A few “words” with Redskins

This offseason has been unlike any other in recent memory. “Lockout”, “stay”, “injunction”- these phrases are being used as commonly as “OTA”, “Mandatory” and “chemistry” were just a year ago at this time. Teams are suffering at the hands of owners and players that cannot reach a common ground.

As a fan, I wonder how players that cannot practice their profession manage to kill time during such a work stoppage? There are, of course, the obvious answers such as working out, training with professionals, hanging out with family members etc. For a select few Redskins players, there’s an app for their free time.

Released in July of 2009 “Words With Friends” has become a huge hit on both iPhone and Android platforms. The game is essentially based on the same principles as “Scrabble” (you know…that old game with the lettered squares your mom and dad used to play on family game night). The game’s popularity has increased significantly over the past years and now even some of your favorite Redskins are getting in on the action.

Through a few simple twitter conversations with Skins wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, safety Chris Horton and newcomer Reggie Jones, I was able to gather their tags and hookup for a few games. Here’s how I did.

I played several games with Skins defensive back Reggie Jones. Didn’t save many screen shots, but I went 4-0 versus him if I recall correctly. During this particular game his account was reset because of a phone problem.

I also an elongated series versus Mr. Armstrong, who has also yet to defeat me. (He also talked about our games on backfieldradio.com) This was one of our more lopsided affairs.

I would say that the best “words” player of the three was Chris Horton. Maybe it’s the UCLA education… maybe it’s the dreads. Either way, this guy was the only of the three to hand me a loss (after several wins by myself).

As a fan, the chance to play some of my favorite athletes on a level playing field is great. The game also gives the players a way to interact with fans without being harassed the entire time. The various handles for the players are included above, you can request a game, but that doesn’t guarantee they will play you. If you want to follow any of the three players on twitter you can simply click on their names and be redirected to their respective pages.

With the NBA Finals over and Lebron James sitting at home, still ringless, It’s about time for the NFL and it’s players get a new collective bargaining agreement straight. I don’t want to be the only person playing the Skins on Sunday’s this season. Hopefully we’ll have some more football to talk about in the coming weeks.

You can follow me here on twitter.

[Also, if you'd like your shot at the title you can add me on Words With Friends, my handle is Only1K2.]

Tags: Anthony Armstrong, Chris Horton, Friends, Kevin Mawyer II, Only1K2, Redskins, Reggie Jones, With, Words