ASHBURN, Va. -- Derrius Guice landed in Virginia late Sunday night, fresh off a weekend at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. He then woke early to leave Redskins Park for a drive an hour away to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation golf tournament Monday morning, with breakfast starting around 9 a.m.
He had enough energy Monday night to show why he’s becoming a fan favorite: He treated nearly two dozen fans to see the movie "Avengers: Infinity War." At the same time, new teammate Josh Norman was displaying his moves on "Dancing with the Stars," and other Redskins players attended a private screening at the same theater where Guice was treating his new fans. Guice bought the fans tickets and food.
The impromptu outing began with a midday tweet, with Guice inviting fans to meet him at the theater.
If you didn't already buy a ticket and need one, that's why I have 50 tickets.. to give y'all once y'all get there
— 5β£ (@DhaSickest) May 21, 2018
Tryna gather up some people tonight to go to the movies out in Ashburn VA.... I'll be handing out signed trading cards as well!
— 5β£ (@DhaSickest) May 21, 2018
Afterward, Guice took a photo with those who attended -- standing to his left is Redskins coach Jay Gruden's son, Jack, who graduated from high school a year after Guice. Some fans dropped by beforehand for a quick picture, but were unable to stick around for the movie.
Movie night with the fans is currently awesome. βπΎπ₯ thanks to @AlamoDC for the hospitality!!! pic.twitter.com/H0NKgrwCpC
— 5β£ (@DhaSickest) May 22, 2018
The buzz around Guice in Washington has been strong, more so than for any other player the Redskins drafted. Many analysts ranked Guice as the second-best running back in the class behind only Saquon Barkley. But with Guice there’s a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality because he was the seventh running back selected as teams had concerns about his background.
The Redskins drafted him in the second round with the 59th overall selection. They could have picked him at No. 44 but opted to trade down, content with multiple options available.
The snub aside, Guice has been smiling and appearing to have fun. That personality, plus his ability, has won over many fans before he’s even made an NFL carry. Earlier Monday, Guice ribbed tight end Vernon Davis after asking him if he knew how old he was when Davis first started playing. Davis responded with the correct answer: 6. Guice busted out laughing.
@DhaSickest you haven't played a down of football in a Skins Jersey yet, but you are quickly climbing my list of favorite Redskins. You are already my favorite personality. It's infectious my man and if your athletic ability is half of your personality, we have a HOFer #HTTR
— Mark Harrell (@SkinsfanMH13) May 21, 2018
Yeah! This totally happened ! Great to meet you @DhaSickest ! What a neat thing to do treating fans to a movie with you! Love it! #httr #RedskinsTweetTeam @Redskins #yourock @AlamoDC #gonnabeafanfavorite pic.twitter.com/Kn4B7qHyxE
— Suzie (@whosuzieq) May 22, 2018
Like Clinton Portis more than a decade ago, Guice could become a productive back with an outsized personality. If the Redskins win and Guice produces, the fans will embrace him even more -- and the next movie night might need a wider lens for the group photo.