No Place I’d Rather Be
Written by DeAngelo Hall
December 5, 2009

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in with you guys and blogged, but I wanted to let everyone know that I’m doing well despite this tough injury. I’m basically week to week with my knee injury and I’m anxious to get back out there and help my team WIN. We’ve really been playing inspired football as of late and it seems like we just can’t put the pieces together to close out the games.  Being on a 3-8 team, a lot of people would think that guys would be eager to just pack it in and start playing for self. It’s been great to see my teammates, our coaches and really our whole organization continue to persevere through these difficult times. We’ve really stuck together and stayed committed to the goal of winning. Every game is a new opportunity.

I personally haven’t thought about hanging it up this season. I’ve been responding well to the treatment our medical staff has given me and I fully expect to be back out there with my teammates sooner rather than later. As a professional athlete I have become accustomed to competing, and when you develop the ability to compete at the highest level the idea of quitting or laying down really never crosses your mind. Regardless of our record our team and coaches all want to win the next one!  We have our work cut out for us facing New Orleans this weekend. They are playing great football and with a talented team coming into FedEx like the Saints we’re going to be counting on our 12th man – you fans – to help will us to a victory. We need that 12th man!

I have to say that I’ve really been impressed with our fans.  I always heard a lot about how great the Redskins Fans are but you never know until you experience it firsthand. They have really stood behind this team and organization. You hear rumbles and grumbles here and there, but for the most part the personal messages I’ve received via Twitter or the encouraging words I hear heading into the stadium on game day really goes a long way for myself and my teammates. I want to personally say “Thank You” to Redskins Nation for that. Those messages go a long way and have really been a bright spot for me and my teammates. I can’t wait till we get this thing turned around and restore the pride to our fans and city! I mean the pride people had in Redskins Football during the Glory Days! The Hogs, Darrell Green, Art Monk, Doug Williams and all those great players that laid the foundation for my teammates and I.

That is one of the reasons I felt like being in DC with the Redskins was just a great fit. The fans and community expect to win. I think it’s something that my teammates and I take as a personal challenge week in and week out, to play in a way that would make the lifelong Redskin fans proud and that would earn the respect and admiration of those Redskin greats who helped build this great tradition.

With the Thanksgiving holiday just passing and Christmas gradually approaching I’m truly thankful to be here during tough times and I’m excited to help restore that pride for all of our fans and for this great organization. There is no place I would rather be. I wish everyone a safe and prosperous holiday season!! Till next time…HTTR!
D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

The Good with the Bad
Written by DeAngelo Hall
November 2, 2009

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. Since my last blog we’ve lost two straight games and have dug ourselves a huge hole. I have to be honest it has taken a toll on me and I’m sure it’s been difficult for my teammates as well.

I don’t think our bye week could have come at a better time. I spent a couple days of my bye week up at Virginia Tech and attended the Thursday night game. That was a great experience for me to go back and spend some time with my former coaches and see some of the younger guys. Coach Beamer has done a great job of building a first class program and I’m proud to have been a part of it.

At the end of the first quarter I received the NFL Flashback game ball. I thought that was pretty cool. The fans gave me a warm reception but I wouldn’t have expected anything less from the Hokie Nation. Tech Fans remind me a lot of Redskin fans, extremely passionate and loyal.

It seems like we’re both taking our lumps right now. Tech has also lost 2 straight games now and this last one was a heartbreaker, 17-17 with 2 minutes remaining and our star freshman running back lost the ball on a fumble. UNC held the ball and settled for a game winning field goal. I feel for the young man. But what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger. I’m confident he’ll be better for that experience. We have a lot of stars in the making at VT right now and I’m excited to see who makes it to the next level.

