'Lifelong Washington Fan' Josh Harris 'Excited' to Lead Commanders

Josh Harris grew up in Maryland as a Washington fan. Now, he'll lead his childhood team as the Commanders.

It's many kids' dreams to play in the NFL, or be part of it in one way or another. 

For Josh Harris, that dream came true Thursday when he was unanimously approved to become the Washington Commanders new owner after paying Dan Snyder $6.05 billion for the franchise.

Harris, who is also a managing partner for the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is excited to add another team to his portfolio. But as someone who grew up in the area, this team is extra special to him.

“As a lifelong Washington football fan - I grew up in Chevy Chase - I’m incredibly excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside my partners as stewards of this great franchise on behalf of the city of Washington D.C.," Harris said. "One of my first memories as a child was walking down East Capital Street, walking into RFK Stadium, hearing the roar of the crowd, feeling the rumble. I grew up watching Sonny Jurgenson, Billy Kilmer, Joe Theismann, Mark Rypien, Doug Williams, the Hogs, Joe Gibbs, Darrell Green, Art Monk and three Super Bowls. That’s the Washington - then Redskins, now Commanders - that I remember.

"This franchise is part of who I am and who I’ve become as a person. But being a fan is not enough. To be successful, we understand that we need to win championships, create a positive impact on the community, and create incredible memories and great experiences for our fan base much like I had as a youth growing up in Washington. To our team and the incredible fan base in Washington, a new era of Washington football is here. It’s time to get to work.”

Harris will be welcomed back home Friday, when the team will host a pep rally to celebrate the sale in his first day as owner.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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