Tag: Josh Harris

Is the honeymoon over for Commanders’ Josh Harris?

Josh Harris has done everything right so far. But unfortunately, he can’t please everyone.

There is often a honeymoon period until it too concludes.

Perhaps no one in the DMV has been more loved than Josh Harris was in July 2023. Harris had just been granted by the NFL approval for his new ownership of the Commanders.

Training camp was beginning, and the fans not only came out in great numbers, but the atmosphere was actually celebratory.

Though the team played horribly, Ron Rivera, Jack Del Rio, and Eric Bieniemy proved to be a major disappointment, and the team finished 4-13, Harris went unscathed.

Harris had arrived and taken the helm at his initial press conference, using the word “Redskins” and the fan base was electric. Not only was Daniel Snyder gone, but Harris was bringing back the name “Redskins” because, after all, he had used the word “Redskins.”

That’s how “logic” works for many people these days. Simply listen to some of the political pundits on television. They can reach conclusions that are simply not via logical reasoning. They hear what they want to hear.

I have loved the “Redskins” franchise since my childhood. My first “Redskins” memories go back to the 1969 season, and I’ve been following them closely (too closely) ever since.

I was upset when the name was changed. I knew the actual history of how the name “Redskins” was adopted for the 1933 season, and it was not to demean Native Americans.

By 2020, the opposition had reached the point where NFL owners were not being supportive publicly of the name “Redskins.” They were caving under public pressure. Without that support, “Redskins” would soon die.

Harris probably still prefers “Redskins.” However, he is not stupid. He is fully aware NFL owners would not back such a proposal. He is also fully aware there would be an instant national outcry, slandering him as a ‘racist.’

Harris also knows the Commanders just enjoyed a hugely successful season. The first winning season following four losing seasons since “Redskins” was dropped.

He is altogether certain he will sell more Commanders merchandise and season tickets this offseason. He is also confident in winning as they did, helping many more accept “Commanders.”

Yes, he will lose some who refuse to accept anything other than “Redskins” be the name of their team. Yet, as the team continues to win, making the fan base proud of their team, “Commanders” will become easier to accept.

Though I still wish the name was “Redskins,” there will be more and more of us putting winning on the field as the core value, and the name will become more of a peripheral value.

Yes, for some, the honeymoon is over for Josh Harris. But he actually never said he was going to bring back “Redskins.”

Harris continues to pour money into improving Northwest Stadium and the Ashburn facility. He also made huge scores hiring Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.

And now Harris has Jayden Daniels as well.

Ron Rivera was ‘fired up’ for Commanders’ successful season

Former Washington coach praises Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels: Happy for the Commanders’ success.

Former Washington GM/HC Ron Rivera spoke highly of Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels.

Rivera was a guest on the NBC Pro Football Talk Wednesday edition, hosted by Mike Florio and Chris Simms.

“This is a quarterback-driven league”, said Rivera. “If you have a quarterback, you have a chance to be good.”

No question, Rivera is correct. However, he then stated, “…With great quarterbacks, you are here at the Super Bowl, and that’s what we’re seeing. We’re seeing the two best quarterbacks in the NFL right now. Although I will say, Jayden Daniels, what a phenomenal performance by a rookie.”

Jalen Hurts is one of the two best quarterbacks in the NFL right now? Not sure where Rivera came up with that evaluation. Has any other NFL coach or analyst stated this?

Rivera, in his last season with Washington, went 4-13. He said that during the season, he and Marty Hurney had discussions about Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Drake Maye as draft possibilities.

However, owner Josh Harris fired Rivera after the season, replacing him with Adam Peters as GM and Dan Quinn as HC.

Unlike former owner Daniel Snyder, who reportedly hated seeing the Commanders’ successful season, Rivera said, “I was fired up.” He elaborated a bit, saying that Dan Quinn is a friend, and they talked. “I am happy where they are.”

Rivera also mentioned that Quinn, being a friend, had said, “We got to give Coach Rivera credit for doing what he did, putting us in this position.” Rivera said, “That was great; that really meant a lot to me. And it spoke of who Dan is as a man.”

It speaks quite highly of Quinn, who was taking the high road.

Isn’t it true that the team was so bad in 2023 that they earned the second overall draft selection?

Quinn was right; Rivera did put the Commanders in a position to select Jayden Daniels.

