ASHBURN — Dwayne Haskins said he wasn’t surprised at the public’s widespread reaction to former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann giving “his blessing” for the rookie to wear No. 7.
But standing in his No. 7 yellow practice jersey Saturday after the Redskins’ rookie minicamp, Haskins said he was appreciative of Theismann’s decision to do so. Haskins has worn the number throughout high school and college, and wanted to do so with the Redskins.
“It has great significance to me and my family,” Haskins said. “It’s more than just a number. Just being able to carry that on throughout my life for multiple years, it means a lot to me, and I’m thankful Joe let me wear the number.”
Theismann told 106.7 The Fan last week the two had a conversation in which Haskins asked to wear the number. Theismann appreciated the gesture and said he wants the quarterback to be successful.
The move didn’t sit well with everyone. One radio caller told 106.7 The Fan that it was “buffoonery” to allow Haskins to wear No. 7. NBC Sports’ Peter King took the opposite approach — writing it was “really weird” that Theismann would even suggest he needed to give his approval for the move. “It’s silly to think he was an all-timer, the kind of player whose number should never be worn again,” King wrote.
Theismann, who retired in 1985, is only the player in the team’s history to wear No. 7 in an actual game.
Washington has only one number — Sammy Baugh’s No. 33 — officially retired. But they have avoided letting players take a number previously worn by a team legend.
“It was too much of an opportunity to pass it up,” Haskins said.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.