Derrius Guice is arguably the most popular player on the Washington Redskins and he hasn’t even suited up.
From the moment the Washington Redskins selected running back Derrius Guice in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, there’s been an excitement within the fan base.
Guice was a flashy and productive player in college, playing at the highest level. He’s also full of personality. Guice was the story of the draft, as no one really knew why he dropped. We still don’t have the answer to that question.
Quarterback Alex Smith certainly doesn’t believe those pre-draft rumors.
Alex Smith heard there were rumors about Derrius Guice, but from what he's seen from the RB so far, they don't make much sense: https://t.co/xlsQuhrj3l pic.twitter.com/inwWuMB1Xu
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) June 7, 2018
Neither do Washington fans. No player in recent years has done more to endear himself to the Redskins’ apoplectic fans. Whether it’s literally wearing team-issued gear wherever he goes or practically going everywhere with a persistent smile on his face. Crashing the playbook and earning the praise of his head coach certainly helps, too.
Guice really became a hit with the fans last month when he posted on Twitter about meeting fans up at a local theatre, his treat. Several fans showed up and, true to his word, Guice paid for all fans who showed up and treated them to drinks and popcorn, too.
https://twitter.com/DhaSickest/status/998739942149943296
Guice routinely interacts with fans on Twitter. And he recently became a huge Washington Capitals fan during their recent run to the Stanley Cup. Guice showed up watch parties at the Capital One Arena in D.C. or met with them on the streets and posed for pictures.
When the Caps won the Stanley Cup on Thursday night, Guice was in D.C., wearing an Alexander Ovechkin jersey celebrating with thousands of fans.
https://twitter.com/DhaSickest/status/1004955709509795840
The true test with Guice is how his popularity will translate on the field. There’s no doubt about his talent, but he’ll need to beat out Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine for the starting job. That shouldn’t be a problem as Guice is easily the most talented back on the roster, along with third-down stud Chris Thompson.
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If Guice takes the job and becomes the type of player many expect him to be, he’ll have one of the biggest selling jerseys in the NFL. Washington’s fanbase is starved for a player like Guice. Now, it’s time for Guice to deliver on the field. If he does, the sky’s the limit.