 

Commanders’ Josh Harris proud of the Commanders and past year

Commanders owner Josh Harris is proud of his team.

What is Commanders’ owner Josh Harris most proud of from this last year?

Harris conducted his annual end-of-the-season press conference Monday with the local media.

Harris said he is proud of much of last year, but first would be the leadership.

“I think I made the right leadership choices, and [Team President] Mark Clouse is now in the building, in the business, and we’re going to be a leader on the business side.”

Harris inherited Jason Wright, but much of the business side had received bad publicity from major disappointments in supervision and execution. Clouse has an actual record of running a business; thus, Harris wanted to make this move.

“My most important three jobs were picking a coach, picking a GM, and then picking someone to lead the business. And I feel great about where we are and the leadership we have in place.”

“I feel super proud obviously of how excited and happy the Washington community is too, and the reawakening of Washington football. And that’s everything from how we played on the field and what we did on the field. And really, I mean, obviously, we won four games last year, and to be going to the NFC Championship, how can you not be proud of that?”

Harris knows, experientially, having grown up in the DMV, what this team meant to the community under Vince Lombardi, George Allen, Jack Pardee, and Joe Gibbs. He desires the Commanders to be an encouraging force, a source of happiness.

“There’s very few things in the DMV that unites the whole DMV, and the Washington Commanders is front of the list. And so, that’s probably the thing I feel most proud about, that people here are appreciative of Washington football again like I felt when I was growing up. And so, let’s keep it going.”

Harris speaking openly and candidly with the media and answering questions is a refreshing change.

Josh Harris: Commanders’ name is here to stay

Josh Harris shot down the talk of another name change.

On Monday, Washington Commanders’ managing partner Josh Harris made it abundantly clear that the Commanders’ name will not be changing.

In his season-ending press conference, Harris addressed the 2024 season, thanking GM Adam Peters and his staff, head coach Dan Quinn and his staff, the players, the fans, and the DMV region. He also discussed the future, such as where the potential new stadium could be, and answered questions about another potential rebranding.

The first question posed to Harris was about rebranding.

“Right now in this building, the name Commanders means something,” Harris said, making it clear the focus was not currently on rebranding.

Later, Harris was asked if it was safe to say the Commanders name was here to stay.

“Yes, and we’re actually, I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff, and so…..we’re going with that,” he said.

This should shut down the talk of another potential name change in the near future. There have been reports that Washington was considering tweaking the uniforms, perhaps as early as the 2025 season, but Harris did not address that possibility.

Harris did say the team would continue to embrace its past, which we’ve seen on the team’s website, which has included the Redskins’ logo on Sean Taylor’s merchandise.

Could a uniform change be coming for the Commanders?

Could the Commanders return to a more familiar look?

Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan believes the Washington Commanders will make some changes to their uniform for the 2025 season.

Bram Weinstein, however, tweeted Thursday that there will be no branding changes and that the priority, for now, is the new stadium.

On Friday’s episode of “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan, Paulsen and his co-host Danny Rouhier said they believed a uniform change is coming.

“This is something we’ve heard rumblings about since the fall,” said Paulsen. We’ve been told they are trying to go back to their roots a little more, something that looks like the early 1990s Joe Gibbs’ Redskins Super Bowl uniforms.”

Rouhier asserted he wants to see the Commanders looking like the old Redskins in uniform, wearing the white jersey and burgundy pants for home games.

Paulsen added that he thinks Washington should be wearing “throwback” uniforms once a year. He quickly added he understands they are never going to return to the name “Redskins” and he feels strongly the old logo will not return as well.

He suggested the old “R” on the helmet. FYI, those were the actual helmets for the Redskins during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. Paulsen suggested they could also wear the 70th-anniversary uniform once a season as a throwback (those were awesome). The spear on the helmet was also mentioned as a possibility. The 1969 season was the last for the spear logo on the helmet.

Paulsen and Rouhier disagreed on the black alternate uniform. The truth is, the black uniforms were launched to replace the throwbacks they used to wear each season. It was a move away from the past tradition of not only name and logo but also, to some degree the burgundy and gold.

The name and the logo were dropped in 2020, the 2019 season being the last the “Redskins” name and logo were official for the team.

