It wasn’t, however, the limberest of beginnings for Mike Shanahan, who inadvertently got a tough taste of the action.

While Griffin was busy impressing his teammates — and swarms of media types — Shanahan was sandwiched in between defensive back Brandyn Thompson and receiver Pierre Garcon during a play, causing the 59-year-old head coach to hit the team’s new practice field turf.

It was Garcon and Brandyn Thompson collided w Shanahan during a 7-on-7 drill late in practice. #Redskins

— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) May 21, 2012

Shanahan remained on the ground for a few minutes before being helped up and brought to safety — the sideline, where he spent the reason of the afternoon.

Although a team spokesman said he wasn’t “in condition to talk at the podium,” Shanahan’s tumble was indicative of the team’s mantra. That’s the way RG3 sees it, at least.

“He showed some toughness. Got up. Stuck it out. So that’s a (trademark) of our team,” Griffin said after practice. “It was pretty scary to see two guys running, full-speed, smack dab into your coach. We’re glad he got up, glad he was fine. And hopefully he’s fine tomorrow, ’cause usually hits like that don’t kick in until the next day.”

Fortunately for Shanny, he’ll have a couple of days to lick his wounds; the next practice isn’t scheduled until Wednesday. I’d bet he keeps his distance from now on.

USA Today reports both the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins have turned down the opportunity to appear on the latest installment of “Hard Knocks” this summer.

Niners president Jed York took to Twitter Wednesday to announce he’s not interested, citing potential “distractions” as the reason why.

You get it! We don’t need distractions. RT: @bobbyspek: @JedYork maybe they can do hard knocks after they get another ring. Focus for now.

— Jed York (@JedYork) May 17, 2012

There had been speculation San Fran could get the part due to charismatic coach Jim Harbaugh, but it was never a realistic option considering his tight-lipped ways with the media.

Another pseudo-secretive head coach, Mike Shanahan, wants no part of the program, saying on PFT Live that it would not feel right with cameras and microphones hovering over the Skins’ every move.

“I just didn’t feel comfortable with being in that situation,” Shanahan said.  “You know, I can’t be myself.  I don’t think coaches can be their self and I’d like players to concentrate on their job.  I don’t know if it’s old school or what.  You know, for me I just didn’t feel comfortable with that atmosphere.”

If you’re keeping score at home thus far, four teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets, have now said ‘thanks, but no thanks’. As of the moment, it appears the Jacksonville Jaguars are the favorites, with HBO expected to announce its decision in the coming weeks.

Photo: Nick Wass/AP

The Washington Redskins quarterback, in an effort to protect his name, is taking legal measures to ensure no one improperly benefits from his fame or success, CSN Washington reports (via ChangeLegal.com).

With the help of an attorney, Griffin created his own company, Thr3escompany, LLC and submitted the paperwork to trademark four of his aliases — RGIII, RG3, Robert Griffin III, and Unbelievable Believable.

This is so his name or nickname cannot be printed on “shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, shorts, footwear, hats, caps, athletic uniforms” without his consent.

The phrase, “Unbelievably Believable,” is a reference to his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, where he said the following:

“This is unbelievably believable.  It’s unbelievable because in the moment we’re all amazed when great things happen. But it’s believable because great things don’t happen without hard work.”

Following the conclusion of Washington’s rookie minicamp Sunday, head coach Mike Shanahan wasted little time, officially announcing that Robert Griffin III will be the team’s starter under center this season.

“He’s the starter. Period,” Shanahan said, via the Washington Post.

Though this was a completely expected move — you don’t give up three first-round selections only to hand him a clipboard — it’s a big vote of confidence for RGIII, having nailed down the position after just five NFL practices.

“Any time you pick a player with the second pick of the draft and you give up another two No. 1’s and No. 2 and you move up four spots, you’ve got a game plan in mind,” Shanahan said. “We’re going to adjust our system to what he feels comfortable with, and we’ll watch him grow, and we’ll do what we feel like he does the best.”

Shanahan confirmed the No. 2 overall pick will open up with the first-team squad during organized team activities later this month, and won’t have to worry about an open competition in training camp.

Apparently, what Griffin wants, Griffin gets.

Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday, RGIII said he’d “love” to be the Skins’ starting quarterback when they take the field Week 1. Fairly harmless reply by the reigning Heisman-winner, who then got a bit bolder.

When asked if he expects to become the starter, Griffin didn’t exactly issue a bashful retort.

“I expect greatness out of myself and I expect greatness out of my team so yeah I expect to be the starting quarterback,” said Griffin.

Griffin then went on to refute recent reports which labeled him as “selfish,” and stated he’ll remain “grounded” despite being a “household name.”

“People say money and fame change people but it’s not that they change people it’s how people have to adapt to that new lifestyle,” Griffin said. “Yes I’m a household name now and the number two pick in the draft but I can’t let that change me, I can’t let my lifestyle change who I am and the fundamentals of what makes me me. You have to have help and rely on your inner circle to kind of keep you grounded. My parents, my fiancée and my friends around me have been able to do that. It hasn’t been a problem to make sure I stay who I am.”

Humble or not, Griffin will likely soon get his wish. Washington wouldn’t have traded away three first-round draft choices to have a potential franchise signal-caller ride the pine, especially with below-average Rex Grossman currently slated to start under center.

[H/T SportsRadioInterviews]

That’s easy to say for a man who’s worth an estimated $2.5 billion. However, he prefers to be diligent with his finances, unlike a few certain checkbook-friendly clubs he knows of.

In a live fan chat carried out by The Florida Times-Union, Khan noted that spending money every which way doesn’t translate into a championship, using the Redskins and Cowboys as two examples of the failed method.

“If there was a relationship between money spent and results on the field, probably the Redskins and the Cowboys would have won a bunch of Super Bowls by now,” Khan said. “That’s what makes football so interesting.”

