Looks like the kid may have some talent – I hope he catches on with the team.

The Rams have gone Hollywood.

Not only is new coach Scott Linehan the brother-in-law of actor Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in the movie "The Passion of the Christ," but now the team has signed the son of Academy Award winner Denzel Washington.

Running back John David Washington, the leading career rusher at NCAA Division II Morehouse College, is among 10 undrafted free agents the Rams have added in the wake of the weekend's NFL draft.

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John David Washington, 5 feet 10 and 200 pounds, said his success in football had nothing to do with his father's success in films.

"This is my thing," he told the Los Angeles Daily News. "My father supports me 100 percent, but there's nothing he did as far as his star influence to get me here."

In the same interview, Denzel Washington said: "For a kid to have that dream and be this close, and for a dad who had the same dream and didn't make it, needless to say I'm very proud and happy for him. . . . Nothing would make me happier than to be known as John David Washington's dad."

John David holds Morehouse records for rushing yards in a game (242), season (1,19 and career (3,699). He was the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's offensive player of the week six times and an all-conference selection after his senior year.

Having taught a number of kids who went on to play Division I and Division II ball, I know what work it takes to get to that level. Having coached one who plays in the NFL now, I know how much more it takes to go to the next level.

Congratulations, John David Washington – and proud poppa Denzel, too. Good luck.

Posted by: Greg at 12:39 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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