Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Praises 'Unbelievable' Fans After Week 1 Win

Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin shared some thoughts on a brand new experience from Week 1 of the 2023 NFL Season.

LANDOVER, Md. -- The Washington Commanders got a win in the first week of the NFL regular season, but that's not necessarily a new thing around here. 

Since entering the league in 2019 Commanders star receiver has been a part of three Week 1 wins in five seasons.

But there was a new experience McLaurin enjoyed in this first week of the season, a bonding of Washington football fans under the umbrella of renewed excitement around the franchise.

Speaking at an event held at FedEx Field on Tuesday to help McLaurin celebrate his birthday this year by welcoming families and members of CASA of DC and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area the star receiver said he felt a difference in the air as early as the playing of the National Anthem.

"When that saxophone player was playing his heart out during the National Anthem (Sunday) it was a really cool moment for us all to really witness the togetherness of this fan base," McLaurin said. "Just to see the reception that we got from the fans was unbelievable...it's probably the loudest I had heard the stadium since I've been here, which was really cool, and it wasn't all for not because we won the game and we want to try and keep that momentum going."

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

McLaurin is a momentum kind of guy, always moving forward whether it's on or off the football field. 

Through his foundation, the Terry McLaurin Foundation, the star player is a star community advocate partnering with the likes of the Safeway Foundation on Tuesday to present children and their families with an opportunity to dance with, play with, and of course, get autographs and photos with one of the commanders' most beloved players. 

And it's just the latest in his efforts to reach a wide reach in the local community with a special emphasis on the next generation of DMV citizens.

"I try to reach as many people as I can," McLaurin said. "I think I really have a soft spot for kids. I think my foundation really drives to empower them in a multitude of ways. Like helping the teachers with their supplies this year, that directly impacts them but it also shows support to the teachers."

In a lot of ways, it's more important McLaurin is a better person than a player, and he credits his parents for teaching him the value of giving back and being bigger than his athletic ability.

"That's truly where I got my foundation of what it is to give back to your community and to be of giving spirit," McLaurin said. "I'm a big believer in God and I know that we're all on this Earth to impact others and to impact them in a positive way...I know it's something I'm going to instill in my kids one day."

As excited as the fans were to see McLaurin and his Washington teammates come out of FedEx Field with a win in Week 1, the player was just as happy celebrating the days leading to his 28th birthday with young fans and their families at the same venue two days later. 

It's why McLaurin has been embraced by his community as much as he has, and by Commanders fans worldwide as arguably the most popular face this franchise has seen in a long time.