Tag: Washington

Sep 2, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jordan Whittington (13) is chased by Rice Owls defensive back Marcus Williams (4) and Gabriel Taylor (26) after making a catch during the first half against the at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Brother of late Sean Taylor invited to Commanders rookie camp

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders announced their roster for rookie camp on Friday, and on the list was Gabe Taylor — the younger brother of the late Sean Taylor.

Gabe Taylor, a former defensive back at Rice, will have a chance to make the team his brother played for from 2004-07 before he was shot by an intruder in his home and killed at age 24.

Gabe Taylor’s agency, Creed Sports and Entertainment, said in a Instagram post last week that he chose Washington over “multiple offers.”

“This decision is especially meaningful because growing up, Gabe dreamed of playing for this team,” Creed’s post said. “Now he has the chance to make his mark, forge his own path, compete for a roster spot, and honor the memory of Sean. Gabe couldn’t be more excited, focused, and ready for the opportunity.”

Gabe Taylor went undrafted after five seasons at Rice, where he racked up 10 interceptions (one returned for touchdown), 239 tackles, 4.0 sacks and six forced fumbles over 54 career games.

The Commanders retired Sean Taylor’s No. 21 jersey in 2021. The fifth overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, he was named to the 2006 and 2007 Pro Bowls and had 12 interceptions in 55 NFL games before his tragic death.

–Field Level Media

May 1, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; President Donald Trump delivers a special commencement address to University of Alabama graduates at Coleman Coliseum. Graduation occurs over the weekend. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Washington, D.C., to host 2027 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The 2027 NFL Draft officially is heading to the nation’s capital.

President Donald Trump announced the news on Monday afternoon in the Oval Office of the White House, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris and Washington D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser in attendance.

The three-day event will be held at the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue.

“We think it’s going to be a great site. … We are happy to be coming back home,” Trump said.

Goodell and Harris each stated that they expect as many as 1 million people to attend the event.

Washington will be a first-time host since the NFL began rotating the sites from New York in 2015.

The annual spring draft is scheduled for Pittsburgh in 2026.

“The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world,” Goodell said. “We are excited to bring the 2027 Draft to Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and national pride. With the support of President Trump, the Commanders, Events DC, and Mayor Bowser we’re looking forward to delivering an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”

The 2024 draft in Detroit drew a record crowd of 775,000 fans over three days, with an estimated 600,000 attending last month’s three-day draft in Green Bay, Wis.

“The NFL Draft is one of the biggest moments in sports — and we’re incredibly proud to help bring it to Washington, D.C.,” Harris said. “It will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors, millions of viewers around the world, and generate jobs, tax revenue, and meaningful economic impact across the city.

“The Draft is a powerful reminder of how sports bring people together — and we’re honored to play a role in that. Since we started this journey less than two years ago, we’ve seen an NFC Championship Game, an agreement to return to RFK, and now the NFL draft in Washington. Thank you to President Trump for your leadership, to Mayor Bowser for your partnership, and to Commissioner Roger Goodell for your support in bringing the Draft back to the nation’s capital.

“We look forward to welcoming the football world to Washington in 2027. Today is a great day for the DMV, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

–Field Level Media

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell points to a fan in the crowd during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Reports: Washington, D.C., to host 2027 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington, D.C., will host the 2027 NFL Draft, according to multiple media reports on Sunday night.

An official announcement could be made Monday at the White House, where President Donald Trump’s public schedule includes a “sports announcement” at 1 p.m., the Washington Post reported.

The annual spring draft is scheduled for Pittsburgh in 2026, with 2027 the next available year. Washington would be a first-time host since the NFL began rotating the sites from New York in 2015.

The expected site, according to the Washington Post and Axios, is the National Mall, with a proposal for a main stage near the National Gallery of Art and the National Air and Space Museum.

The 2024 draft in Detroit drew a record crowd of 775,000 fans over three days, with an estimated 600,000 attending last month’s three-day draft in Green Bay, Wis.

Washington is riding momentum from the Commanders’ surprising 12-5 season in 2024 and berth in the NFC Championship Game in the second year under new majority owner Josh Harris. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

More recently, the Commanders reached a $3.7 billion deal with the District of Columbia to build a roofed, 65,000-seat stadium in the nation’s capital. Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the development project last Monday, with the NFL team committed to financing at least $2.7 billion and D.C. paying $500 million for infrastructure toward the stadium.

The use of taxpayer money must be approved by the D.C. City Council.

Harris has targeted the new stadium, at the site of the team’s old home, RFK Stadium, to open by 2030. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a new stadium will increase the District of Columbia’s chances to eventually host a Super Bowl.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders helmet sits on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Deal struck to return Commanders to D.C.

