Trent Williams wants to bring the “Hogs” mentality back to the Washington Redskins’ offensive line this season. The original Hogs during the 1980s has been historically considered one of the best offensive lines in NFL history. Williams isn’t declaring Washington’s offensive line, nicknamed Hogs 2.0, will be historically considered in that same realm, but the four-time Pro Bowler is striving for the unit to be the best in the NFL this season.
“We’re not saying in any way that we’re capable of filling those shoes, but we are saying that we want to carry that bond and that type of tenacity they played with,” Williams said. “That’s why we’re saying 2.0 instead just the Hogs because we could never be the original Hogs, but we can try to carry out that demeanor and that camaraderie they played with.”
Williams gathered the entire offensive line in Houston this week for four days to train and bond together before players report to training camp on July 27. All but Brandon Scherff and Kory Lichtensteiger, who had prior commitments, were able to attend. Williams paid for it all out of pocket, including the flight, lodging, training and matching Hogs 2.0 apparel.
It’s common for Williams to invite Redskins players to work out with him in Texas. There’s typically position groups that will link up to train during the offseason as well, but it’s rare to see an entire offensive line gather in such a manner. Williams said he mentioned the idea a few times to his teammates during offseason practices, and he put the plan into action for them to meet at O Athletik – a brand new facility co-owned by Williams and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. The gym has an organic juice bar, hot yoga, martial arts and boxing facilities and an indoor field.
“We do have the talent that it takes to be one of the best offensive lines in the National Football League, but it’s going to take time, it’s going to take growth and it’s going to take everybody in that o-line room to get better,” Williams said. “I think this is one step closer to that goal. This is the only free time we get so for them to actually make time to come out here and work their tails off, I think that’s a huge commitment in itself as well.”
Williams was impressed by how the offensive linemen arrived in shape this week. He felt they embraced the strenuous workouts from his trainer, James Cooper. The offensive line also took part in hot yoga and integrated some of its offensive line drills on the field. The players then grabbed dinner every night to relax and connect with each other.
“We worked from the time they got there until the time they left [Thursday],” Cooper said. “It was a lot of movement, a lot of running, a lot of lifting. … Everything that was functional for their position but still working a lot of muscles, and they got to work together. It was neat to see them eat together, do dinner and do things like that to experience camaraderie. It was good.”