Tag: Tress Way

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has a message for Washington fans

Moments after it became official that he’d wear No. 5, Jayden Daniels had a message for fans.

It became official on Thursday night: Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will wear the No. 5 jersey.

Punter Tress Way has worn the No. 5 since 2014 and voluntarily gave Daniels the number ahead of Washington’s rookie minicamp, which begins Friday in Ashburn.

With Daniels now wearing No. 5, Way will wear a new number in 2024. Fans who wanted to buy a Daniels jersey can now do so without wondering which number he will wear.

The Commanders officially released a video of Way acknowledging he was giving the number to Daniels at 7:46 p.m. ET. Only 10 minutes later, Daniels had a message for Washington fans:

This all comes days after some numbers revealed that Washington struggled to move team merchandise. Some fans blamed the name, others blamed the jerseys, while others acknowledged that if the Commanders became a winner, they should sell more merchandise.

Perhaps Washington needed a franchise quarterback to get behind, and those jerseys would start to sell. Based on how fans reacted on X, Daniels will shoot up the list in individual jersey sales.

 

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is officially No. 5

Tress Way gives Jayden Daniels the No. 5.

The Washington Commanders open rookie minicamp on Friday. Washington’s rookie class began showing up in Ashburn this week, but there was one piece of unfinished business before the Commanders took the field Friday.

What number would quarterback Jayden Daniels wear? Daniels has always worn No. 5, but that jersey was taken by Washington’s most-tenured player, punter Tress Way.

Not anymore. On Washington’s official X page, Way posted a 15-second video with a No. 5 jersey in the background. However, the jersey’s back did not bear Way’s name. Daniels’ name adorned the back of the jersey, and before the end of the video, the camera shifted to the rookie passer in the background.

According to Zach Selby of commanders.com, Way isn’t giving the number away for free. No, he isn’t taking money from Daniels. Instead, Way may have the rookie quarterback get him some tickets for the first LSU/Oklahoma game now that Way’s Sooners are in the SEC.

To be clear, Way is not giving the jersey away for free. He doesn’t want money, but he did come up with “a couple cool ideas” for what he and Daniels could do for the swap. His alma mater, Oklahoma, is going to be in the SEC, so he suggested that perhaps he could get tickets to the first LSU-Oklahoma game. He also brought up the possibility of having fans submit pictures of them wearing Way’s old number to the team so Daniels could buy them a jersey with Way’s new number on it and a personal letter from Way himself.

Is Commanders punter Tress Way giving his No. 5 to Jayden Daniels?

Could Jayden Daniels officially be wearing the No. 5 by the end of this week?

Tuesday morning, the airwaves in the DMV conveyed that the Commanders are releasing a video on Friday.

During the “Kevin Sheehan Show” on The Team 980, Sheehan and his producer, Denton Day, discussed the rumor that the Commanders are releasing a video on Friday. The video is said to consist of Tress Way and newly drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels. The logical conclusion is that the Commanders are about to issue Daniels his first Commanders jersey.

Daniels wore No. 5 at LSU, so it would not be surprising that the Heisman Trophy winner wishes to wear No. 5 during his NFL playing career as well.

Way earned the Washington punting job for the 2014 season and has maintained a strong hold on in each of the ten NFL seasons (2014-23). Way was issued the No. 5 jersey during his initial Washington season and has worn it all ten of his NFL seasons.

If Daniels were going to be issued a jersey other than No. 5, then why would Way be included in the video? Consequently, it appears Way has agreed to part with No. 5 after ten seasons, permitting Daniels to begin wearing No. 5 this 2024 season.

After all, in this case, we are talking about Tress Way. Way has demonstrated love to his fellow teammates, resulting in his being a true team leader. More importantly, Way has exhibited maturity in placing his NFL employment in proper perspective in his life.

The former Oklahoma Sooner recently declared during an interview with “Sports Spectrum” that making the Pro Bowl a second time did not necessarily fulfill his life. He talked of losing his life for Jesus’ sake and actually finding a truer significance in his life as a result.

Thus, it would not be a surprise to find Way gladly giving over his No. 5 jersey to the younger Daniels as a token of welcoming Daniels to the franchise and, more significantly, demonstrating a selfless love for his new teammate.

Commanders announce dates for 2024 rookie minicamp

The NFL announced dates for all 32 rookie minicamps.

You don’t have to wait long to see Jayden Daniels in a Washington Commanders’ uniform.

The NFL announced rookie minicamp dates for all 32 teams on Wednesday, and Washington’s camp will run from May 10-12.

Of course, it is only a rookie minicamp, so fans won’t see Daniels in pads, but we may get a clue about which jersey number Daniels will wear. Daniels has always worn No. 5, which is currently worn by Washington’s most tenured player, punter Tress Way.

