It was a relatively easy first day of off-season workouts for Chris Horton.
He arrived at Redskins Park mid-morning on Monday and went through a series of measurements to assess his physical condition.
Then it was on to the treadmill to work on his conditioning.
The Redskins' off-season workout program gets plenty of publicity, but really, there's little news--unless you consider it news that players jog and lift weights.
It should not be surprising that most NFL athletes keep themselves in shape during the offseason.
What's noteworthy about players gathering at Redskins Park is that it's a chance to forge bonds that can extend through the 2009 season.
"I think this is when you start winning the games--right now," Fred Smoot said. "This is when teams come together. Some people may feel like it is worthless, but we are spending time building this team up, just coming together and becoming a team."
Off-season workouts are voluntary, but the Redskins typically draw a good turnout every year.
Monday was no exception.
Albert Haynesworth, the Redskins' prize free agent acquisition this offseason, met many of his new teammates during Monday's session.
Derrick Dockery re-connected with several players for the first time on Monday. Dockery rejoined the Redskins this offseason after two years in Buffalo.
"I am really excited to be back, just getting to see old faces again," Dockery said. "I missed a lot of guys here. It was a good day just to get back working out with the guys, building that chemistry, cohesiveness within the group, as far as the offensive line."
Some players like Chris Cooley have been regulars at Redskins Park much of the offseason.
"I live here, so I've been [at Redskins Park] since I got back from the Pro Bowl," Cooley said before turning his attention to his upcoming cameo on the TV show "One Tree Hill."
Meantime, Clinton Portis was on hand for the start of off-season workouts in what was deemed a "surprise" by several online media outlets.
It had been reported that Portis was expected to be a no-show for the program.
Media outlets posted retractions after Portis arrived.
Others seen at Redskins Park on Monday: Ladell Betts, H.B. Blades, Todd Collins, Fred Davis, Alfred Fincher, Stephon Heyer, Jon Jansen, Rocky McIntosh, Kareem Moore, Casey Rabach and J.T. Tryon.
