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"We recognize the importance of Prince George's County, where our stadium, FedEx Field, is located," Snyder said.
Along with Surrattsville, Charles H. Flowers High School in Springdale, Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Suitland High School and Forestville Military Academy will be included in the foundation's Fields for Tomorrow Program, which divvies $1 million annually among 25 Washington, D.C., area high schools for field maintenance and renovation.
Surrattsville Athletic Director Roderick Moore said the team was grateful for the help and hoped the partnership would be long lasting.
"We want to thank you for highlighting Surrattsville and showing what can be done when everyone works together," he said.
Surrattsville football team captain Joseph Rollins Jr. thanked the Redskins for giving back and inspiring high school football players.
"Having a nice field shows that someone actually cares about student athletes in Prince George's County," Rollins said Tuesday.
While the upgrades and renovations have not been specified, school officials agreed field maintenance is key to a team's performance.
At Surrattsville and many other county high schools, the field is used for varsity and junior varsity football games as well as boys and girls soccer, and get worn out quickly, Rollins said.
Although a senior, Rollins said he was excited for the remaining players, as a well maintained field will help prevent injury.
"We're able to not worry about what is on the field," he said, adding that discarded trash, broken glass and uneven terrain are common.
While reminiscing about his early football career at an Oakland, Calif., high school, Redskins defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander agreed that a poorly maintained field makes playing difficult
"We had bad fields with holes ... littered with drug paraphernalia," he said. "It's important to have a field you're proud of."
Alexander was on hand — along with Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, running back Clinton Portis, fullback Mike Sellers and offensive guard Derrick Dockery — to give students advice off the field.
Alexander challenged students to perform well in school and get involved in community service.
"If you're able and capable to serve your community, do it," he told students.
Before leaving Tuesday, Snyder wished Surrattsville luck at its upcoming homecoming game.
"We're expecting a victory for you guys this homecoming season," Snyder told students.
Surrattsville will play Potomac High School on Saturday.
E-mail Megan McKeever at mmckeever@gazette.net