Zac Boyer will be entering his third season covering the Washington Redskins for The Free Lance-Star this fall. Make sure to follow Zac on Twitter (@ZacBoyer) for the latest updates or e-mail him with any questions at zboyer@freelancestar.com.
Motivation To Succeed Clear In Glimpse At Robert Griffin III’s Locker
By ZAC BOYER
ASHBURN – When the Washington Redskins gave quarterback Robert Griffin III a locker next to linebacker London Fletcher, the assumption was that Fletcher would be able to impart some of his leadership and motivational qualities onto the young rookie.
Motivation appears as if it won’t be a factor. A sign hangs at eye level in Griffin’s locker reminding him to focus.
“Forget about being MVP; Forget about being in the Pro Bowl. Those are nice consolation prizes if you don’t get a SUPER BOWL RING,” the sign reads.
Griffin has also decorated the locker with several action figures, including the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman and Captain America. Under each are a series of other phrases – “Be Amazing,” “Conquer Every Obstacle,” “Sacrifice,” “Army Strong” and “BU.” The last two allude to his military background and Baylor University.
Griffin’s locker is in the back left corner, away from the two entrances, between Fletcher and defensive end Adam Carriker.
“I don’t think it was my decision, but somebody asked me about it and I said, ‘Yeah, I can’t think of a better idea than to have Robert’s locker next to London’s – especially the type of leader London is,’” head coach Mike Shanahan said. “You always like to have a number of guys being able to communicate with him and just pick his brain – how hard he works and how he handles himself and if you’ve ever got a question – he’s a guy that I’d talk to.”
