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After Marijuana Controversy Ryan Clark Teaching New Players at Redskins Minicamp

Just months after making some controversial statements about marijuana use by NFL players, veteran safety Ryan Clark is settling into his second stint with the Washington Redskins. After eight years with the Pittsburgh Steelers Clark has returned to Washington to show that he still has what it takes. At age 34 there are a lot of people expecting him to struggle, but Clark seems to know how to compensate for his age with experience and leadership. This week at the Redskins' minicamp Clark was teaching the new, younger players some of the finer points of the game.

Ryan Clark may not be as fast as he was six years ago, but he seems eager to show he still has what it takes to compete. He also feels comfortable coming back to a team with familiar faces (via Washington Times):

"'I guess that tells you a little bit about when I was here,' Clark joked after a minicamp practice on Wednesday. 'But for me, it's good. There are a lot of places I could have went where it would have been like starting over. This really isn't. I have a foundation here. I know people here. I also know the fanbase. I know what it is to be a member of this team. ... It was a good choice.'"

One thing veterans often offer is perspective. Clark will be able to contribute at safety because he's still in good shape but beyond that- way more important than that- is his experience. He knows when to encourage his teammates and when to instruct them. That is a valuable tool for the Redskins secondary to have (via ESPN):

"Clark shouted out adjustment; he'd loudly praise teammates after a play. Nobody else on defense gives the Redskins what Clark can in this area. He has to prove he can still play, but the leadership and knowledge he brings will be vital. I'll also say this: the other safeties were not as vocal as Clark."

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