Well, already, in his first weekend as majority owner of the Washington Commanders, Josh Harris has reached out to the Commanders fan base.
On Sunday, via The Washington Post and the Commanders’ Twitter page, Harris addressed the fan base as broadly and quickly as he could. In the letter, Harris opened by acknowledging this was no mere business transaction. Rather, Harris confessed it is a public trust that he is now the new owner of the historic NFL franchise.
He recalled some of the most successful names in franchise history, such as Sammy Baugh, Sonny Jurgensen, Joe Gibbs, the Lombardi championship trophies, and his being a serious fan of the franchise growing up in Chevy Chase, MD.
Harris spoke of recent years being hard, difficult years, describing them as “tumultuous.” Without mentioning Daniel Snyder’s name nor taking the opportunity to kick Snyder while he is down, Harris simply chose to call it “day one” and move forward.
He is correct. We (myself included) have voiced our frustration for decades. Even more in the last two years, we have constantly voiced our memories of such frustration and disappointments with the football decisions and behavior of Daniel Snyder.
But now we can join Josh Harris in hoping for a new day, a new era, a return to winning football. It will not be easy. It will call for great sacrifice from the ownership group, the current and future employees, staff, coaches and players.
Our promise.
Josh Harris and our ownership group with a message to you in this open letter in today's @washingtonpost pic.twitter.com/pRmc9N1AiE
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 23, 2023
Harris is displaying he knows he and all of the fan base can recall the past glories, but we cannot live in the past. His group must live in the present while also planning for the future as best they can.
He mentioned the franchise having respect, dignity and earning the trust of the fan base.
Leadership is difficult. Leaders must lead the way in sacrifice, vision casting and creating a culture.
Mr. Harris and his group have their hands full.
We wish him well as he begins this venture.