22 July 2023 , 19:21
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Brand new Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has fired back at comments made by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Jones recently stated his excitement for the Washington Commanders sale after holding a long-term beef with former owner Dan Snyder.
After Snyder was forced to sell the team and pay a $60 million fine after being found by an investigation to have sexually harassed an employee, Jones said, "I think it's going to be a great day for the NFL. Exciting. It's, I think, a Hallmark Day."
He went on to send a word of warning to incoming owner Harris as he declared: "Excited about the prospects of going into Washington and giving them some capital punishment."
Harris purchased the Commanders for $6.05 billion, marking the largest sale in NFL history. Nevertheless, the Cowboys are still the most valuable NFL franchise, valued at $8 billion.
Immediately after the purchase, Harris addressed Commanders fans while speaking at a podium. He made it clear that Washington will be preparing to return to the days when the Commanders were the No. 1 franchise in football, ahead of the Cowboys, in a bid to topple Jones and his franchise.
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"No. 1 franchise in the NFL back when they were the Redskins," Harris said. "Not the Dallas Cowboys. The opportunity is up here (gestured with hand), and the work is up here."
Harris grew up as a Commanders fan and was native to the area. However, he has admitted being a team fan "is not enough" and that to be successful, he has to usher in a new era of football in the city that results in Super Bowl wins.
New Commanders owner Josh Harris makes his way through Washington fans."Being a fan is not enough," Harris said. "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 fanbase, much like I had as a youth growing up in Washington.
"I know what I have to do, and that comes down to winning. We have to deliver, and that's what we are going to do. A new era of Washington football is here. It's time to get to work."
The Commanders concluded their most recent regular season with a record of 8-8-1. Their performance showed them a 4-5 record at home and a 4-3-1 on the road. Despite their efforts, the team secured the fourth position in the NFC East, falling short of a playoff berth after acquiring former Colts quarterback Carson Wentz in the previous offseason.
Washington became the first team since their 2008 squad and the 2008 New Orleans Saints to conclude their division with a non-losing record while finishing last. Additionally, they etched their name in history by being the first team to reach a .500 record in a 17-game season, a feat that necessitates at least one tie game.