It was a sensational run to the final four for the Washington Commanders in 2024. But some got more praise than others.
Terry McLaurin, Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Austin Ekeler were named second-team All-Pros. Jayden Daniels has begun racking up NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The club got strong seasons from veterans like Brian Robinson Jr. and Sam Cosmi and rookies like Mike Sanristil and Brandon Coleman. Free agent arrivals like Zach Ertz and Dorance Armstrong Jr. were integral to a successful campaign.
The stars and near-stars were not the only reason Washington advanced to the NFC Conference Championship for the first time since 1991. Football is the ultimate team sport. No team wins without depth. No team wins without contributions from everyone on the 53-man roster.
Washington got crucial production from several players tucked away deep on the depth chart. Some of them weren’t even on the opening-day roster. Most of these weren’t on the field for a lot of snaps, and none are going to win awards. Many may not even stick with the team for the 2025 season.
But they were here in 2024. Their contributions deserve at least a small bit of recognition.
So that's what we'll do. Here are six Commanders' unsung heroes for the magical 2024 season. We'll begin with special teams ace Nick Bellore.
Commanders unsung heroes from the 2024 season
Nick Bellore - Commanders LB/ST
Nick Bellore didn’t get off the best of starts with the Washington Commanders. The veteran special-teamer had been a long-time fan-favorite and two-time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks before a new regime decided to release him. Special teams coordinator Larry Izzo was also let go by the NFC West club and knew what kind of player he was.
Adam Peters signed the veteran to the practice squad shortly before opening day. It was a tremendous piece of business that went overlooked.
On the first play of his second game, Bellore committed a holding penalty that wiped out Austin Ekeler’s 98-yard kickoff return. That would be his only infringement of the season.
The 35-year-old would play more than 70 percent of Washington's special team snaps, second only to fellow linebacker Mykal Walker. Bellore would lead the team in special team tackles. Washington’s coverage units were among the best in the league in 2024.
Bellore was by no means alone. Walker, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, and Tyler Owens contributed to the improved unit. But the savvy veteran always seemed to be right in the middle of things when good plays were made on punts and kickoffs.