Robert Griffin III speaks to the media following first OTA. (photo by Brian Murphy)
The Washington Redskins held their first session of Organized Team Activities (or OTAs) open to the media Thursday morning, signaling the next phase of the offseason as training camp is nearly two months away.
Not surprisingly, the focal point of practice was quarterback Robert Griffin III, and his rehabilitation and recovery from reconstructive knee surgery on his right leg in January. In front of a large group of reporters, he was seen on the practice taking snaps, planting his right leg, throwing, and moving well for a player less than five months removed from surgery.
After practice, Griffin spoke to local reporters for the first time since his injury in the Redskins’ playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
“My knee feels great,” he said. “I can do all the stuff on the field without any hesitations and that’s the best part.”
Griffin went on to discuss the myriad of issues that have followed him and the team in the months since the controversial game that ultimately led to his surgery and rehab process.
On his season ending injury, Griffin said: “The injury and how the injury was handled overshadowed the success we had on the season. The injury left a bad taste in the mouth of everyone between us players, the fans, and the coaching staff.”
Asked if he needed to repair his relationship with Mike Shanahan — who allowed Griffin to stay in the Seahawks game despite being at risk of further injury — the Redskins quarterback replied that “the only thing I needed to repair from last year was my knee and that is repaired.”
To listen to Griffin’s complete comments, please click on the link below (audio courtesy of Sky Kerstein):
05-23-13 Robert Griffin III Practice RAW 1
05-23-13 Robert Griffin III Practice RAW 2