Magic Johnson is not used to losing. He was a multiple-time basketball champion with the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers. He has followed this trend throughout the business world, including his achievements as owner or part-owner of sporting franchises.
The Washington Commanders are one of them. Johnson was part of Josh Harris's ownership group that wrestled the organization from Dan Snyder's grasp. He legitimized the project and provided the players with a strong support system whenever they needed it. Unsurprisingly, the progress was immediate.
Washington went from having the No. 2 pick to reaching the NFC Championship game in one year. The mentality and ambition underwent a complete transformation across the board. Everyone believed again, and it seemed yet another thing Johnson touched turned to gold.
Magic Johnson highlighted how things have quickly changed for the Commanders
This sent expectations soaring to levels not seen for decades. The Commanders were among the Super Bowl favorites heading into the campaign, and with good reason. Adam Peters was aggressive in rectifying problem areas. Most of last season's squad were brought back. It wouldn't be easy, but nobody expected Washington to be floundering at 3-4 through seven weeks.
Something is off with the Commanders. The injuries haven't helped, but head coach Dan Quinn is not looking for excuses. He believes the personnel available are sufficient to perform with more conviction, but they are not currently raising the stakes enough.
Their Week 7 loss against the Dallas Cowboys was arguably the most embarrassing of all. And it served as a wake-up to everyone associated with the Commanders about how far they've fallen after reaching such meteoric heights.
Johnson included.
The Pro Basketball Hall of Famer took to social media in his typically blunt manner, highlighting how quickly things have changed for the Commanders. Johnson acknowledged the injury crisis was playing a role, but he suggested what fans have been feeling for some time.
This is not the same Commanders team that captivated the imagination of NFL fans around the world in 2024. And it's going to take a monumental effort to turn the tide.
For my Commanders, what a difference a year makes. We had very few injuries last season but a lot so far this season.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 20, 2025
That won't be made any easier by the absence of Jayden Daniels. The quarterback sustained a low-grade hamstring strain that will keep him out of Washington's trip to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. This is the latest in a long list of crippling blows, which also saw defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. go to season-ending injured reserve this week with a serious knee problem.
Things weren't exactly great, even with everyone healthy. And if Johnson sees it, everyone else does too.