John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer
The Washington Redskins hope to see a lot of peanut butter and jelly this season. In the form of a dance, that is, by defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois. And when he breaks it out after a sack, it could be as entertaining as the play itself — if his moves on the last day of practice before the fans in Richmond, Virginia, is any indication.
Francois started a tradition in San Francisco of dancing to the song “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the final day of camp open to the fans. He continued that in his first camp with Washington and it provided entertainment and now a popular video online. Yes, his nickname is the “Peanut Butter Jelly Man.” So now the Redskins’ defensive line has a popular sandwich as well as a filling meal (“Pot Roast,” aka Terrance Knighton). But Francois only has 8.5 career sacks, so it’s not as if he’s been able to dance quite a bit. He’ll be part of the Redskins’ nickel package, so the chance for more sacks, and dances, will be available.
Francois entertained his new teammates, too, as linebacker Junior Galette walks by smiling and then breaks into laughter at the end. The dance has its benefits for Francois, as Smuckers sent him a gift basket of their jams and jellies in April.
And he told CSNWashington that, “If you want to do a deal, Smuckers, I am here and I’ll talk to you guys, believe me.”