaker to the wide receiver position.’ Once both those guys were gone (Drake London, Garrett Wilson) maybe they still add Chris Olave or Jameson Williams.”

When announced Washington had traded back to No. 16:

Weinstein then asked Fletcher what Washington would try to obtain trading back, “Obviously they get a defensive tackle. They have to replace Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle. That will be a position of need. Maybe add a running back, a bigger back… a safety and a quarterback.”

When it was announced the Commanders received picks No 16, 98 and 120

Logan Paulsen responded, “I am ecstatic! This is fantastic for the team. It puts them in a position to get a receiver they like. Chris Olave is probably their number one receiver at this point in the draft. He will be there at No 16 most likely. This trade allows you to address the meat and potatoes of this draft, the 3rd and 4th rounds… with both London and Wilson gone, let’s move back, put ourselves in the best position as an organization to get the best receiver in our view that is going to be available at 16.”

On the clock at No. 16,

Fletcher: “I think they still go with a wide receiver maybe a Dotson out of Penn State or the Burks kid out of Arkansas. Though they traded back, I still think they will take a wide receiver.”

Paulsen: “I love the way Dotson catches the football outside of his frame. He is fearless, not afraid to go over the middle, blocks faced a lot of man-to-man coverage, so you know he can beat that kind of coverage. Love that skill set, he is a complete receiver to me. If they could trade back again I think those guys I mentioned (Dotson, Trevor Penning, Devin Lloyd, Trent McDuffie) will be there for them from say 19 to the end of the round.”

When the Dotson pick was announced,

Fletcher: “I love the pick. I watched Dotson destroy defensive backs in the Big 10 this year. By trading back, they still get a guy that is very productive. I like this pick.”

Paulsen: Yes, he has tremendous ability, his hands are well documented. The thing I love most about him is the physical courage with which he plays the position. He is going to run after the catch, he is going to block. He is going to do the nasty stuff. You can tell football is very important to him. And that is why he bumped up in my evaluation process.”