Khan is one to talk, and will have plenty to work with as the Jags are among the leaders with more than $45.5 million in cap space.

The team has holes all over the roster, and are reportedly targeting receivers this offseason, making them a major player for Vincent Jackson.

No matter his approach, the 61-year-old businessman promises to spend responsibly when the free agent market opens Tuesday afternoon.

“(Jaguars general manager) Gene (Smith) and his staff, we reviewed it yesterday,” Khan said. “We want to look at the complete picture. Not only use the resources but using (them) wisely.”

[Story/quotes: NFL.com]

And, and a day after pulling out of the Manning sweepstakes, the Skins moved four steps to closer to RG3.

Per FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Redskins and Rams have agreed to a trade for the No. 2 overall pick, with both teams swapping first-round selections, and St. Louis reaping the benefits, receiving two future first-round picks and future considerations.

In a nutshell, Washington will be giving up three first-round picks to acquire the Heisman-winning quarterback … unless they feel there’s a magical chance Andrew Luck falls into their laps, instead.

It was said the Skins would be offering up something massive for Griffin, and, well, they did just that.

Though, this is a good trade for both sides, and a smart move by Daniel Snyder, who’ll finally be getting a real franchise quarterback one way or the other.

As for the Rams, they now have quality ammunition to help rebuild their lackluster roster. They’ll still be getting a pretty good — and much-needed — player at No. 6 overall, too.

It’s hard to keep up with all of the rumors — and, trust me, even harder to write about each one — but, judging by the latest, it may be just a two-horse race in the Manning sweepstakes.

After speaking with “people close to the Peyton Manning situation,” Mike Klis of the Denver Post expects the “bidding war” for the Canton-bound quarterback to come down to the Redskins and Dolphins.

Klis, a notable name in NFL media circles, added that the Jets and Seahawks will also “make a run” at Peyton, along with “three or four others.”

The Skins and Fins being mentioned doesn’t come as a surprise; both teams have long been hailed as favorites to land Manning.

The Jets are a popular choice considering their shaky quarterback situation, and the lengths they’ve gone to avoid denying interest in Manning, but sources indicate they have internal “mixed feelings” about signing him, and doing so may be “unrealistic.”

Assuming Klis’ list is accurate, the Seahawks could be the wildcard here. Sports Illustrated reported that Seattle is ready to go “all in” on a Manning/Reggie Wayne package deal, and would even be willing to alter the offense to Manning’s desire. Even Jets beat writer Rich Cimini hears the ‘Hawks will “come out, checkbook blazing.”

For what it’s worth, Klis would “put a nickel” on Manning ending up in Washington, reinforcing what “everyone in the NFL” supposedly thinks. Sorry, Donovan.

With Peyton reportedly in “no rush” to decide on his next home, expect the whispers to grow louder as the days wear on. Manning Mania is now in full swing — God help us all.

Appearing on ESPN 980’s John Thompson Show last week (via the Washington Post), veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb said he can’t envision Manning mastering coach Mike Shanahan’s system this late in his career.

“Peyton’s not gonna go there,” he said. “I don’t see Peyton ending up in Washington. Because what happens is now, you’re bringing in another veteran who will be 35 36, who has been in one offense throughout his career. It’s the same situation.

McNabb, who of course was dreadful in his only season with the ‘Skins, added that Manning’s offensive prowess wouldn’t mesh well with the staff, and a potential marriage between both parties “definitely” won’t take place.

“Now he comes over, and as they say now, Peyton is such an offensive coordinator on the offense. So now what does that do to your offensive coordinator? Does he step down? Does he step back? Does he begin to change the whole offense according to the play of the quarterback that he has in Peyton Manning? Well, I didn’t see that happen, so I definitely don’t see that happening for Peyton.”

While McNabb certainly raises a fair point, he, of all people, should know that nothing will stop owner Daniel Snyder from making a splash. For better or for worse, what Snyder wants, Snyder usually gets — that is, everything except a winning season.

For what it’s worth, SI.com’s Peter King, in his MMQB column, listed the Redskins as the third-likeliest destination for Manning, assuming “he can throw well and is released.”

Obviously, those ever-important qualifiers will determine if Peyton plays in 2012, and at what capacity. If all systems are go, the Redskins will be hot on his trail, and it wouldn’t at all be a shocker if he does end up donning the burgundy and gold.

It’ll be interesting to see if Donovan’s insights off of the field are more accurate than he’s recently been on it.

The Rams, who hold that pick and have no use for RGIII, are expected to field offers from more quarterback-needy teams, one of which already seems willing to mortgage the future for the Heisman Trophy winner.

NBC Philadelphia’s Howard Eskin reports, via team sources, the Redskins are “prepared” to make the Rams a massive offer — their top three picks this year and “at least” their first-rounder next year — to land Griffin III.

Eskin is a pretty well-respected name in media circles, so his hearsay shouldn’t be written off as simple speculation. Adding fuel to the fire, this comes on the heels of a CBSSports.com report that claimed three teams — the ‘Skins included — are “strongly considering” a blockbuster trade to acquire the former Baylor signal-caller.

It’s also not much of a surprise, as Washington has always been mentioned as a front-runner for Griffin, who confirmed to NFL Network’s Rich Eisen that he’s chatted with head coach Mike Shanahan.

“I did speak with Mr. Shanahan. It was awesome,” Griffin said.

After a terrific showing at the Combine, highlighted by a blazing forty-yard dash time of 4.38, Griffin can now sit back and watch his suitors offer up an arm and a leg — or every single appendage — to secure his services.

The biggest winner, however, will be St. Louis, as they stand to gain a boatload of picks (and possibly a player) if they opt to move down, or fill one of their many immediate needs by staying put.