This is the place to visit to buy all things related to the Redskins.
So, at the beginning of the season, when my cousin in China, who is a burgeoning football fan, remarked that he wanted to purchase a John Riggins replica jersey, I made an excursion here to investigate and get him the jersey as a present. Indeed, once I made it to the store at Dulles Town Center, I encountered a plethora of jerseys hanging from both floor displays and racks on the walls; and, yes, the store carried Riggo's famous number 44 jersey. In fact, it was prominently featured. Really, why wouldn't it have been?
John Riggins is arguably the most iconic of Redskins players. He is the team's all-time leading rusher and epitomized the teams's tough physical play during their glory years in the early 1980s. Riggins' greatest play (when he turned a fourth and inches call into a 43 yard touchdown scamper versus the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII), certainly, is the team's most storied moment.
So, of course, his jersey would be there; and, indeed, it was -- to the tune of $89. Yes. It seemed a bit steep to say the least (especially, for someone like me who is used to buying clothes at Walmart). I had gone to the store with the expectation of buying the jersey for my cousin; but, the price tag put an immediate halt to my plans. "Well, how about another jersey," I thought to myself.
It turned out that other jerseys were priced similarly. For example, the one for Brandon Banks, a second year punt returner, was also $89. What? How could his be priced the same? Riggins is a mythical figure around these parts and an NFL hall-of-famer. Who is Brandon Banks comparatively? I briefly eyed Sonny Jurgensen's replica jersey for a split second (as a possible alternative); but, the asking price for this Redskin legend's jersey was steeper at $125. Ouch!
Anyway, to make a long story short, I called my cousin to inform him of what I found and told him to look around Guangzhou (the city in southern China where he lives) to see if he could buy the jersey there instead.
I mean, those replica jerseys are probably made in China anyway; and, with Guangzhou being such a big manufacturing town (making everything from toothpicks, lawn chairs, panty hose, to pillow cases), I am confident he could find a better deal there. Really, he should just make a visit to the factory and inquire within. Hell...as a Redskins fan myself and as someone whose wardrobe (sportswear included) could use a facelift, I want him to get me one too.
I'm looking forward to Christmas. read more