28 July 2023 , 22:16
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Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders, expressed his happiness at the presence of Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant showing up to the team's training camp on Friday.
Durant grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and is a franchise supporter. As he observed the practice session from the suites atop the recently constructed bleachers on the sideline, enthusiastic fans followed him, capturing the moment with photos and videos while cheering loudly, "KD!"
"It is great to have KD here," Coach Rivera said after practice. "I know he is a local guy. I know how much of a Washington Redskins/Commanders fan he is. Great to have his support."
Durant's presence at the camp indicated Washington's transformation in philosophy and leadership following the NFL's approval of a $6.05 billion sale to an ownership group led by Josh Harris, who succeeded the previous owner, Dan Snyder. The ownership group includes stakes held by NBA Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson.
The Friday training session marked the second consecutive day with an impressive turnout of over 3,000 fans enduring the hot weather to watch the team practice near Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
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Running back Jaret Patterson, who also hails from Maryland, expressed how the large number of fans at the practice brought back fond memories of his childhood. He recalled attending training camps as a young kid, reminiscing about when Washington had star offensive players like Clinton Portis and Santana Moss in their lineup.
"It's a fresh start, a new era," Patterson said. "It kind of gave me flashbacks. … Seeing the food trucks, seeing kind of a packed house and stuff like that, it's kind of dope. It's like reliving my childhood."
Kevin Durant looks on before a Washington Commanders gameIn his inaugural press conference as the team's owner, Harris also shared that he is a native of the Washington, D.C., area and grew up a Commanders fan. However, he noted that being a fan of the team is not enough and that in order to turn over a new leaf entirely, the franchise has to put the correct pieces into play to try to win a Super Bowl.
Harris wants the team to become the No. 1 franchise in the NFL from a marketing perspective, toppling the Dallas Cowboys.
"[Washington was the] 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 here."
"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."
The Commanders adds another team to his portfolio. Harris also owns the NHL's New Jersey Devils and the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers.