Sunday night's playoff loss in Washington was the last time we'll see Robert Griffin III in a Redskins uniform, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
And for all of the fighting, back-handed dealings, benchings and firings, it seems the end of an era went by rather peacefully Sunday night at FedEx Field. Griffin was again inactive -- he was for 15 of 16 regular season games, as well -- and was cordial to the Washington coaching staff on his way out.
"That first year, man, Robert was a rock star," former Redskins wideout Santana Moss told ESPN.com. "Then different things happened. But he can take all those things, learn from them and get better. If Robert is like any of the best people in the history of this game, then he'll use it all as motivation. But you look at a lot of these quarterbacks out there, and you mean to tell me Robert ain't gonna get another chance?"
Moss is right, and maybe that's what makes this moment so much easier to swallow for Griffin. Seeing him on the field Sunday was surreal for a few reasons. Griffin has handled his role incredibly well and was an ambassador of sorts during the team's first playoff game since Jan. 2013 -- the night everything changed for Griffin.
Before the game, Griffin walked the perimeter of the field taking pictures with fans and VIPs. He autographed almost anything for young fans who ran into his path. He nodded, smiled and said hello to anyone who made eye contact. All the while, Kirk Cousins mania was in full swing.
"We all know one thing about this game: Things change fast," said former Redskin Clinton Portis in that same ESPN piece. "Robert did great things for the franchise and the city in 2012. But it's Kirk's team now. That's just the way it is."
One thing is for sure, though: Griffin looks healthy and has certainly stayed in great shape.
His fresh start will be one of the most interesting things to watch for the 2016 season. He was a transcendent player during his rookie season and seemed worth every penny of a massive pre-draft trade that cost the Redskins a treasure trove of picks.
Can he do it again?
