Since Daniel Snyder bought the then-Washington Redskins in 1999, some former players have been complimentary of him over the years. Others, not so much.
Several former players always believed in Snyder’s desire to win, choosing to focus less on how the owner treated people. Some of that support waned over the years as the franchise twice changed its name, leaving some former players feeling like their old team was now an expansion team. The constant losing didn’t help things either.
On Thursday, news broke that Snyder has agreed to sell the Commanders to Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris. Sure, the deal is not yet done, but it’s closer than ever.
Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington, D.C., caught up with three former Washington players to see how they were feeling: Quarterback Mark Rypien [1986-93], offensive linemen Mark May [1981-90] and Mark Schlereth [1989-94].
Rypien:
“I’m really looking forward to the change,” Rypien said. “I think everyone is kinda got to take a breath of fresh air. I don’t think there’s any one of us who needs to hate on anything or anything that Dan wanted to do. Because Dan wanted to win, you know, it just didn’t happen. Hopefully, this next group that comes in here, the Harris group, will lead us to bigger and better things.”
Hope.
Excitement.
Optimism.The common buzz words today after this Snyder/Harris agreement for the @Commanders was announced.
We spoke with former Washington players @mark_rypien, @mark_may and @markschlereth getting their reaction to this development.
More on @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/iooDPn3D9s
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) April 14, 2023
May couldn’t contain his excitement.
“It’s a celebration, baby; it’s party time,” May said, smiling and waving his arms. “But I’m just glad it’s a good group; it’s a solid group that they know professional sports.”
How did Schlereth feel:
“I’m glad that they have moved on,” Schlereth said. “I’m glad that the deal in principle is set, and I’m glad they’ll be new ownership in Washington.”
Most Washington fans are feeling like May.
We occasionally recommend interesting products, services, and gaming opportunities. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Commanders Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
