Terry McLaurin’s class on full display in heartfelt letter after signing extension

The Washington Commanders are once again the talk of the NFL. Only this time, it has nothing to do with allegations facing owner Dan Snyder or defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio causing a national uproar with politically-motivated tweets.

Ironically enough, the team is being showered with praise after it inked offensive cornerstone Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension.

Unlike most star receivers, McLaurin kept a low profile during negotiations. Outside of showing sharing a picture of a fishing trip on Twitter and attending a recent practice at his alma mater, Ohio State, we didn’t hear a peep from the 26-year-old.

Though a key figure of the Feb. 2 rebrand, McLaurin hadn’t been with the team since before the 2022 draft and bypassed attending OTAs and mandatory minicamp while he and his representatives were hard at work at the negotiation table.

After months of silence — and now having signed a life-changing contract — McLaurin broke his silence in a heartfelt letter posted to Twitter in which he expressed gratitude to everyone who helped him reach this milestone.

Terry McLaurin penned a heartfelt letter after signing a three-year contract extension with the Commanders.

We honestly didn’t think it was possible to be more blown away by McLaurin’s class. That was clearly a mistake because this letter represents everything Commanders fans have grown to love about the 2019 third-round pick.

Forget being one of the most talented WRs to pass through the franchise. While significant, it’s the philanthropic live McLaurin leads off the field that has really endeared him to the fan base. From always delivering thoughtful responses to the media and playing an integral role in the franchise’s partnership with nonprofit Youth Entrepreneurs, which works to “prepare local students to operate and own a business,” the former Buckeye is the definition of a model professional.

This letter is just the latest example. Every word is heartfelt.

"“Playing in the NFL is a blessing and something I will never take for granted. From the moment I stepped foot on the field as a 7-year-old to now, I continue to respect the game, play it the right way and leave everything I have on the field. I love the grind and the process of getting better,” McLaurin wrote.“Team accomplishments and goals have always far exceeded individual ones. From the day I was drafted, I’ve had the singular goal to win a Super Bowl with this franchise. This is on my mind every day when I walk into the building. While I am both humbled and ecstatic about this contract, it motivates me to work even harder. I understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with signing this extension. To whom much is given, much is required. There is no other place I would rather be or fan base I would want to represent.”"

After expressing thanks to his family, teammates (past and present) and the Commanders organization, McLaurin saved the last paragraph of his letter for the fans, to whom he is grateful for their unwavering support and with whom (again, perfect) wants to reestablish a winning culture in Washington.

"“And of course, thank you to our amazing fans. I cannot thank you enough for all the ways you have supported me since the day I was drafted to Washington. You are truly one of a kind. Every opportunity to represent you brings me absolute joy. There is a proud history here in Washington. From the chants to the Hogs, I do not take any of it for granted. I know together, we all can bring the Washington Organization back to the upper echelon of football and reestablish a winning culture. That journey begins now. You demand it, you deserve it, and we will do our best to make it happen. One day at a time, together, through hard work and dedication.”"

Anyone else’s eyes getting watery? Who’s cutting onions?!

In a follow-up tweet, McLaurin thanked his agent, Buddy Baker, and the Entertainment Sports Group for the role they played in getting his deal done.

You truly couldn’t find a better combination of a person and player to represent the Washington Football franchise. As we’ve seen over the years, very few players express this level of humility after signing a life-altering contract.

Thank you, No. 17. Never change.