Washington Redskins hopeful Travon Bellamy seeks to catch on close to home

Travon Bellamy grew up in the D.C. area with a mother whose side of the family supported the Washington Redskins while his father’s side cheered for the Dallas Cowboys.

“That’s always been a funny battle,” said Bellamy, who as a teenager sold concessions at FedEx Field.

There’s no mistaking the defensive back’s allegiances these days as the 2006 Eleanor Roosevelt graduate tries to carve out a spot with the Redskins during training camp.

Bellamy’s journey to this point included a stop at the University of Illinois, where he played cornerback. As a senior in 2010, Bellamy started 12 of 13 games with 70 tackles and six pass breakups.

Bellamy signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent on July 30, 2011, before being waived four days later. The Redskins added Bellamy to their practice squad on Nov. 29 and signed him to a futures contract on Jan. 3, meaning the club owned his rights.

That allowed Bellamy to participate in OTAs, which helped prepare him for training camp in Ashburn. Bellamy said his friends and family also were able to watch him practice on Friday afternoon.

“What a difference a year makes,” Bellamy said. “I’ve come a long way. I’m just living out a dream. I’m just truly grateful.”

Although Bellamy played cornerback in college, the Redskins have been using him at safety during the early part of training camp. At 5 feet 11, 202 pounds, Bellamy’s frame is more in line to play safety than cornerback.

The position, though, is somewhat crowded with the likes of two-time Pro Bowl selection Brandon Meriweather, Reed Doughty, Madieu Williams and DeJon Gomes, so Bellamy is doing all he can to impress the coaching staff with limited opportunities.

“Just come in with the attitude that every day could be your last,” Bellamy said of his approach to camp. “It’s a tough business. Just work hard every day. Stay grounded. Come out there with a lot of energy, take care of your assignments, try to make plays and do the best you can.”