Josh Harris is ambitious beyond measure. He knows what the Washington Commanders' success means to the region. Their phenomenal run to the NFC Championship game is only going to spur him on further.
The Commanders achieved more than even Harris probably envisaged in Year 1 with head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters leading the charge. They went from four wins under Ron Rivera to 12 triumphs and the NFC's sixth seed in one campaign. Two playoff victories later, Washington found itself vying for a Super Bowl berth.
They ultimately fell short, which is no disgrace. This was a step too far for this group at such an early stage of the project. But if the majority owner has his way, this is just the start of something truly special.
Josh Harris vows to bring a Super Bowl championship to the Commanders
Harris made no secret of that fact in a one-page message in the Washington Post. He thanked the team's long-suffering fans for their unrivaled support throughout a season that will live long in the memory. The billionaire also made a bullish statement, claiming that nobody in the organization would rest until they brought a championship back to D.C. following decades of misery.
"This season was a tremendous reminder that the Commanders can galvanize not just a fanbase, but an entire community. Our mission—to build an elite franchise and create unforgettable experiences—begins and eds with you, the fans. Your unwavering support has meant everything. Week after week, through highs, lows and unforgettable moments (that Hail Mary in Week 8!), you showed up. We're building this for you, and we won't stop until we have a championship. Thank you for being on this journey with us."Josh Harris via SI
It's worth remembering that Harris was a fan first. He was sat in the stands at RFK Stadium when the team enjoyed some of their greatest moments. After watching Dan Snyder run this once-proud franchise into the ground, he took matters into his own hands and wrestled the Commanders from his grasp.
In just two seasons with Harris' ownership group at the helm, everything has changed. The team is competitive and will only get better from here. Investments are being made to upgrade the practice facilities. They've made the player and fan experiences better. Northwest Stadium is receiving attention and plans for a new stadium are gathering pace.
It's amazing what a little care, attentiveness, and vision can do.
Washington is a sleeping giant no more. They are back among the challengers and a football hotspot once again. Jayden Daniels is the sort of franchise quarterback free agents will want to join. There is finally light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Harris is doing this for the fans, of which he is one. If this remarkable campaign is the stepping stone to bigger and better things, it won't be much longer before the Commanders are a perennial powerhouse for the first time in almost 30 years.
Snyder's dark cloud is gone. And make no mistake, the Commanders franchise is in the best possible hands moving forward.