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Washington Redskins Vs. Dallas Cowboys – A Trip to Remember

Article and photos by Eric Fleming

Here we go again, 70 men from all walks of life and all age ranges, in Dallas Texas for the annual Fire-fighters Redskins football trip. This was the rivalry trip, the Dallas Cowboys Vs. Washington Redskins. This event started back in 1981 by Christopher Thompson, ‘Smoke’, my neighbor from across the street and all around good guy, and his brothers, Clayton, ‘Big Buck’, Kendal and Victor, ‘Vick’.

Since I moved into the neighborhood in 1997, Chris had been telling me, ‘man you need to go’, ‘it’s the bomb’. So 12 years later, yes I was late, I decided to go to the 2009 trip to Atlanta. I was sick as a dog but I had a great time and I have been going ever since. I have met a lot of good people and made a bunch of new friends on that trip and it gets better every year.

The group of men going, made up from a diverse and unique collection, brothers, fathers and sons, cousins, friends from boyhood, teenagers and young adults playing on the same football team from dirt lots, high school and organized leagues, brother firefighters and neighbors. Some from TC Williams, yes that ‘Remember the Titans’, TC Williams. Old friends and new recruits, hearing about the trip from others that have gone wanting to join in and experience the fellowship.

The annual ritual starts when the NFL schedule comes out in April. Chris starts the process off securing hotel rooms, single and double, roundtrip flight, rental cars, game tickets and getting all the guys together. The trip encompasses everything that one would want, the hospitality room at the hotel, a wide variety of beverages, soda, juice, water, wine, beer and every kind of liquor you could think of. The hospitality room is open 24/7 and you can always find someone in there, watching TV, playing cards, reminiscing on old and new times, talking sports and of course women.

The tailgate party is truly a work of art. It has been going on for so long that the guys just fall in line knowing exactly what to do to get everything working like clockwork. Folks manning the grill, preparing the coolers for beverages, setting up TVs with satellite coverage to watch the game, music with a DJ, tents and flags waving high in the air. The food ranges from burgers, hot dogs, ribs, jerk chicken, beans, greens, fried fish, grilled shrimp and grilled shrimp with crab meat. Damn those were really good. ‘Yeah city, the DMV Redskins crew is in the house!’ Everyone is welcome from hardcore Redskins fans to the fans of the opposing teams. Anyone hat joins us are welcome as if they have been doing it for the life of event.

The game was great. It’s always good when we win and this is only the second time I’ve gone where we won, Dallas and Tampa. The AT&T Stadium is a site to behold. It is one of the best if not the best arenas I’ve ever been in. As you go in you are greeted with all sorts of activities from live bands playing in an outdoor stage to various vendors soliciting their products and giving away free swag.

When I entered the stadium I was overwhelmed with just how massive the place is. It’s like Doctor Who’s Tardis. That’s for all you nerds out there. As I made my way to my seat, Section 415, Row 21 Seat 5, going up the escalator to each level there were bands playing, they played during timeouts of the game and such, vendors, and concessions stands. The truly amazing thing about the stadium is that Mega Jumbotron screen. Damn, that thing is huge and crystal clear. Even though we were in the nosebleed seats we still had an unobstructed view of the field. I have to give it to Dallas fans. They are enthusiastic about their team, and very friendly. There was a good bit of rivalry going but none to the point where it was not in all good fun. Everyone is decked out in the Cowboy gear. Thank you Dallas for a wonderful experience.

I asked Chris some general questions about the trip:

What was the best game?

This year, 2014, Redskins beating the Cowboys.

What was the least amount of people that attended the trip?

When we first started in 1981, with just 7. Myself, my three brothers and three friends.

What were the most people that attended?

There were a couple of times when there was 80 of us.

What was the best trip and or city?

By far, Tampa.

What is it that you like the most about the trip?

The camaraderie with all of the fellows.

What do you like the least about the trip?

Organizing and coordinating.

I took a poll of the fellows asking, In one sentence, what is that you like about the trip?

Bo Price

The trip was a true example of fellowship. Brothers coming together as one to enjoy good company and good times together.

Reggie Lassiter

I had a wonderful time, spending time with some quality brothers who share the love of football as the catalysis which brings us all together.

These responses pretty much summed up the sentiments of everyone who attend the annual ritual. One time a year, regardless of schedules and the things we have to do in life, we get to set aside a few days where we can get together and be boys’ again. Laugh, joke, rib each other, hang out and just have some good clean fun and enjoy each other’s company.

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