Washington owner Daniel Snyder declared in August 2014 the organization had begun the process of searching for a new stadium.
Finally, Monday there was something concrete regarding options to buy particular land. But it was not in Maryland where the team currently plays their home games, nor was it Washington D.C. itself. Rather the site is in Woodbridge, Virginia.
But why should we be in the least bit surprised? Washington D.C. and the Federal Government have NOT wanted the team. If you were a business owner, how often would you labor and pay millions to locate your business where it was not wanted by city and federal officials?
Of course, Snyder’s first choice was the old RFK Stadium site. Look, I know Snyder has his issues, and realistically 99% of the fan base wants to see him removed from ownership. I would certainly like to see if a new owner could bring the franchise back to the success I so much enjoyed decades earlier. Yet, doesn’t honesty demand we not demonize Snyder, making him the culprit of every single dispute involving the franchise?
It is the Federal Government of the United States that owns the 190-acre site housing Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Stadium where the franchise was a consistent NFL winner throughout the George Allen (1971-77) and Joe Gibbs (1981-1992) eras. In those two eras, Washington won 5 NFC titles, and made 5 Super Bowl appearances, winning three Super Bowls (1982, 1987, 1991). Allen produced a winning season all seven of his years and Gibbs in those 12 seasons produced one lone losing season.
In recent years D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was not shy to voice her disapproval, citing the name “Redskins” was offensive and had to go. Once Snyder dropped the name “Redskins” how often did Bowser, city officials, or the Federal Government go out of their way to welcome Snyder and his franchise back into the city?
Of course, many fans want the new stadium in D.C., and of course, Snyder did as well. In the last eight years, how many movements have there been by citizens or officials in D.C. to generate momentum, encouraging Snyder to move the team back to D.C.?
Numbers of fans on social media enthusiastically contend the team belongs in D.C., and a move to VA will only be the next step in the demise of the franchise, leading to an empty stadium and a huge decline in fans attending the games.
If they stink on the field and Snyder is still the owner it will only bring more doubt to fans’ minds as to why they should financially support him. But won’t that be true if the stadium is also in the city or Maryland?
The team last had winning seasons in 2015 and 2016 when Kirk Cousins passed for over 4,000 yards both seasons. The last 10-win season was 2012 with Robert Griffin III running the Shanahan’s read-option offense and Alfred Morris rushing for 1,613 yards!
How did the DMV respond? Weren’t we all delighted, passionate, thrilled and energized?
Furthermore, if the stadium is in Virginia, why will it be longer for the fans in western Maryland and D.C. to drive west than it has been for the fans out in Winchester and Front Royal to drive east for decades.