- Chief Zee
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Chief Zee, real name Zema Williams, is a well-known fan and unofficial mascot of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Dressed in a faux American Indian headdress, rimmed glasses, and a red jacket, Chief Zee has been attending Redskins games since 1978.[1] He, and other local sports personalities, are featured in a number of television commercials for Eastern Motors, a Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area car dealership.[2][3][4]
Contents
History
Chief Zee first showed up in costume on September 5, 1978.[5] In 1983, Chief Zee attended a game against the Eagles at Veterans Stadium. While at the game, he was attacked by Eagles fans angry at their team's 10-point loss to the Redskins - the fans broke his leg, tore off his original costume, and left him hospitalized.[6] This outraged Washington fans and created a bitter hatred that persists to this day.
On August 9, 2008, the Chief set down his signature prop, a toy tomahawk, while he was signing autographs at the Redskins' preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. When he turned to retrieve it, it was gone. The 12-inch tomahawk has a slender wooden handle with a rubber blade, and appears in many photos of Williams since he started attending Redskins games over 30 years ago.[7] As of August 28, 2008, Chief Zee's tomahawk has been returned to him with the help of Redskins tight end Chris Cooley who got a call from someone that said they had it. He swapped a signed jersey for the tomahawk.[8]
Honors
- November 7, 1985 was declared "Chief Zee Day" in Washington, DC.
- In 2000, Visa and the Pro Football Hall of Fame selected the biggest fan of each of the then-31 teams and placed them in an exhibit in Canton. He was the fan chosen for the Washington Redskins.
See also
- Batty Bob
- Crazy Ray
- Fireman Ed
- The Barrel Man
- Hogettes
External links
References
- ^ "Chief Zee Gave His Life to Redskins.....Maybe the Skins Can Help Save His". Retrieved on 2007-11-11.
- ^ "Eastern Motors Ad on YouTube"
- ^ "Another Eastern Motors Ad on YouTube"
- ^ "Another Eastern Motors Ad on YouTube"
- ^ "Super-Fan Chief Zee's Heartfelt Comfort to the Enemy". Retrieved on 2007-11-11.
- ^ "Grace Kelly came from this place?". Retrieved on 2007-11-11.
- ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082603015.html
- ^ http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0808/548002.html?082908
Washington Redskins Formerly the Boston Braves and the Boston Redskins • Founded in 1932 • Plays in Landover, Maryland • Headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia The Franchise Franchise • History • Seasons • Players • Coaches • First-round Draft picks • Draft • Starting QuarterbacksStadiums Culture Hogettes • Cheerleaders • Chief Zee • Hail to the Redskins • Joe Gibbs • Washington Redskins mascot controversyLore Rivalries Dallas Cowboys • New York GiantsHead coaches Division championships (12) Super Bowl appearances (5) League championships (5) Hall of Fame players All-time leaders Seasons 1932 • 1933 • 1934 • 1935 • 1936 • 1937 • 1938 • 1939 • 1940 • 1941 • 1942 • 1943 • 1944 • 1945 • 1946 • 1947 • 1948 • 1949 • 1950 • 1951 • 1952 • 1953 • 1954 • 1955 • 1956 • 1957 • 1958 • 1959 • 1960 • 1961 • 1962 • 1963 • 1964 • 1965 • 1966 • 1967 • 1968 • 1969 • 1970 • 1971 • 1972 • 1973 • 1974 • 1975 • 1976 • 1977 • 1978 • 1979 • 1980 • 1981 • 1982 • 1983 • 1984 • 1985 • 1986 • 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993 • 1994 • 1995 • 1996 • 1997 • 1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011Current league affiliations League: National Football League • Conference: National Football Conference • Division: East DivisionCategories:- Washington Redskins
- Sports spectators
- National Football League mascots
- Living people
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