Thousands turned out to the Washington Redskins' training facility in Ashburn Saturday for the team's annual Fan Appreciation Day.
Fans were given the chance enter raffles for autographed footballs, jerseys and helmets, and could also pose with the team’s three Super Bowl trophies.
Practice was scheduled to begin at noon, with every player and coach available for autographs and pictures afterward. The gates didn't open until 9 a.m., but lines began forming outside the entrance to the facility hours earlier. The Redskins officially announced the attendance as 24,650 people.
Following the afternoon's practice, third-year Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan gave a short speech, telling the crowd: "I guarantee you, with the depth and competition we have, you're going to be very proud of this team this year."
It wasn't all good feeling during the practice, however, as wide receiver Niles Paul and cornerback Markus White exchanged punches after a play.
"It shouldn't have went to that level at all," Paul said after practice, according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. "I should've been the biggest man and let that go."
The Redskins play their first preseason game Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. The game can be seen on NBC4 and on Comcast SportsNet.
