DTC History...

There was a time, many years ago, when the FedEx Field parking lots ran rampant with opposing teams’ fans.  A time of insecurity, angst, and concern for Redskins fans across the metro region.  Such is not the case today. 
 
Our story begins in 2001 with a special arrangement of Redskins fans brought together through what some may consider divine intervention.  The C.E.O, The President, and The Mayor of FedEx Field rode together and parked under the Dead Tree for the first time ever on the 30^th day of September 2001, the first NFL game in Washington D.C. following the September 11th attacks.  FedEx Field provided a surreal environment that day.  Amid rapid social and international change, the eventual founders of the Dead Tree Crew found a way to persist, and sparked the inception of what would later become an exceptional tailgating organization.  ’01 also included many significant milestones for the DTC including its first on air feature with Diane Roberts for a Fox 5 pre-game show.
 
At its conception, the Crew entered the FedEx Field Green lot, F-51, and by chance parked under the shadows of a monstrous dead tree.  Countless allegories have been passed on as to why the tree died, but the origins of the tree remain a mystery.  Acquiring the official designation “The Dead Tree Crew” and bearing witness to the chemistry and ferocity of the first tailgate gave the group of friends no option other than to continue attending Redskins games together, perpetuating the hostile environment for opposing fans. 

By ‘02 the DTC was at a veteran tailgating level and ready to produce.  During the 70th Anniversary season, the DTC brought the ruckus with one of the best tailgates in FedEx Field history at the Monday Night Football game against Philadelphia including the entire F-51 lot singing “Hail to the Redskins” led by the founding DTC members directing from atop a Suburban.  A record number of Philly fans were turned away from F-51 that day, beginning the domination of the DTC over F-51.  Later that year, The C.E.O unleashed the Porta-potty incident during which he destroyed a Colts fan taking a dump in the Porta-potty in the north corner of F-51.  Since then, that particular Porta-potty has been used sparingly. 
 
The Washington Redskins opened up the 2003 NFL season at home versus the New York Jets.  The DTC decided to step onto the national scene as well.  Aside from its conception, September 4, 2003, this may be the most important day in DTC history.  Due to the crew’s arrival at FedEx Field at 8 AM for an 8:30 PM game, many media outlets took notice and the DTC appeared on television three times.  Before the DTC even made its way into stadium parking lots, Prince George’s County Television featured the DTC during a pre-game sports report, and Darcy Spencer from NBC 4 interviewed The Mayor of FedEx Field.  Becoming the first NFL fans to tailgate in 2003, the Discovery Channel decided the DTC deserved its own feature at the top of their 2003 NFL tailgating show, which is currently still being aired.  The following morning many Washingtonians were introduced to the DTC by a half page picture of The President and the C.E.O harassing a Jets fan in the Metro section of the Washington Post.

In 2004 The Washington Redskins announced that Joe Gibbs would be returning as Head Coach.  The DTC as well announced their Head Coach!  This completed the DTC’s formal management team. In addition they have appointed The Secretary of Crunk (S.O.C) and the Head of Security (H.O.S). Also that year The Mayor introduced his now infamous Megaphone, which he uses to berate opposing fans.  Now a staple of the DTC tailgate, Redskins fans gather around F-51 just to witness these verbal lashings.

2005 was labeled the Year of the Cone by the DTC Captains due to the introduction of a freshly painted road safety cone.  This was an upgrade from the previously selected safety cone which went from being used to direct traffic to being used to consume beers at the top of Piss Mountain by the C.E.O.

 In 2006 the DTC unveiled the gold bat and brick.  These items, by popular demand, have doubled as props in pictures and as tools of intimidation.

2007 was the DTC’s best year to date, consistent with its media exposure.  Multiple Blogs discovered the DTC and they became an almost weekly topic.  This was capped off by the DTC being featured on the season premier of HBO: Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

From the original three members, the DTC has flourished into a tailgating organization featuring Redskins fans from many walks of life, bringing their own unique talents to each tailgate.  We are grateful for the support of our many members and fans, and look forward to not only to each season, but also a lifetime of Redskins success and tailgating excitement.