From the moment Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Tuesday before training camp, it was clear he was excited. It wasn’t the typical training camp excitement every NFL coach feels this time of year.
After a group led by Josh Harris purchased the Commanders from Dan Snyder, everything changed for the Washington NFL franchise — and Rivera. The head coach no longer had to discuss past scandals, ownership, and other non-football things every time he met with the media.
For once, the fourth-year Washington coach could focus on football. That made Rivera happy.
“I said, every time I came in and had to answer your questions that weren’t football related, what would it be like just talk football?” Rivera said. “That’s what is exciting about it for me personally.”
After four practices, the last three of which were open for fans, Rivera spoke to the media after Saturday’s practice. There were 10,000 fans in attendance for Day 4 of training camp.
“Well, in light of the past three seasons, it was truly incredible,” Rivera said Saturday. “It’s truly amazing and exciting. I mean, first of all, I really appreciate, we really appreciate the fans. First and foremost, I know it’s always been there. They’ve always been there, and they’ve always been supportive, especially when we’ve been out in the community and stuff. But lately, now with the way things are, with the opportunity for them to come out here and knowing that this is where we are at training camp, to see them come out in force today, that was excellent. That was outstanding. Our players really appreciate it. I know our ownership appreciates the renewed interest and stuff, and I’m really appreciative of it.”
On the field Saturday, Rivera took the microphone to acknowledge the fans, offering a similar message.
Thank you fans 💛 pic.twitter.com/gm9QIFNFft
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 29, 2023
Fans can debate Rivera as a coach, and rightfully so. But it’s also fair to acknowledge what he’s faced over four years. The man also battled cancer while he was coaching his first season. He deserves a chance to coach this team without the distractions of previous ownership.