His hopes were dashed in a hurry. The Philadelphia Eagles cut Thrash before training camp even started.

"I was shocked," Thrash said. "I thought everybody got to go to training camp."

One semester shy of getting his criminal justice degree, Thrash understandably considered pursuing another career.

"I was thinking FBI, CIA, something like that," Thrash said.

But the Washington Redskins were thinking something else -- they called Thrash and gave him a shot to make the team in 1997. So started an NFL career that continues to this day.

Thrash, in his second stint with the Redskins after spending three seasons with the Eagles, has carved out a niche for himself as a reliable special teams player and an occasional threat at wide receiver. He visited Frederick on Monday to speak at the Frederick County Christian Eagles football team's fundraiser banquet at the Maranatha Community Church of God, where Thrash also signed autographs.

Thrash isn't the kind of player who pops up on the highlight reel every week. But he is the kind who manages to defy the odds.

How many players from Division II schools -- he went to Missouri Southern State -- make it in the NFL? And of those, how many had the good fortune and fortitude to succeed after getting cut before their first training camp?

"It all worked out," Thrash said.

His assets helped. He ran a 4.2 40-yard dash and -- even as a rookie -- had the mentality and toughness to perform on special teams. It takes a special breed to charge down the field amid the chaos and danger present on every kickoff and punt. With the Redskins in 2000, Thrash returned 45 kickoffs for 1,000 yards.

"You've got to be a little crazy," Thrash said. "Just to be able to run full-speed and hit somebody, you have to have a couple screws loose."

Actually, Thrash is pretty sharp.

Despite making it in the NFL, he earned his criminal justice degree by taking online classes. He also interned with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in the criminal investigation unit. He did a little bit of everything, filing paperwork, going on ride alongs with the officers and -- yes -- he even sat in an autopsy.

With that last task, was he a little squeamish?

"I thought I would be. But I really wasn't, surprisingly," Thrash said. "I didn't eat lunch that day, though."

Thrash also was asked to be on the NFL Player Advisory Council this year. Thrash and the other members got to advise NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on issues affecting players.

These days, conduct is a big issue. But things like injuries and benefits are other topics of discussion.

On the field, at least offensively, Thrash's most productive seasons came in Philadelphia -- the team that initially cut him. He was a go-to target for quarterback Donovan McNabb in 2001 and 2002, combining for 14 touchdowns and 1,468 yards in those two seasons.

Since returning to the Redskins, Thrash has been used primarily on special teams. He and the rest of the Redskins hope to bounce back from last season's 5-11 record.

As for Thrash, what is his goal at the moment?

"First off, just make the team," Thrash said.

After getting cut before training camp by the Eagles as a rookie, Thrash doesn't take anything for granted.

NOTES: The Frederick County Christian Eagles have joined the Mid-Atlantic Christian Conference. Richmond and Fairfax County also are members, and other teams may join in the future.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.