



DeAngelo Hall in 2008. DeSean Jackson in 2014. Junior Galette in 2015.

What do these three players have in common? Each was unceremoniously jettisoned by their former teams and found asylum with the Washington Redskins. Two of the three have signed multiple contracts with the Redskins, and none of them have forgotten who gave them a second chance.

Hall, drafted by the Falcons, was traded to the Raiders during the 2008 NFL Draft. He was then signed to a huge contract extension and cut after only eight games. He landed on his feet in Washington and has been key in recruiting many free agents, including Jackson and Galette.

On Friday night, he was among the first Redskins veterans to welcome Norman, despite the fact he will almost certainly bump Hall down the depth chart at cornerback:

Let me be the first to say Welcome to the Family @J_No24. Can't wait to watch @J_No24 @Salute_me17 @Cullyinthehouse do work #HTTR 4 Life 😎 —

DeAngelo Hall (@DeAngeloHall23) April 22, 2016

Jackson, drafted by the Eagles, played himself out of favor in Philadelphia under Chip Kelly’s bizarre regime. Not only was Jackson cut, but there were also team sources in an unsubstantiated report linking him to gang activity. He has gone on to lead the Redskins in receiving yards each year of his tenure, staying out of trouble off the field.

Jackson was also quick to welcome his new teammate:

Galette, drafted by the Saints, earned himself a major payday after his rookie deal expired in 2014. He played only one season under his $41.5 million deal before the Saints cut him. Galette too only made one free agent visit, signing a low money deal with Washington to improve his value.

Instead, he tore his Achilles’ tendon in training camp practice and missed the 2015 season. Throughout the rehabilitation process, he remained a part of the team environment and returned to the team on another low money deal this offseason.

Rather than just congratulating Norman on his arrival, Galette was proactive in recruiting the All-Pro cornerback on Twitter ahead of his visit. Especially after news emerged of New Orleans’ interest in Norman, Galette doubled down against his former team:

@J_No24 We Spoke about this lol come on Bruh! —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 21, 2016

If Fans Want @J_No24 y'all need to show up to Ashburn with Posters Screaming cheering when he shows up today! I will even join lol #PayDaMan —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 22, 2016

Ive been on a top 5 defense with just Mid Tier Corners Scary what this team would be with 3 Elite Corners @J_No24 Sign it Fam! —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 22, 2016

@J_No24 u come here there's 3 Legit Double digit pass rushers @RyanKerrigan91 @PrestonSmith94 myself I didn't even name @cbaker92redskin ❗️ —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 22, 2016

This what they gone give u to eat every Saturday before games if u go down there fam @J_No24 nasty A$$ Sandwiches😡 https://t.co/ME1gnnG2go —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 22, 2016

Galette got his wish, and celebrated after news broke that Norman had signed his contract:

😂😂crazy bro whoever said the grass not greener on the other side LIED!! twitter.com/_numberthreerb… —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 23, 2016

I made 18 in 1 yr last yr. I'm not tripping bro my time coming I am losing my mind for this RING THOOO🙌🏾🙌🏾 twitter.com/sizzlesane25/s… —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 23, 2016

The most powerful message is the one involving his loyalty to Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan, who gave him his second chance:

Not one snap! But Scott Ride for me and I'll die 4 him! twitter.com/gabearceneaux/… —

Junior Galette (@JovaisG) April 23, 2016

Galette was trending shortly after in Washington, D.C., as fans responded to his enthusiasm.

This is the type of culture that any sports team wants to build in its locker room. Just as coaches talk to other coaches before signing a player, players talk to other players before signing in a city.

This level of advocacy is free for the teams that do it right, and it looks like the Redskins are on the right track.

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