Today’s guest here on Mr. Irrelevant is Rob King, who’s the Senior VP, Editorial, Print and Digital Media for ESPN. Meaning, he’s the top editor for all of ESPN’s online, mobile and print efforts. Meaning, he’s a pretty big deal.

He’s also a longtime D.C. sports fan and a nice guy, so he agreed to answer our 10 questions via email. We hope you enjoy the interview that follows, and please do follow him on Twitter. It’s the least we can do for one of our own.

1. According to the Internet, you went to high school in Rockville. Is that how you became a D.C. sports fan?

The D.C. roots go way deeper. My father’s a DC native. He and my Mom met at Howard University, and I was born at Walter Reed Army Hospital. I was doomed from the start. By the time I was 10, I’d watched the Senators lose at RFK and wept over the Redskins.

By the way, the Internet got this one right. My high school, Charles W. Woodward, closed and merged with Walter Johnson High School. You don’t get any more DC sportsy than that.

2. Who was your favorite D.C. athlete growing up, and who’s your favorite still playing?

Growing up: Elvin Hayes, followed oh so closely by Larry Brown (not THAT one, the OTHER one). Still playing: London Fletcher or Mike Sellers … Although Brian Orakpo, John Wall and Stephen Strasburg represent my Axis of Virtue.

3. You’ve referred to the Redskins as “the unfortunately named team.” Should they change the name? If so, what are your top-three suggestions for a new name?

Yes, I have a very difficult time with that name, personally. It’s compartmentalization at its worst. I’ve always thought the logo was easier to fix, though. Just imagine swapping out the American Indian image for the George Washington image we see every day engraved on quarters. That would compliment names such as 1) The Generals, 2) The Statesmen or 3) The Forefathers. All of which, I admit, have issues.

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