In the next installment of my all-time favorite Washington Redskins players, Santana Moss checks in at #8.

TanaMan came to the Redskins in a trade that sent Laveranues Coles back to the Jets in 2004.  I was more than happy to see Coles go.  He had become another prima-donna receiver and complained about everything with the Redskins.  There could have been some behind the scene things I don’t know about, but if you don’t want to play for my favorite team, than I don’t want you to either.  Bringing Moss in was a bit of a coup for the Redskins.  They needed a big play receiver that could stretch the field as well as someone who could become a possession receiver.  Moss ended up filling both roles very nicely and was a part of the late season push for the playoffs in 2005.

Moss will forever be one of my favorite players for what he did on Monday night in Irving, Texas on September 19, 2005.

When the schedule for the 2005 season came out and i saw that the Cowboys and Redskins would be playing on September 19, the day before my 30th birthday, I knew i had to get tickets.  I got them locked down and went overboard on the seats, but was able to justify them by saying it was a gift…to me, because I’m special! 🙂  Finding someone to go with me was difficult and I was turned down by my father (I know…) and a couple other friends.  So, that left my Mom.  Who doesn’t love their mom?  They are the best.  She came through when noone else would and dealt with the 100+ degree temperature in the dumpy old Cowboy stadium to be a part of her son’s favorite team playing their biggest rival.  During the game, I could tell she wanted no part of the action on the field and was more than ready to leave…especially seeing how poorly my guys were playing.  Until the last 4 minutes of the game when the noodle armed Mark Brunell tossed two bombs downfield to a double teamed Santana Moss for game winning touchdowns.  Magnificent.  Not to mention, by the time the touchdowns were made it was actually September 20th…an awesome birthday gift and one that hasn’t been matched since (although my wife came really close three years ago with amazing tickets to a game at FedEx Field.)  One more thing, the Dallas Cowboys Trifecta of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin were inducted in to the ring of fame during halftime of that game…even more reason to have this game at the top of the list!

Santana is getting close to the end of his career and I doubt he will suit up for anyone else.  He is still productive and can put up some great numbers with RG3 getting him the ball this season.  I would love to see him put up a 1,000 yard season and 5TD’s this year.  Could be a nice way to round out the career.

#8 – Santana Moss

#9 – Chris Cooley

#10 – Gary Clark

#11 – Brian Orakpo

#12 – The Hogs