After Ten Seasons, All-Time Great Redskin Ponders his Future
By "Gary Gray"

Off-Season 2131 (Washington, DC) - Ben Breeden was going to choose Anthony Tate #2 overall in his first draft as the new Washington Redskins Assistant General Manager. But then, Mr. Flip Sides didn't show up to the draft; Dallas didn't select Grant Elliot as was widely anticipated. So Breeden did what he had to do - and he took Elliot #2. 'We had talked to Anthony and told him he was going #2. I hate to break a promise like that, but you just cannot pass on a guy like Grant Elliot. He's a monster. We were really sad that we were going to miss out on Tate. He was one of the best rookies to ever enter the USAFL draft.

'Something spectacular happened that day, though. We had the #9 overall, too, but we knew for sure that Tate would never be available at that pick. I mean, seriously, you look at his college career and his combine numbers. I can count on one hand the number of rookies who have been more impressive in the hundred and thirty years this league has existed. And what do ya know ... we got BOTH Elliot and Tate. Amazing. That's when I knew that a championship was less than a decade away. Two of the greatest players of all time in one draft, can't beat it.'

Now Mr. Tate has his Sundby ring and has enjoyed a bountiful contract over the past few seasons. Compiling almost six hundred tackles, over twenty sacks, and seven interceptions - Anthony has proven his skills beyond all doubt. And now, he's considering hanging up the cleats. In a preseason press conference, Anthony announced his deliberations, 'I've thought long and hard about this. The Redskins organization has been extremely gracious since day one. They named me a starter and never looked back. Never considered trading me. Never, ever lost confidence in my abilities. They didn't approach me about this topic; it was all my decision. I looked at our squad. We've got some cap issues going into next year, and my deal is dragging down the team. There's three guys sitting on the bench behind me who deserve to be starters this season. Heck - they deserved it last season. We're so stacked at defensive back right now, I know the Redskins will hardly miss me on the field.'

'Now hold on a second!' Breeden interrupted, 'I don't care who we have to replace you Anthony, we're always gonna miss those freight train hits. I'm sure the NFC wide receivers won't miss you though.'

Tate continued, 'Yeah, I know, I know. I'm always gonna remember knocking the crap out of Ethan Thomas. That guy's fun to hit when he dares to cut across the middle. But seriously - this is the best move I can make for the team. I've got plenty of years left in my legs, but I'm done. I'm ready to move on.'

And move on, he will. Breeden immediately announced, 'Anthony Tate is our new defensive coordinator. In 2131, he will be a player-coach. From then on, he's a pure coach. He could have played linebacker. I would've even put him on the D-Line if we needed it. He knows how to play the game from any position. As great as he is as a player, he's gonna be a hell of a coach. All our players respect him and admire what he's done for the organization. He's a leader. Always has been, always will be.'