Daniels will likely end up in the No. 5 jersey as the new face of the franchise.

In addition to Daniels, the Commanders’ other eight draft picks will also don the burgundy and gold for the first time. Additionally, Washington signed 11 undrafted free agents who’ll also be on the field for the Commanders for the first time.

Tress Way loves Commanders new HC Dan Quinn’s mindset

Tress Way is fired up for Dan Quinn and this new regime.

The Commanders in a meeting room, head coach Dan Quinn asked the returning players to all stand to their feet and move to another seat.

He asked them to move around and get to know some of the new players. Quinn encouraged players who didn’t know other players to make an effort at friendship because some of these guys could become your best friends.

Tress Way first made an active roster with the then Redskins back in 2014. This is now Way’s 11th consecutive NFL season, and Quinn is his third head coach with Washington.

Way, is not only a veteran, he is a wise one. He sees beyond a football. He spoke of Quinn’s task, “How can you galvanize all of us and bring us together towards a common goal?”

The former Oklahoma Sooner understands a team has many individual members yet comes together and, therefore, must work together for the common good of the whole. “Everybody has unique strengths, unique gifts…I just like to empower guys regarding the things they do well.”

Rather than pointing fingers at coaches, Way was already publicly declaring the players’ responsibilities: “It’s up to us, the players, to get to know one another, to create this bond, and then go win some football games.”

Upon hearing the Commanders’ new coach announced as Quinn, Way texted him congratulating Quinn. Way came to Quinn’s office a few days later, and the two chatted for 20-25 minutes. “I bet three minutes of it was about football, and all he (Quinn) asked about was how I got into the league.” Way elaborated, saying he, too, was able to ask some questions of Quinn, and he will always remember that day for the way he was able to get to know Quinn.

Way talked truthfully about how all NFL teams are very positive this time of year, thinking this year will be better than last year. But he then added, “It’s so authentic the way (Quinn) is delivering a message to you…it’s very impressive, it’s fun.” Way should know, witnessing these times over a decade.

Here’s hoping Dan Quinn will bring lots more fun through winning games. That would be a new experience for Commanders fans.

WATCH: Jeremy Reaves reveals Tress Way’s reaction on his return to the Commanders

It’s safe to say that Tress Way is fired up that Jeremy Reaves is back for the Commanders.

It’s no secret that Washington punter Tress Way and safety Jeremy Reaves are close. When Reaves learned he made the Pro Bowl in 2022, Way’s reaction—he also made the Pro Bowl—was terrific.

Over the years, we’ve learned that Reaves is also a favorite of Way’s kids, including his young son, Beau.

However, with a new regime, there was a chance that Reaves and Way wouldn’t be teammates anymore. Reaves was a free agent, and general manager Adam Peters hadn’t progressed with any of Washington’s free agents before free agency opened last week.

Not to worry, Reaves was re-signed late last week, becoming the first Commanders’ player to earn an extension under the new regime. Technically, it wasn’t an extension as Reaves’ contract had expired, but there was no doubt that head coach Dan Quinn and Peters wanted Reaves back.

Fans were happy with the news, too. Reaves is beloved.

Reaves met with the media after the news of his re-signing, expressing his excitement about returning to Washington. Before his time with the media was up, he was asked about Way’s reaction.

This is tremendous.

In addition to being beloved in the locker room and by fans, Reaves is also a heckuva player who has earned everything he’s received. Quinn understands what players like that mean for the culture and the locker room.

 

Commanders punter Tress Way emotional in describing what Ron Rivera means to him

Tress Way emotional in describing what Ron Rivera means to him.

The Washington Commanders will likely move on from head coach Ron Rivera on Monday after four seasons with the team. Rivera accepted the job as Washington’s head coach and, essentially, general manager in Jan. 2020.

Unfortunately for Rivera, things didn’t go as planned, and he finished his tenure in Washington with a 26-40-1 record.

On Sunday, after the Commanders’ 38-10 loss to the Cowboys ended the 2023 season, several players praised Rivera in the locker room after the game. One of those players was Washington’s longest-tenured player, punter Tress Way.

“I remember whenever my father got sick, during the COVID season (2020), Coach Rivera called every night to ask how it was going, and dad passed,” Way said, fighting back tears. “But, I’ll never forget that one, that was…..just called, every night, so, it was cool.”

Way has been with Washington since 2014 and has played for Jay Gruden, Bill Callahan and Rivera. One of the more popular players on the team, Way is a beloved locker-room leader and wasn’t the only player to have fond feelings for Rivera.

Tight end Logan Thomas and defensive tackle Daron Payne also praised Rivera.

No Commanders make the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl

And none deserved to make the Pro Bowl.

Five Washington Commanders made the Pro Bowl in 2022: Defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, safety Jeremy Reaves and punter Tress Way.

