One of the NFL’s most illustrious teams, the Washington Commanders are attempting to move behind a turbulent past that clouded most of their history before changing their name. They have a new quarterback, new coaching staff, and new ownership as they enter a whole new era.
The team once made a grave error in remembering a legendary player who has passed away, but the new ownership is working swiftly to make amends.
Two years after the Commanders debuted a memorial installation that drew harsh criticism from fans and was eventually removed from the facility, the NFL on ESPN revealed on X that the team intends to erect a statue in honor of former safety Sean Taylor.
The Washington Commanders will build a statue to honor their late former safety, Sean Taylor, two years after unveiling a memorial installation that was criticized by their fans — and has already been permanently removed. https://t.co/Q2YjprXMEJ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 24, 2024
The earlier “statue” that the previous administration unveiled in Taylor’s honor was really just his uniform and pads strung up inside a glass enclosure; fans scorned the organization right away for producing such a clumsy and inconsiderate monument.
When fans think of sculptures, they typically see the ones outside of Crypto.com Arena that honor NBA luminaries like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and others in a way that makes them feel proud and allows them to pose for pictures.
Josh Harris, the new owner, is making every effort to make the prior ownership under Dan Snyder disappear. The old Sean Taylor display was a farce and a perfect depiction of that ownership.
It’s fantastic that the crew took the fans’ feedback into consideration on this one, and a well-made statue will help to improve ties with Commanders supporters.
WR Jahan Dotson is “excited” about his Eagles trade: “I won’t let it get to me until I see Washington.”
The Eagles’ 26-3 preseason loss to the Vikings on Saturday left little room for celebration.
That is, until you speak with Jahan Dotson, the recently acquired wide receiver.
Despite being moved just two days before, Dotson was nonetheless energized for the upcoming season by the atmosphere and his local roots, even if he was sidelined alongside most of Philadelphia’s starters for the game.
As he left the field today, Dotson remarked, “I got goosebumps.” “You understand the passion, having grown up just an hour or an hour and a half away from here. You are aware of the Eagles’ fervent fan base. It was thrilling to watch the crowd go crazy literally following the third preseason game. Being here excited me a little.”
Playing for the Commanders for his first two seasons in the NFL, Dotson—who went to high school and college in Pennsylvania—was a few hours away from Philadelphia on Interstate 95.
However, following a horribly ineffective follow-up season to his impressive debut season, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn of Washington traded the former first-round pick within the NFC East.
With two seasons remaining on his rookie deal and this season still open to show he’s worthy of having his fifth-year option exercised, Dotson has been given a fresh start thanks to the unusual intradivisional pact.
The excitement of the crazed Philadelphia fans combined with that is enough to get most players back into the game. Dotson did, however, also express how much he is anticipating working with a group that is loaded with playmakers.
“In all of my years of playing, I’ve never been on a team with this much talent,” he stated. “I’m not only excited to play with them, I’m excited to learn.”
Jalen Hurts, who has developed into a dual-threat signal-caller capable of supporting two elite wide receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, is the starting quarterback for Philadelphia’s offensive wealth. Former division rival Saquon Barkley is another threat in the backfield, and Dallas Goedert, one of the league’s most reliable tight ends, adds even more firepower.
It’s unclear how Dotson fits into this formula. Given how swiftly his former club turned against him, he will have a lot to prove—something he is eager to accomplish.
“I know who I am, and I want to get on the field as soon as possible, so I’ll do everything in my power to be ready when that chance comes,” Dotson said.
However, his opportunity to play against the Commanders will have to wait. If Dotson remains with the Eagles and proves himself, he’ll get two chances to face the team that traded him, but not until Weeks 11 and 16.
You know, it was shocking. In response to questions about his initial feelings about the move, Dotson said, “Just because all I know in the NFL is Washington Commanders.” “But you realize that it’s a business at the end of the day. I really do comprehend that.”
“I’m not going to take it personally until I see Washington,” he subsequently stated.