These days, the Washington Commanders are experiencing a state of bliss. Everything is going exceptionally well, and everyone is content. The euphoria of falling in love—with a new billionaire owner—has driven fans to do some extraordinary things. Despite the scorching heat that engulfs the region, they show up to the Commanders’ practice field in sheer excitement. They cheer with delight as Terry McLaurin makes a catch that any average dad could make in his backyard with a beer in hand. Love is a powerful force that blinds and brainwashes, causing hundreds of adults and children to overlook the fact that their favorite team has made only minimal improvements to a roster that finished 8-8-1 and missed the playoffs last year. Instead, they find joy in the simplest things, like having seats for spectators at Commanders Park.
We can’t predict how long this honeymoon phase will last, but on Thursday, the training ground that was once considered lackluster for the most dysfunctional team in the NFL transformed into the happiest place in the D.C. area. Ashburn was covered in clouds that bore a resemblance to dirty dishwater, and being outdoors felt like being trapped under a car hood. And yet, the fans still flocked to the field. They filled the near sideline, while others sat above in metal bleachers, taking in the view of a team that Vegas predicts will win 6½ games this season.
But what’s another mediocre season when eight wins would feel like a blessing to a starved Washington fan? And what’s a sweltering morning when you’ve endured 24 years of misery? “Oh, the vibe? Unreal. It’s everything we’ve been longing for,” said long snapper Camaron Cheeseman, as he signed autographs after practice. “I know the fans are loving this. I truly believe everything will come together. There’s an incredible energy here, like nothing I’ve ever seen. I’m just as thrilled as they are. It’s going to be amazing.”
Even Tress Way, the fan-favorite punter, expressed his excitement while greeting fans and signing autographs. “I’ve already signed two Tress Way jerseys, so things are looking up,” he said. “There was a time when only my family recognized me. But seeing everyone excited, the atmosphere is at an all-time high.”
And it’s all thanks to the grandstands, or rather, the man who put them there. This season, Josh Harris, a middle-aged man with no recorded 40-yard dash time, will rush for as many yards as his wealthy limited partners: zero. He will have a quarterback rating of zero point zero. Yet, he is adored by fans and considered the most beloved figure on game days. Harris saved this franchise from being discarded by investing a whopping $6.05 billion. And for that, Washington fans can’t find any fault in him, at least not yet. “I don’t believe in Santa Claus, but I believe in Josh Harris,” said Frank Smallwood, a 46-year-old season ticket holder. Smallwood, who has been attending Washington football training camps for decades, compared Harris to the team’s previous owner, Jack Kent Cooke, who would interact with fans during camp. When Smallwood saw Harris stop to greet fans on his way to practice, waves of nostalgia washed over him. Smallwood shouted, “NO B.S, RON! JUST FOOTBALL! LET’S GO!” For Harris, Smallwood came up with the sweetest chant of all: “THANK YOU, JOSH!” Though it didn’t pick up much momentum, it conveyed the gratitude of a fanbase that feels like winners already.
During this time of the year, hope is at an all-time high in NFL training camps. It doesn’t matter if a team doesn’t stand a chance; all fans have optimism, even the Houston Texans’ faithful. Perhaps it’s the sunshine shining down on players running routes without pads against an imaginary defense.
As assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy stood near the 40-yard line, new starting quarterback Sam Howell connected with McLaurin. The crowd erupted in cheers. Someone yelled, “Touchdown!” A man in a yellow staff shirt confidently said, “I bet you’ll have over 1,200 yards this year!”
Josh Harris’s presence and changes have reassured the Commanders. The energy continued throughout the day, with young wide receiver Jahan Dotson claiming that he is so focused during practices that he feels like he’s in a tunnel and can’t hear the crowd. However, Chase Young, now back from injury, couldn’t help but smile at the uproarious joy emanating from the stands. “It’s different when the receivers are running routes, and every time Terry catches the ball, I hear the crowd,” Young said. “I can tell they’re hyped and excited, and so are we.”
Young doesn’t strike anyone as someone who cares much about external displays. As a defensive end, his focus is on causing havoc and terrorizing NFL quarterbacks. But on Thursday morning, it was the bleachers that brought a smile to his face. “It was great, man, to see the fans. It lifted my spirits,” Young said. “I really appreciate our fans. I know they’re excited about the new ownership, and the stands made it feel more like an NFL practice.”
And let’s not forget about the picnic tables and food trucks serving up delicious cuisine. There are also port-a-potties, an open grassy field for youngsters to play football, and, of course, the exclusive hospitality suite for VIPs. The whole atmosphere is different and better. No one is thinking beyond the current state of bliss.
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