Carlos' Corner

Written by Sherry Moeller Photography by Anne Gummerson

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Playing it safe isn’t in Carlos Rogers’ playbook. In fact, Rogers plays tough as a cornerback for the Washington Redskins. He knows his teammates and fans depend on him.

“My strength on the field is man-to-man coverage,” he says. “I have the ability to shut down the receiver.” After a game, he appreciates his fans’ feedback, good or bad. “One of the best things about being a Redskin is the support of the fans,” Rogers says. “They watch everything you do and let you know it, too.”

Rogers, 25, who says he majored in football at Auburn University, is passionate about the sport. His dedication paid off when as a senior, he was named the 2004 recipient of The Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the top defensive back in NCAA Division 1-A football. Rogers, also a consensus All-American, was the first selection by the Redskins in the 2005 NFL draft.

“Draft day was one of the most exciting days of my life,” Rogers says. “I was on the edge of my seat until I was selected as the ninth overall pick.” He’s honored to be playing for Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs. “It’s a great opportunity for me,” he says. “I have grown as a Redskin because of my interaction with my teammates,” Rogers adds, mentioning Santana Moss, Jason Campbell, and Clinton Portis, who are all frequent visitors to his home. Moss and Campbell are also neighbors.

Man to Man

“Carlos, Santana, and Jason all liked similar homes in the same community,” says Keisha Gilchrist, Realtor with The Gilchrist Group, RE/MAX Allegiance, who assisted them in their search. The three found they could get more for their money a little further out in Virginia.

“When finding homes for my clients, the most important factor is that that they feel at home in the space,” Gilchrist says. “When they walk in the door, they will know if the home is right for them. They just will.”

When it came time to decorate, Rogers again looked to Gilchrist, who offers an interior decorating service, Style de Vie. “It’s easier to decorate an empty home, such as Carlos’,” Gilchrist says. “It’s a clean palette with few limitations.”

“Carlos’ only request to me was that we use earth colors,” Gilchrist says, nothing too boring or too bright. “Red became his pop color” and just happens to blend well with neutrals and any Redskins memorabilia placed throughout the home, such as a team photo of Rogers that he’ll add to his office.

From Field to Family Room

“When designing a home, it’s important that I get a sense of a client’s personality,” Gilchrist says. It should reflect the client’s taste. For Rogers’ home, his easy-going personality made decorating fun, Gilchrist says. Plus, he was considerate of the process, such as being patient while waiting months for the furniture to arrive, as well as watching out for Gilchrist and Tobey Sanders, who were faux painting on a scaffold.

“I tried to create an environment for Carlos that was young and hip enough for him now, but not so trendy that he would have to call me back soon to change it,” Gilchrist says. “I wanted him to be proud of his house,” she adds. It should be “approachable” and comfortable so that his friends don’t feel the couch is too fancy to sit on.

“I entertain friends and family often. My family comes to every home game so I always have a house full of people,” Rogers says.

“My mom is glad I didn’t get too wild with my decorating,” he adds. “It’s a home she can feel comfortable in, too,” whether just visiting or preparing meals for her son. “I do a little something in the kitchen, but I prefer to have someone cook for me. I guess I’m spoiled like that,” Rogers says.

Rituals and Redskins

On his days off, Rogers spends a lot of time in his office where he chats with fans, checks sports stats, and uploads songs to his iPod. He gave Gilchrist total control for finishes in his home and office. “I trusted her and I’m glad I did because I love the look she chose,” he says. “It makes me feel like I’m working outside,” because of the earth tones and light streaming in the windows.

Another one of Rogers’ passions is basketball, which he played in high school. As a point guard, he averaged more than 14 points a game and continues to challenge friends today on the court. “I watch sports all the time, even on my days off,” says Rogers, who also enjoys the series “24” and tries to catch Gilchrist on HGTV’s “Kidspace.”

He mentions those who influenced him in his past, such as his father, David Rogers, and Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, who is an NFL cornerback with the Green Bay Packers. Rogers used to visit Woodson when he was in college.

On game days, “My ritual is to listen to gospel and then rap before the game,” Rogers says. “The gospel reminds me of how and why I got here; the rap gets me pumped up.”

The Best Defense

“After work, I can’t wait to come home and relax,” Rogers says. “My house feels like my home.” And that’s exactly what Gilchrist hopes for her clients, that they feel their spaces are their own.

“I have always dreamed of having a home like this,” says Rogers, who also owns a residence in Atlanta.

For diehard Washington Redskins fans, Sundays during the football season are sacred. Rogers knows this and plays hard for the Redskins. He also lives happily in a home that shows his personal taste. He says, “I don’t think I’ll grow tired of it anytime soon.”