One year later, the 4-12 Commanders saw no players make the Pro Bowl.

Four teams saw no players selected to the Pro Bowl, and three of those teams are currently in the top four of the 2024 NFL draft order: Carolina (No. 1, but pick goes to Chicago), Washington (No. 2) and New England (No. 3). Green Bay was the fourth team with no players selected to the Pro Bowl.

Only two Commanders finished among the top 10 in fan voting at their respective positions: Kam Curl (10th among safeties) and Terrell Burgess (third among specialists).

Who were Washington’s top contenders to make the Pro Bowl? Well, it’s tough to make an argument for anyone. Statistically, McLaurin is probably the most likely, as he’s 54 yards away from 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth consecutive season. However, McLaurin is far down the list among wideouts deserving to make the Pro Bowl, through no fault of his own.

Last season’s defense was among the best in the NFL, but the 2023 defense broke the franchise record last week for points allowed in a single season.

Former Washington long snapper Nick Sundberg said Ron Rivera ‘lied’ to him

Washington’s longtime former snapper is not a fan of Ron Rivera.

The Ron Rivera era in Washington will soon be coming to an end. At 26-37-1 in four seasons as head coach, Rivera is expected to finish the season before new owner Josh Harris moves in another direction.

There is at least one former Washington player who will be happy to see Rivera go.

Nick Sundberg was Washington’s long snapper for 11 seasons, from 2010-20, with his final season overlapping Rivera’s first season in Washington. One of the NFL’s best and most reliable long snappers for a decade, Rivera unceremoniously moved on from Sundberg in the 2021 offseason.

As a guest on “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan this week, Sundberg explained that he was supposed to be in Washington for longer, but Rivera lied to his face.

“Yeah, but I mean, hopefully, I’ll be able to root for the team again in a few weeks,” Sundberg said when asked if it was difficult to see what the 4-10 Commanders have become via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“It’s tough to watch Ron, man. I don’t like him, clearly………I mean, if I got cut in January or just told I wasn’t being brought back in January, but three days before free agency starts is a little frustrating. That aggravated me quite a bit. I could have been rehabbing in Phoenix this whole time, but I was there trying to do what was right for the team and all that sort of thing, and they were and constantly like, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get it (a contract) done, we’ll talk to your agent,’ just lying to your face type of stuff. So that is annoying.”

Sundberg holds no ill will toward Camaron Cheeseman, who the Commanders drafted to replace him in 2021 and released this week after struggling all season.

Remember, Rivera isn’t just Washington’s head coach; he’s also the head of all football operations. Since assuming that role in 2020, Rivera has made one bad decision after another. Whether it’s bungling the quarterback position, bad free-agent signings, or getting little from his draft classes, Rivera’s time as a GM has been a disaster.

Then, there is the story of Cheeseman. The Commanders moved up into the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft to select Cheeseman. Not only do NFL teams not draft long snappers, they certainly do not trade up for them.

As for Sundberg, there was talk of an injury, but Rivera didn’t see that as a problem when he initially told Sundberg the two sides would get a contract done. And this isn’t a case of Sundberg being out to get Rivera. Sundberg was a beloved member of Washington’s organization and the local DMV community. He was Washington’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee on two separate occasions.

Sundberg will be rooting for the Commanders again:

“Hopefully soon, sooner rather than later,” he said.

 

Commanders sign long snapper Tucker Addington to practice squad

The Commanders will elevate Addington ahead of their final three games.

The Washington Commanders finally moved on from long snapper Camaron Cheeseman on Monday after another disastrous performance in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Cheeseman had at least three errant snaps, one of which cost Washington the extra point on its final touchdown.

But the snap that finally forced head coach Ron Rivera to move on from Cheeseman was the one that almost seriously injured punter Tress Way. Fortunately, Way was fine, but Rivera could no longer ignore Cheeseman’s season-long issues just because he was a former draft pick.

On Tuesday, Washington signed Tucker Addington to the practice squad. Why the practice squad? NFL teams can elevate a player to the active roster three times per season, and with three games remaining, the Commanders will elevate Addington for game days.

If Addington makes it through the remainder of the season with no issues, Washington can sign him to a futures contract, ensuring he remains on the offseason roster.

Addington, 26, played collegiately at Sam Houston State. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Addington spent two seasons working at the Texas Long Snapping camp.

In 2022, Addington appeared in 10 games for the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, which earned him an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. However, after a week on Dallas’s practice squad, Addington failed to win the job, and the Cowboys released him.

In Dec. 2022, Addington signed with the New England Patriots, where he appeared in three games. He was released the following summer.

He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in August after his release but was waived nine days later. Addington was one of five long snappers Washington brought in for a workout in September.

Zach Selby of commanders.com had the following information about Addington.