Shortly after Josh Harris was confirmed as the new owner of the Washington Commanders, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with the media to introduce Harris.
Goodell quickly turned the floor over to Harris, who spoke briefly about what the Washington franchise meant to him.
A native of Chevy Chase, Md., Harris grew up as a fan of the then-Redskins. He fondly remembers those times and is anxious to bring winning NFL football back to Washington.
“As a lifelong Washington football fan, I grew up in Chevy Chase,” Harris said. “I am incredibly excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside my partners as stewards of this great franchise on behalf of the city of Washington, D.C.
“One of my first memories as a child was walking down East Capitol Street, walking to RFK Stadium, hearing the roar of the crowd and feeling the rumble. I grew up watching Sonny Jurgenson, Billy Kilmer, Joe Theismann, Mark Rypien, Doug Williams, the Hogs, Joe Gibbs, Darrell Green, Art Monk and three Super Bowls. That’s the Washington — then-Redskins, now Commanders, that I remember.”
“This franchise is a part of who I am and who I’ve become as a person. But being a fan is not enough. To be successful, we understand that we need to win championships, create a positive impact on the community and create incredible memories and great experiences for our fan base, much like I had as a youth growing up in Washington.”
Harris then had a message for his new players, coaches and fans:
“To our team and the incredible fan base in Washington, a new era of Washington football is here. It’s time to get to work.”
LIVE: Commissioner Goodell introduces future Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris https://t.co/Zxnxofvplp
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 20, 2023
There will be more from Harris, perhaps as soon as Friday when the Commanders hold a training camp pep rally at FedEx Field.
Likely no owner in sports will be as welcomed as Harris will be to the Washington fan base and community. In his brief introduction, Harris said all the right things, talking directly to the fans.
A new era has indeed begun.