Getting to know Redskins nose tackle Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton

ASHBURN — When Terrance Knighton signed with the Washington Redskins in May, he was presented the opportunity to play a vital role as a run-stopper on an overhauled defensive line.

The Redskins had already signed defensive ends Ricky Jean Francois and Stephen Paea before Knighton was added to the mix.

Knighton also had an opportunity to reunite with defensive end and childhood friend Chris Baker.

The 6-foot-3, 354-pound Knighton, better known as “Pot Roast,” is from Hartford, Conn., and was teammates with Baker at Windsor High School.

Knighton, in his seventh NFL season, was drafted in the third round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009. He joined the Denver Broncos for two seasons in 2013-14 before signing with the Redskins on a one-year, $4 million contract. In six games this season, Knighton has 14 tackles.

The Redskins’ big nose tackle has made a living by punishing offensive linemen in the trenches, but what would he be doing if he were not playing football?

Knighton talked about that, what it was like growing up with Baker and more in this week’s Sunday chat.

Oh, and don’t call him Terrance.

Q: What would you be doing if you were not playing football?
A: I’d be a police officer. I’d be in corrections or I’d want to be a homicide detective. I come from an area that has a lot of crime, so I’d try to do my best to help with crime, help prevent it. Either that, or I’d be a warden in a prison and help with recidivism. For people who don’t know what recidivism is, it’s people that go back to jail over and over for the same thing.

Q: What do you remember from your NFL debut?
A: I probably had to use the bathroom 10 times. I was nervous. It was against the Indianapolis Colts. We played away. I was going against Jeff Saturday. I remember playing the game, I’m in my stance, I’m looking at Peyton [Manning]. I’m forgetting my job. I’m looking at Jeff Saturday. I’m on the sideline watching Dwight Freeney, who I watched growing up my whole life because he grew up in the neighborhood next to me. Robert Mathis. Marvin Harrison. I was very star struck. After Jeff Saturday was kicking my butt a few plays, I got comfortable.

Q: How long have you known Chris Baker for?
A: Since we were 6 years old. We hung out a lot because we went to the same summer camp. We didn’t hang out too much sports-wise because I played football and he always played basketball.

Q: What was he like going to high school with him?
A: I’m a year older than him, so he came to MY high school. He was the same way. I didn’t bully him, but I was like his big brother. He was the bully. I made sure he didn’t bully people to the point he’d be in jail. I wasn’t really the bully. I was the overseer.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I’m a big movie buff. I haven’t seen much in the theater lately because I’m tired. I watch a lot of movies at home, random stuff. My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. Matilda. And The Dark Knight. I like to watch movies, play Madden, play NBA 2K. I just got a bulldog, too. I named him Jigga because I’m a huge Jay Z fan. I know every song, every album. I love Jay Z. I’m just a big fan of his music, his grind, what he stands for and what he came from.

Q: How’d you get the nickname Pot Roast?
A: My rookie year from [Jacksonville] linebacker Clint Ingram. I never thought it would stick.

Q: Does anyone call you Terrance?
A: I don’t like when people call me Terrance. It’s too formal. [Defensive coordinator] Joe Barry always calls me that. It drives me crazy.