Speaking of up and coming stars, Brandon Flowers of the Chiefs is a young guy to keep an eye on in this league. He had an interception in the Chiefs win over us a few weeks back and told me if he got an INT he was going to do my celebration. And that’s exactly what he did…lol. I definitely got a laugh out of that. The next week I got to see Macho Harris of the Eagles and it seems he’s made a smooth transition to free safety. To be starting as a rookie in the NFL is impressive and as a 5th rounder I’m sure a lot of teams are kicking themselves for passing on that guy. He’s playing with a chip on his shoulder. Something I definitely can relate to.

I think I’ve caught you guys up to speed on what’s been going on in my world. I’ve done some traveling, done some relaxing, and now it’s back to work. We have to regroup as a team and hopefully this bye week helped guys clear their heads and come back ready to finish the season strong. We still have a lot to play for and one of the most important things is PRIDE! Pride in ourselves, Pride for this organization, and pride for our fans! I can tell you this much they always say a wounded animal is an even more dangerous animal. I think we’ve been licking our wounds for a while now, but it’s time to fight back!

See you guys in Atlanta!

D.Hall23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

Us vs. the World
Written by DeAngelo Hall
October 16, 2009

We had a tough loss this past weekend down in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers. Our team played hard but we didn’t finish the game. It was disappointing to watch a 17-2 lead disappear and lose by 3 points. It is what it is.

You win as a team, you lose as a team.

We are preparing to take on the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend at FedEx Field and the positive thing is we’re undefeated at home this season. Being around our team this week I really feel like we’re embracing that bunker mentality of us against the world. The local sports talk shows and national media have all put a target on our back. Adversity reveals and builds character and if I know my team we will rally together and play with a tremendous will to win this weekend and we expect our fans will do the same and cheer us on!

Talk is cheap so I don’t mean to give you guys a pep talk, but I just want everyone to know that the 53 guys in that locker room and our coaches haven’t quit on this season. It frustrates me to hear people on the outside talk about how many “problems we have.” They talk about the owner, the GM, the free agents who signed, the draft picks, the head coach, on and on, but not many of those people who are talking know what it’s like in our locker room and around our team.

I’ll be the first to admit that we haven’t exactly played to our potential, myself included, but I only have one question. If we turn this thing around and get all the kinks worked out and the ball starts bouncing our way, will those people still be blasting us? Will they still try and throw this great organization under the bus? I have no problem with people having opinions just don’t be an opportunist. Anybody can kick you while you’re down but it takes a strong person to help you get up.

The sports world has witnessed great comebacks before. Last time I checked we still have 11 games left in our season and it’s not over till it’s over!

I love this town, I love this team, and I love this organization. I’m blessed to do what I do for a living, so I don’t want any sympathy from anyone and neither does this team. We’ll get it right or fight trying and I hope you would respect us either way!

Till next time! I’m out! God Bless!

D.Hall23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

Watching Greatness
Written by DeAngelo Hall
October 7, 2009

Last Tuesday I had a chance to go see Bono and U2 perform at FedEx Stadium and I have to say it was a great experience. The hardest part of the night was getting to the stadium. The stand-still traffic heading to the stadium was ridiculous. Not to mention the concert started not too long after rush hour. The concert overall was great. Musically and visually they did a lot of things to incorporate the audience into the show.

U2 is very political and I think it’s great they use their celebrity and time with their audience and fans to bring attention to important social issues. I think we all should take more pride in our community and helping others. Not just celebrities.

I had to leave the concert early because of work the next morning. Luckily that decision helped me beat traffic as well. The ride home was smooth sailing. I have to say my favorite performance of the night had to be Beautiful Day! Bono and his fellow band members did a great job of using the whole stage and really putting on a great performance. I’m a fan.

The Muse also did a great job opening for U2. They mentioned they are number 1 in 24 countries. You have to respect that. If you aren’t a U2 fan or familiar with their music, check them out. I have to get familiar myself.