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Washington NFL’s franchise has not played in its namesake city since 1996, but multiple news outlets reported Sunday that plans to return to the site of RFK Stadium could be announced as soon as Monday.

The Commanders and the District of Columbia have come to terms on an agreement, although specifics were not immediately announced. Previous reports floated a price tag of more than $3 billion.

The team is under contract to remain at its current home, Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., until the 2027 season but can stay longer pending a move. Commanders owner Josh Harris indicated previously that he wants the team in a new home by 2030.

The franchise, then known as the Redskins, played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996. They won three Super Bowls in a 10-year span, ending with a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in 1992.

NBC4 television in Washington reported earlier this month that the team would pay as much as $2.5 billion, with the District of Columbia contributing $850 million. The D.C. Council would have to approve the use of taxpayer money, and its members have reportedly been at odds over whether to do so.

Demolition of RFK Stadium began in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies cheerleaders lead the team out of the locker room during before a game against the USC Trojans at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Washington flips 5-star OT Kodi Greene from rival

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Kodi Greene, a 5-star offensive tackle in the 2026 class, flipped his commitment from Oregon to his home-state school, Washington, on Thursday.

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Greene is ranked as the No. 4 offensive tackle and the No. 22 overall player in the class by the 247Sports composite.

He had been committed to the Ducks since Aug. 12, 2024, but several programs — including Washington — continued their pursuit.

Greene started his high school career at Eastside Catholic in Sammamish, Wash., before moving on to powerhouse Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Calif. He is the fourth player from Mater Dei to commit to Washington since Jedd Fisch became the head coach of the Huskies on Jan. 14, 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates touchdown pass with quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second quarter in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Reports: Commanders re-signing TE Zach Ertz to 1-year contract

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Commanders tight end Zach Ertz is re-signing with the team on a one-year, $6.25 million contract after revitalizing his career in Washington, multiple outlets reported Saturday night.

The deal for the three-time All-Pro could be worth up to $9 million with incentives, according to the reports.

Ertz, 34, was a favorite target of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Ertz started all 17 regular-season games in his first campaign with Washington and caught 66 of 91 targets for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 18 receptions for 155 yards and one TD in three playoff games as the Commanders advanced to the NFC Championship game, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Ertz has 775 career receptions for 8,088 yards and 53 touchdowns in 168 regular-season games (130 starts). He also has 54 receptions for 536 yards and three TDs in 11 playoff games (nine starts).

The Eagles selected Ertz in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Stanford. He played from 2013-2021 with Philadelphia, winning the Super Bowl in the 2017 season and setting the single-season reception mark for tight ends with 116 in 2018.

He was traded from the Eagles to the Arizona Cardinals in October 2021. He played a total of 28 games for the Cardinals as injuries limited him to 17 games in 2022 and 2023.

The Cardinals released him at his request in November 2023 and he signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in January 2024. He became a free agent and signed with Washington on March 6, 2024.

Ertz was reunited with Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, his head coach in Arizona.

“It was really an opportunity for me to just fall back in love with the game again and really just enjoy the process again and just be around people that know how to use me and allow me to be at my best,” Ertz told The Washington Post in January. “It’s just been so much fun. It’s exceeded all my expectations.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles run over Commanders 55-23 to clinch trip to Super Bowl LIX

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Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley rushed for three touchdowns apiece, and the Philadelphia Eagles pulled away for a 55-23 win over the visiting Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game Sunday afternoon.

Barkley rushed for 118 yards and Hurts threw for 246 yards and a TD for Philadelphia, which advanced to play in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 in New Orleans. The Eagles scored eight touchdowns and reached the Super Bowl for the fifth time in team history and the second time in three seasons.

Jayden Daniels had one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown to lead Washington, which defied the odds to win 12 games in the regular season and two road games in the playoffs. Terry McLaurin caught the lone touchdown pass for the Commanders.

Washington committed four turnovers, compared to zero for Philadelphia.

Barkley scored back-to-back touchdowns to give the Eagles a 14-3 lead late in the first quarter. He broke free for a 60-yard rushing touchdown on Philadelphia’s first play from scrimmage, and he zipped in for a 4-yard score with 3:43 to go in the opening quarter.

The Commanders pulled within 14-12 midway through the second quarter. Zane Gonzalez made a 46-yard kick for his second field goal of the afternoon, and McLaurin broke a tackle on his way to a 36-yard touchdown catch with 7:05 remaining in the half.

The Eagles pulled ahead 27-12 after scoring two touchdowns in 65 seconds. Hurts lurched forward for a 1-yard score with 1:44 left in the half, and after the Commanders fumbled on the kickoff return, Philadelphia took advantage as Hurts found A.J. Brown for a 4-yard touchdown.

Gonzalez cut the deficit to 27-15 with a 42-yard field goal just before halftime.

