Walker recalled what it was like 40 years ago playing for the fanbase, “It is the most overwhelming feeling I’ve had in my life of how much it mattered to the people in our community. There was no racism. Everybody treated you like you were family. You spill your guts; you play hurt, you do whatever it takes to get to the prize.”
Happy #NationalTightEndsDay!
Rick Doc Walker (@RickDocWalker) for 6️⃣! #HTTC | #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/baAtA3HQ57
— The NBS Sports Hour (@NBSSportsHour) October 23, 2022
Regarding the current Commanders team,
“To see these guys who are so underwhelming, fail so often, and be paid so much. I am pulling for them. But all of our kids have never seen them do anything!”
“We went 0-5 (1981). That was when you were borderline suicidal. These guys have done that repeatedly. Embarrassment was we didn’t want to show our face around this town when we didn’t win. You are that committed because you didn’t want to let people down.”
“Now it is professional. The guys can pull up in their Rolls Royce. Nothing ever made me throw up in my mouth (like) every day when guys were driving up to the park in their Rolls with nothing to show for it.”
Walker talked of how what has become news over the years for the franchise is signing free agents and drafting first-round picks.
“It’s all fake; it’s built on sand. They don’t understand; it’s like a girl is all made-up, looks good, got all the style but has horrible breadth.”
J.P. Finlay asked Walker what he made of Chase Young who “when he steps off of the bus is all-world.” Walker didn’t hesitate, interrupting Finlay, “I don’t make nothing of it, save your breath.” Brian Mitchell burst out in laughter.
When Finlay attempted to explain the Commanders have a decision on Young’s fifth-year option, Walker didn’t miss a beat. “Option? You were in last place in the division. I’m not into that (option). What place are you in? Last. So everyone/anybody is expendable.”
“I don’t believe this team is dependent on anybody because you have not been able to win with any of them. That’s me. I am not the norm, I don’t want to be the norm.”
“You got a team in last place. I wish I was the one doing the negotiations. (Mitchell again laughed). You in last place and you think you have leverage on me? You in last place in the division. You got your _ _ _ kicked twice by the Giants?”
“This team has talent, they beat the best (Eagles), but again they don’t get it. Everyone is all worried about the individuals, first-rounders, Pro Bowlers. You got all that, but you are in last place.”
“So, until they take the mindset of ‘we are not going to be kicked around and mocked until we win the hill’… that is what I get into.”
“I like Chase. He is going to be in great shape. He is going to look great. I start judging him at kickoff.”