Hope you guys enjoy these blogs…Till Next Time. I’m out. God Bless

D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23

On Tuesday I hosted the Official Website Launch Event for Deangelohall.com. There was a great turnout and it helped benefit a number of causes. My mother just launched her brand new website JoanAHall.com. The site is dedicated to her self-published book “Bitter Sweet, A Woman’s Journey.” Her new book and site give readers an opportunity to see the obstacles she went through and how she overcame those obstacles to appreciate the blessings she had. She wants to be an inspiration to other individuals and families experiencing the same obstacles.
The Event also benefited The Reading Connection, a non-profit based out of D.C. dedicated to helping improve the lives of children and underprivileged families through reading. For more information visit www.thereadingconnection.org.
I really appreciated my teammates coming out and supporting me and it was great meeting some of the Washington D.C. area’s brightest business professionals. It was a great night of networking and fun. I will be uploading photos and videos from the event here soon.
But for now I have to get back to preparing for the Detroit Lions. We want to build on the momentum from our first win last week and really play up to our potential. I’m all in!
Special thanks to: The Elite Group (www.tegmanagement.com) , Mate`, Player Press, The Parrish Group, The Reading Connection, JoanAHall.com, and everyone who participated in making this event a huge success.
Till Next Time! D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

One Goal!
Written by DeAngelo Hall
September 9, 2009

This is what we’ve all been waiting for.

It’s time to cash in on the blood, sweat, and tears that my teammates and I have put in up to this point. The goal is simple. We want to be the team holding that Lombardi Trophy when it’s all said and done. That’s why we play the game. The Big Contracts, the nice homes, the cars, the life. None of that means a thing if you don’t get a Ring!

I’m excited though. I feel like I was born to play this game and I’m excited to really settle in with the Redskins. My career so far has had its share of ups and downs. But football reflects life. You have good times and you have bad times. You have good plays and you have bad plays. But the most important thing is picking yourself back up and always striving to be the best at what it is you do. So whatever happens this season, I’m happy to be a Redskin and I’m ready to pursue that goal of being the last team standing!

Till Next Time. I’m out. God Bless! –D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23

Time Fly’s when you’re having Fun
Written by DeAngelo Hall
August 27, 2009

So it’s been almost a month since we opened camp and time is really flying. We are heading into our third pre-season game versus Tom Brady and the New England Patriots and I think our team is really starting to hit our stride. The starters are probably going to play the most that we have all pre-season so far. I’m excited to get my hands on an Interception hopefully sooner than later. I know Fed Ex will be rocking!
I want to personally thank everyone who has visited the new website. Between twitter and my website I feel like I can give fans and the public a glimpse into my life that you normally couldn’t see! Make sure you stay tuned; I want this to be as fun for you as it is for me!
Until Next time I’m out! God Bless!

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

Boxing After Dark
Written by DeAngelo Hall
August 10, 2009

“While you’re sleeping, I’m working”
Someone told me Darrell Green used to believe in that quote. That “while you were sleeping he would be outworking you.” That’s the approach I’ve decided to take to get back to the top.  I really don’t even know how it all came together but I’ve decided to pick up Boxing as an additional workout during camp and I’ll probably continue it into the season. 
I have a personal boxing instructor Coach Mark Craig. He puts me through about hour long workouts. Most people wonder how and why I’m doing this. My response is that I’m more dedicated than ever to help my team reach our goals and to earn the respect of my peers, fans and coaches in this league! Like I said in an earlier Blog my motto for the season is “Yall must have forgot”.  Forgot who I was, what I’m about, that’s why I work this hard.
The boxing workouts are going to help with my conditioning and endurance to be able to line up play in and play out and play tight coverage on the best receivers in the NFL. I’ve been blessed with tremendous God Given ability but I’m ready to take it to the next level. So just a quick message to the competition. If you’re sleeping, I’m working. Point blank.
Until Next Time! I’m out! God Bless!
D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

