Southeast Jerome. Sheriff Gonna Getcha. Coach Janky Spanky. The Ghost of Southeast Jerome. Most of the 2005 season, and a few times last year, Clinton Portis showed that he wasn’t only electric on the field by holding press conferences dressed up as ridiculous characters, who he named and gave purposes. The get ups were such a hit that they even made a t-shirt about them (hey, we all knew that Snyder wouldn’t let a chance to profit slide for too long). Sadly for D.C. news watchers, we haven’t seen one of Clinton’s characters since October of 2006. Until yesterday.

We’d like you to meet Choo Choo, the dance instructor who’s come to town to teach the Redskins how to relax, have fun, and of course — perfect their endzone dances. Previous students include Santana Moss and Antwaan Randel El. Choo Choo’s next student: Clinton Portis. Said Choo Choo, “It took 196 yards to give me hope that I can teach the boy how to dance. I’m going to teach that boy. Choo Choo. Choo Choo, right here. I hope he gets in the end zone. I’m going to teach him. I’m going to teach him, man, I’m going to teach.” He also gave updates on beloved characters from the past (they’re still around; Southeast Jerome is up in heaven), and refused for most of the presser to break character or speak on Clinton’s behalf.

Choo Choo’s influence is just in time to calm the team’s nerves before a heated in-conference game this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Skins have already beat the Eagles once this season in Philly. This weekend’s game is at 1 p.m., at home.