WASHINGTON REDSKINS: UNCLE SKINS

After making the firm decision that Uncle Sam was a D.C. native and a Redskins fan, Tim Thompson became Uncle Skins. He also liked the fact that he wears coattails; that sealed the deal.

How did you fall in love with your team? What is your first memory around your NFL team?

Growing up my big brother rooted for the Redskins. At first I didn't understand why he was going wild when he'd watch them on Sundays. It wasn't until I found out it was because they were our local NFL team and much of our neighborhood shared the same fervor for them as he did. Not long after that, both of us were loudly celebrating in front of the TV when our hometown Redskins scored a touchdown.

Being a family and football guy, the spirit for hometown sports is something that is rooted in my personality. This is something that I've always grown up with.

How, when and why did you start dressing up more than a regular, ordinary fan?

The 2011 NFL season was my first year and it was very memorable. During the Redskins-Jets game two female Jets fans came up and asked me for a picture. They said they really wished I rooted for the Jets because they loved Uncle Skins. Coming from a fanbase that is home to some famous superfans, that is a great compliment.

What is your favorite NFL moment or team memory?

Super Bowl XXII & XXVI

How did you develop your costume?

D.C. is a great place to live and has a ton of rich history. A local radio host has often mentioned in his program that icons like senators, diplomats, and other legislation symbols are not that intimidating. I happen to agree with that statement, so I mulled over things that did provoke local pride and strength.

In political cartoons Uncle Sam was a symbolic figure who could sign a bill in one hand and coldcock you with the other. He'd always had a solemn look on his face and wasn't afraid to roll up his formal dress sleeves to get his hands dirty. He is a great combination of power, intimidation, and respect. All those things give great symbolic parallels to our area.

With the Redskins in our Nation's Capital, it only makes sense to combine those themes and come to the conclusion that "Uncle Sam is a Redskins fan". That and the fact he wears coattails just sealed the deal for me.

What is the best thing about your team?

From sea to shining sea, the metropolitan Washington D.C. area has the greatest fans ever… No contest!

I'm a HUGE supporter of the hometown. Supporting the hometown team is one of the fundamentals of sport spectating. You wouldn't take your kid to his peewee game and then cheer for the neighborhood kid they're playing against. That's what happens when you're not supporting your hometown team.

Uncle Sam is no different. He calls his hometown, Washington D.C., and he proudly supports America's passion, the NFL.

Representing Uncle Sam is a tall order but that challenge is met with ease by merely reflecting the wonderful attitudes & terrific passion of the great fans of the Washington D.C. area. From sea to shining sea they are, hands down, the most loyal, proud, and die-hard fanbase there is. My motivation is to reflect those qualities with every fan & foe I meet and give a solemn Skins Salute back to ole' D.C.

All images by Peter Sutherland.

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