Paulsen reminded listeners there is no way the NFL would approve a return to “Redskins” and therefore, it is not going to occur. Yet he also declared, “I don’t think you are asking for much, if you are a lifetime fan of this team, who wants to turn on the TV and see something that looks recognizable to what you loved your whole life. That’s not a big ask.”

Former Commanders president Jason Wright has a new job

Former Commanders president Jason Wright has a new job.

Former Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright wasn’t out of work long.

Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post revealed Thursday on X that Wright is now the managing partner and head of investments for Project Level, “a new venture from Ariel Investments that seeks to invest in women’s sports.”

More about Project Level via Ariel’s website:

Project Level seeks to harness the exploding talent, fandom, viewership and media interest in women’s sports by working to accelerate growth through diversified investments and significant ownership stakes.  Our highly curated portfolio will range from professional and emerging sports teams and leagues, to junior and college sports opportunities, along with related businesses that contribute to and directly benefit from the global expansion of women’s sports.  Over time, we expect to generate compelling financial returns by capitalizing on the underappreciated growth and value embedded in women’s sports today.  Our endgame is to elevate women’s sports by fostering strong and sustainable businesses that compete at the highest level.

Former owner Dan Snyder hired Wright as Washington’s team president in August 2020. He was the first Black team president in NFL history and was immediately thrust into a difficult situation. Wright had his hands full after dealing with multiple name changes and numerous accusations against Snyder.

New owner Josh Harris and his partners took over the franchise in July 2023 and retained Wright. Wright announced he would step down in July 2024 and would remain in a senior advisor role until further notice. Wright was in the press box for Washington’s thrilling Sunday night win over the Falcons in Week 17 and said on X that he would return his laptop to the team on January 15.

He also posted videos on X showing him cheering on the Commanders even after his tenure ended.

Washington announced the hiring of Mark Clouse as the new team president in December. Clouse will start with the Commanders next week.

Commanders’ owner Josh Harris shares letter to fans in Washington Post

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris took out a full page in the Washington Post to share a letter with fans after the season ended.

The Washington Commanders had a season like no one expected. With all of the offseason changes in 2024, no one thought the Commanders would be much of a threat because they were supposed to be rebuilding. Jayden Daniels had something to say about that, though, and so did Dan Quinn. Together, they rallied the team to a historic 12-5 season and their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991.

After the drama surrounding the sale of the team and a tough 2023 season, current owner Josh Harris is so grateful for his team and its fans that he decided to take out a full page in the Washington Post and share a letter with the community.

In his letter, Harris thanks Dan Quinn and Adam Peters for their leadership. He acknowledges Jayden Daniels’ record-breaking season, and he thanks Daniels, Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, Jeremy Reaves, and Bobby Wagner, along with all of the rest of the players for creating a brotherhood and stepping up to play at their best this season.

Harris’ letter is heartfelt, and it’s a far cry from anything the previous owner would have done. We won’t mention his name. We will say, however, that the Commanders are embarking on a new era. It’s starting out beautifully, and the organization and fanbase are excited about what is to come. It’s a new feeling for most, but it’s welcome and embraced.

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Joe Gibbs actually rescued the Commanders again

Joe Gibbs again proves why he’s the most important and beloved figure in Washington history.

As if Joe Gibbs hadn’t done enough for Washington’s NFL franchise, Gibbs again stepped up and came to the rescue.

In July 2023, former owner Daniel Snyder couldn’t go out in style and be gracious. He couldn’t bring himself to it. According to an ESPN report by Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr, Snyder actually put up a fight at the end.

The sale was announced as final to the Josh Harris ownership group of approximately 20 owners. When the NFL announced they were fining Snyder $60 million, the price dropped just below the $6 billion insisted upon by Snyder.

Consequently, Snyder “threatened to kill the deal by refusing to share his bank information, preventing Harris from wiring him the money. At 1 a.m. on July 21, Snyder and his wife were fielding phone calls from various executives and confidants, urging him to do what he’d pledged and let go of the team.”

Snyder, in addition, refused to hand over the stadium keys, knowing there would be a rally for the Harris group purchasing the team.

When Snyder took over in 1999, GM Charley Casserly suddenly resigned. Norv Turner was fired before the 2000 season concluded. Marty Schottenheimer lasted only the 2001 season. A frustrated Steve Spurrier, knowing he had a couple more years to collect on his contract, resigned anyway, later saying Snyder had never come through with a general manager as he had promised.