Feels Just Like Home
Written by DeAngelo Hall
July 31, 2009

First Day of Redskins Training Camp
Coming out for our first day of camp I really didn’t know what to expect. This is my first full season with the Redskins. Each summer you have 32 NFL teams going to camp and all the players on those 32 teams will have different experiences.  Well I can say this about my first Redskins Camp…It feels just like home!
Heading into my 6th NFL season I have been to camp in the baking Georgia sun with the Falcons, I’ve been in the cool Napa Valley with the Raiders but no camp I’ve been involved in could match Redskins Camp.
The fans turned out from Day 1. We started practice at 8:30 in the morning. I know some players who had a rough time with that wake up. And for our fans to come out that early on a week day to support us, it really makes it all worth it. They could have been anywhere, including work probably for most of them. I heard that there was somewhere near 10,000 people there. To me that’s amazing. So I’ll take this time to say THANK YOU to Redskins Nation for making my teammates and I feel right at home.  That enthusiasm and support they show is contagious! We’ll need that all season as we push to bring the Glory Days back to the Nation’s Capital and the Redskins Organization!
And a Special Message goes out to Carl Chandler and his boys Dakota and Cole who were at their first training camp and got a pair of Autographed D.Hall Cleats!! 
Until Next Time! I’m out! God Bless!
D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

Michael Vick
Written by DeAngelo Hall
July 29, 2009

“Show me a successful man, I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.”
Lately there has been a lot of discussion about my former teammate and Virginia Tech alum Michael Vick. It’s been interesting to watch the process unfold from where it began and where it is now. I know Mike personally and I support his effort to get back on a team in the NFL 100%. He has paid his debt to society and I think he deserves another opportunity to earn a living for himself and his family. I know he is grateful and excited about being reinstated by the Commissioner and will take full advantage when the opportunity presents itself. I honestly see Mike becoming a successful player again in the NFL and becoming a role model to young kids and athletes who can learn from the mistakes he has made. As a fellow Hokie, teammate, and friend I’m rooting for Mike! 
Until Next Time!  I’m out! God Bless!
D.Hall 23

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.

Yall Must Have Forgot
Written by DeAngelo Hall
July 24, 2009

I’m taking my main message this season from Roy Jones Jr. I feel like after last season everyone must have forgotten who I am, what I’m about, how I play the game.

When I strap up and step on that field, I want to be the best that ever played the game. I don’t want to sound arrogant or cocky. But two years ago I was regarded as the next great shutdown corner. They were talking about me like I could be one of the best ever.

That perception changed when I left Oakland last year. Just like when Randy Moss left Oakland, they said he was finished. He hooked up with Tom Brady, starting winning some games—winning changes everything—caught a lot of balls and suddenly he’s the Randy that still intimidates everyone. One of the best in the game again.

In Oakland we didn’t really come out with a game plan and honestly it just wasn’t a good fit for my style of play. The organization was in turmoil and I learned that the Big Contract isn’t everything. Sometimes it is all about fit.

I had signed a big contract and I got a little bit lazy, I got caught up in the shuffle and that’s my fault. I’ll take that. But everything happens for a reason and I think being released was a blessing in disguise. The Redskins organization, fans and my teammates have been great!

I came out to Washington, earned a starting job when I had great corners around me. I fought like hell to do what I had to do and I got a new contract.

But it is not about the money this time. It was when I went to Oakland and I ended up in a situation that wasn’t the best for me. This time around I’m out to prove that I can be a team player and a great corner in this league.

Now it’s about redemption. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. I’m 25 and people are acting like I’m over 30 and can’t play anymore.

I’m playing close to home; I went to college and played high school football in Virginia. I’m excited to tear it up this year. I know how hard I’ve been working, I know my technique and I know I have great teammates and coaches around me. I can’t wait to get out there and show everyone I’m still a winner.

All I’m about is winning games and picking passes. That’s it.

I had five interceptions in the middle of all that went on last year. This year I’ve got my eye on the Night Train Lane record of 14. If they throw anywhere near me I’m going to try and come down with the ball.

This season is gonna be scary. I’m kinda scared for what’s gonna happen. I’m gonna play every game like it’s my last.

DeAngelo Hall is a cornerback with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.deangelohall.com. Follow him on Twitter as @DHall23.