Washington Redskins: DeAngelo Hall enjoyed a terrific career

DeAngelo Hall announced his retirement last week and quickly backed off that statement. However, his time with the Washington Redskins is over.

At a golf tournament last week that featured several prominent members of the Washington Redskins’ organization, veteran defensive back DeAngelo Hall announced his retirement when speaking with the local media after 14 years in the NFL. Hall spent almost 10 full seasons with the Redskins after spending four years in Atlanta and a half season with the Oakland Raiders.

In a true competitor’s fashion, Hall backtracked a bit off that proclamation a day later when he spoke with numerous local Washington media outlets, including spending an hour on Washington’s 106.7 The Fan.

While Hall did say he’s likely still retired, it wasn’t official and he hadn’t yet filed his retirement papers with the league.

Whether or not Hall plays again in 2018, it won’t be with the Redskins. Washington has several young players it likes at both corner and safety and Hall has had trouble staying healthy in each of the last three years. Regardless of whether Hall continues his playing career or not, his career with the Redskins should be celebrated.

In just under 10 seasons with Washington, Hall picked off 21 passes and finished his stellar career with 43 total interceptions. Hall had numerous big moments during his time in D.C., the most notable being his four-interception game off of Jay Cutler, a Pro Bowl MVP trophy and his fumble return for a touchdown just before the half in a Sunday night tilt against Dallas.

Hall came to Washington with a reputation as a selfish and immature player. He leaves D.C. as one of the most respected veterans in the NFL. Hall matured and became a leader during the latter part of his career. Young teammates revered Hall and his approach to the game. Coaches loved Hall. Team executives loved Hall. That’s why he’ll have no shortage of options if his playing career is indeed done.

Hall could join a TV network and be outstanding. He could join a coaching staff and work his way up the ladder, or join a front office in a lower-level executive position. All options have been discussed and the Redskins will keep Hall around if that’s what he wants.

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When local media members needed a logical and rational viewpoint on the team, Hall was often the player they’d speak with. And he always delivered. Washington fans should celebrate a truly terrific career from a player who always wanted to be a Redskin and stayed with them for years, delivering plenty of impactful moments and represented the team with dignity and respect.