To the rescue came Joe Jackson Gibbs. Gibbs said his wife Pat had even told him that going back to the Redskins, he was going to ruin his good name. But Gibbs returned anyway and led the team to two playoff seasons, including a playoff win in the 2005 season, the last until this 2024  season.

So, too, in July 2023, it was again Joe Gibbs willing to get involved and talk to Daniel Snyder, hoping to get Snyder to see the big picture. In typical Gibbs fashion, he is said to have asked Snyder to think about what would be loving the team and the fan base.

Has there ever been an NFL head coach who spoke so well of his team’s fan base than Coach Joe? His entire time in both terms (1981-92 and 2004-07), Joe Gibbs praised the fan base, saying they were the best in the NFL.

How seriously was Snyder digging in? How long was he willing to hold out in July 2023?

Months later, Tad Brown, CEO of HBSE, told confidants, “We don’t get the Commanders if not for Joe Gibbs.”

Not only did Coach Joe bring the DMV 5 NFC Championship games, 4 NFC Championships, four Super Bowls, and three Super Bowl Championships, but he directly helped bring the Commanders to the Josh Harris ownership group.

Is perhaps the greatest Redskin and Commander of all actually Joe Jackson Gibbs?

Coach Joe Gibbs making the effort to support the Commanders

Joe Gibbs will be in Philadelphia to support the Commanders.

Seriously, how many 84-year-olds do you think will be in attendance on Sunday in Philadelphia at the NFC Championship game?

Well, one is planning on it, one Joe Jackson Gibbs.

That’s right, Coach Joe, now 84 years of age, told “Grant & Danny” of 106.7 The Fan in Washington on Wednesday that he plans to be at the game. Closing their interaction together, Grant Paulsen asked, “Will you be at the game, or are you gonna be on the couch? How you gonna watch it?”

“No, I’m gonna go to the game,” replied Gibbs.

Paulsen immediately clapped, responding, “Oh, let’s go!”

“That’s my plan, let’s go, here we go!” said Gibbs.

Joe Gibbs will be in the house, in Philly, for the Commanders and Eagles in the Championship game, ” closed Paulsen.

Earlier in the conversation, Gibbs offered praise, saying he had been down on the field before Saturday’s Detroit playoff game. He expressed that he had told Josh Harris and David Blitzer that they were doing a tremendous job getting things turned around quickly.

He also spoke highly of GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn. He declared to get this far in only one season, “all of us really respect it. I think it is great and fantastic for all the fans there. It’s great for all of us to be a part of it. I just think it’s a special time.”

“It is so hard to do and they’ve done it. So they deserve the credit, man, I got to tell you…It has a lot to do with the people you select, the people on the team, and the character they have.”

Quinn, from day one, has spoken of the character of Jayden Daniels, Mike Sainristil, Terry McLaurin, Bobby Wagner, Tyler Biadasz, and Zach Ertz.

If anyone would know about the importance of character, it is Coach Joe.

Commanders’ owner Josh Harris says team’s success has ‘been a long time coming’

Josh Harris praises the Commanders, and says success has been “a long time coming” for team, fans.

After the Washington Commanders’ win over the Detroit Lions in the NFC divisional round, managing partner Josh Harris congratulated players and coaches in the locker room.

Before Harris departed Ford Field, reporters caught up with him to give his thoughts on Washington’s 45-31 upset win.

“I’m elated, I’m so happy for the DMV, I can’t imagine what’s going on there,” Harris said. “I’m so happy for these guys. I just listened to the sounds of the locker room; I couldn’t leave.”

Harris was then asked about when he realized this season could be special.

“When DQ and Adam came, right?” Harris said. “We knew, we went to the draft, went through free agency, and then we ended up with this group of guys, and it started building. I’ve always said, ‘culture, talent, and people.’ You know, when you have the right people….I’ve been talking to a lot of people [about] what’s going on in that locker room is different. It’s different.”

Harris was given a chance to take a victory lap, and, as always, gives credit to others and is especially happy for the fans.

“It’s been a long time coming for the DMV, and I’m so happy to be a part of it,” Harris said.

Harris is correct. It has been a long time coming.

Harris became Washington’s managing partner in July 2023. Remarkably, 18 months later, the Commanders are headed to the NFC championship game for the first time in 33 years.

Leadership and competence matters.