Legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has never been shy from voicing his passion for the Washington Redskins.
Junior has been a die-hard Skins' fan his entire life — and has a pretty impressive understanding of the team, it's history and the current roster.
On Tuesday, Earnhardt — who announced he was retiring from NASCAR earlier this year — decided to invite a few of the Skins' players into his world to suit up in a helmet and fire suit and take a few laps around Richmond International Raceway.
Compton, Norman, Kerrigan, Dale Jr., Cousins and Moses. pic.twitter.com/2YGZvkcpt1
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) August 8, 2017
It's not hard to spot Earnhardt in that photo but the Skins' pictured are Will Compton, Josh Norman, Ryan Kerrigan, Kirk Cousins and Morgan Moses. I would have paid good money to see Moses contort himself into the car — considering the former Virginia football mammoth checks in at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds.
I haven't tracked down much footage of the Skins' players actually racing around the track at speeds upwards of 150 miles per hour, but there was an overwhelming theme — Like Ricky Bobby, they just wanted to go fast.
MORE: What's Up With All This Drama Between the Redskins and CB Bashaud Breeland?
To repay the hospitality, Cousins and company invited Earnhardt out to Tuesday's afternoon training camp practice — just a few miles away from Richmond International Raceway.
There have been debates on if NASCAR drivers are actually true athletes — and Earnhardt's barely 6-foot and 180-pound frame isn't going to scare anyone on the gridiron. But on a day where professional athletes swapped careers, you better believe Junior lined up with Cousins at QB — and attempted to haul down a pass against one of the NFL's top cornerbacks.
Cousins throwing to Dale Jr w Josh Norman in coverage. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/hWKTTQiuwQ
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) August 8, 2017
Those were far from clean routes and it's obvious Norman didn't put forth an ounce of effort. I was however impressed with Earnhardt's ball security when Norman tried to jar the pigskin lose — but I don't see a NFL future looming in the driver's future.
MORE: NFL Hot Take: Redskins Will Win NFC East And Sign Kirk Cousins to Long-Term Extension
This was a cool blend of two sports that are completely different. I'd like to see more of it. Michael Phelps playing golf? JJ Watt trying to kick a soccer ball? The possibilities are endless.
