Christian Gonzalez will always be the prospect that got away from head coach Ron Rivera. Even though he reportedly had the gifted cornerback higher on his board, and he somehow fell into the Washington Commanders' lap at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the franchise went with Emmanuel Forbes Jr. instead.
Forbes didn't last two seasons in Washington before his release. Gonzalez is a Pro Bowler and one of the best coverage presences in the league. He's also gearing up for a Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots this weekend when they clash with the Seattle Seahawks.
There was one solace for Commanders fans when Gonzalez spoke to the media beforehand. This centered on a glowing recommendation for new offensive coordinator David Blough, who just so happens to be the defensive back's brother-in-law.
Christian Gonzalez believes the Commanders have a good one in David Blough
Gonzalez highlighted Blough's exceptional football mind as a reason for Commanders fans to be excited. And for head coach Dan Quinn's sake, he better be right.
"Yeah, I think it's awesome. I'm so excited for him, and to us, to people I've known, it's no surprise. He's a brilliant mind, a really good ball mind, knows so much about ball. I've been fortunate to know him since I was, I don't know, maybe together in high school. So I got to see a lot of it, and it's been real cool. I think he's going to do great. He's got weapons out there. I'm excited for him, for his new journey, and my sister and their family. I think they can do it together and enjoy it and have a great year."Christian Gonzalez via Clutch Points
Christian Gonzalez, on his brother-in-law David Blough being named offensive coordinator for the Commanders: pic.twitter.com/pD8P1zGM5J
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 3, 2026
The Commanders are taking a supreme leap of faith with Blough. Kliff Kingsbury and Quinn had a disagreement over how to take the offense forward, especially regarding the development of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington promoted the former assistant quarterbacks coach to the job with almost no experience whatsoever. It's a bold strategy, but it just might work.
Blough keeps stability around Daniels. He'll run a more pro-style offense, with innovative concepts better suited to the modern game. General manager Adam Peters must do his part by improving the playing personnel, but this gamble might be enough to kickstart an offense that fell way short of expectations in 2025.
Gonzalez wasn't going to say anything bad about his family. But he did affirm what Commanders fans are slowly realizing.
Even though Blough has been fast-tracked into a coordinator role, that doesn't mean he isn't qualified.