Hurts put Philadelphia on top 34-15 with 8:58 left in the third quarter. He took the snap out of the shotgun and weaved through traffic for a 9-yard score.

Daniels brought Washington within 34-23 on the next possession. He scored on a 10-yard run, then passed to Olamide Zaccheaus for a two-point conversion.

Hurts’ third rushing touchdown made it 41-23 with 12:24 to play. Washington drew multiple penalties for encroachment trying to stop the “Brotherly Shove,” and ultimately Hurts and the Eagles got their way as teammates pushed the quarterback across the goal line yet again.

Barkley scored his third touchdown on a 4-yard run with 7:58 remaining.

Rookie Will Shipley finished the scoring with a 2-yard rushing touchdown with 3:03 to go, two plays after ripping off a 57-yard run. The Eagles finished with 229 yards on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Commanders DT Daron Payne (knee/thumb) ruled out vs. Eagles

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The Washington Commanders downgraded starting defensive tackle Daron Payne from questionable to out for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the host Philadelphia Eagles.

Payne, 27, missed practice all week because of a knee injury. He also is dealing with a finger injury after playing with a dislocated thumb in playoff victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.

In another move Saturday, the Commanders elevated defensive tackle Carl Davis as well as cornerback Kevon Seymour from the practice squad to the active roster.

Washington, which split two regular-season games against its NFC East rival, is tasked with trying to contain Philadelphia’s star running back Saquon Barkley — now without Payne.

Payne has 42 tackles this season, including four sacks and five tackles for loss, as well as seven quarterback hits. A Pro Bowl selection in 2022 when he had career highs with 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks, Payne also was on the 2018 NFL All-Rookie team.

He has 386 career tackles, 34 sacks, 58 tackles for loss, 73 QB hits, one interception, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 115 games (109 starts). Payne has started every game since the 2020 season.

Washington selected him with the 13th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Alabama.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb watches pregame warmups against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Reports: Seahawks fire OC Ryan Grubb

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Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was fired by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The Seahawks finished the 2024 season 28th in rushing (95.7 yards per game) and 18th in points per game (22.1).

First-year head coach Mike Macdonald hired Grubb after also interviewing then-UCLA head coach Chip Kelly and being denied an interview request for Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Kelly was hired as Ohio State offensive coordinator.

With no NFL playcalling experience, Macdonald shrugged off the risk of hiring Grubb on Feb. 13, 2024.

Grubb spent the previous two seasons at the University of Washington serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He initially agreed to join former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer at Alabama before the opportunity arose to stay in Seattle with the Seahawks.

DeBoer helped Grubb climb the ranks as a college coach at University of Sioux Falls, where they team from 2007-2013 to win two NAIA championships, and then at Eastern Michigan, Fresno State and Washington.

–Field Level Media

Washington player Jonah Coleman (1) runs for yardage against Louisville during the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game on Dec. 31, 2024.

Louisville holds off Washington’s rally to win Sun Bowl

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Harrison Bailey threw for three touchdowns Tuesday and Louisville held off Washington 35-34 to win the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

Bailey was more efficient than spectacular, completing 16 of 25 passes for 164 yards, but also directed a turnover-free offense that boasted good balance. The Cardinals (9-4) rushed for 207 yards, getting 99 yards from freshman Isaac Brown and 83 from another freshman, Duke Watson.

The Huskies (6-7) got a big game from quarterback Demond Williams, who shrugged off an early pick-six to hit 26 of 32 attempts for 374 yards and four scores. Giles Jackson shredded the Louisville secondary for 11 catches, 161 yards and all four touchdowns.

Bailey snapped a 21-21 tie on a 21-yard touchdown strike to wide-open tight end Nate Kurisky with 4:46 left in the third quarter. Louisville made it 35-21 less than three minutes later on an 8-yard scoring jaunt by Caullin Lacy.

Williams found Jackson over the middle for a 31-yard touchdown pass with 3:42 left in the game to get the Huskies within a score. They got within a point with nine seconds left when Williams hit Jackson on fourth-and-goal for a 1-yard strike but the two-point pass for the win was knocked away by Antonio Watts.

After two 15-yard celebration penalties on the Cardinals, Washington tried an onside kick from their 35 but the ball was knocked out of bounds with four seconds remaining.

Tahveon Nicholson gave Louisville a 7-0 lead 2:45 into the game, picking off Williams and lugging it 21 yards for a touchdown. But Williams responded with a 40-yard strike to Jackson at the 8:09 mark.

Bailey made it 14-7 with 27 seconds left in the first quarter on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Lacy but Williams and Jackson hooked up from 49 yards out with 8:10 remaining in the half.

Bailey’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Meeks gave the Cardinals a 21-14 edge but Williams rushed for a 7-yard score with 51 seconds left, tying the game at halftime.

–Field Level Media