When the Washington Commanders opened training camp Wednesday, owners Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales were present. The pair were spotted talking to legendary Washington quarterback Joe Theismann.
On Thursday, Harris and Rales returned, along with another of Harris’ minority partners, Mark Ein. The new owners were popular with the fans.
Also in attendance was Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Was Youngkin in town to enjoy some football, greet Washington’s new owners, or talk business?
Perhaps it was all three.
Virginia, of course, is one of three localities hoping to build a new football stadium for the Commanders. Washington, D.C. and Maryland have let it be known that they want the NFL franchise in their jurisdictions. At one point, Virginia looked like the most likely outcome for a new stadium until everything fell apart for former owner Daniel Snyder.
Youngkin spoke with Washington, took pictures and signed autographs. He was also asked about the possibility of a new stadium in Virginia. Youngkin was clear he believes Virginia is the best place for a new Commanders stadium.
“I think Virginia is the best place to live, work, raise a family and it should be the best place to have a professional football team,” Youngkin said.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin was asked about the possibility of an NFL stadium in VA. pic.twitter.com/0Q9Tn6ne0b
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 27, 2023
Youngkin himself is a former athlete, having played four years of college basketball at Rice before entering the business world. He was elected governor of Virginia in Nov. 2021, beginning his term in Jan. 2022.