The Washington Commanders are just one win away from reaching Super Bowl LIX, as they head to Philadelphia to face their NFC East rival Eagles in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
It’s been more than a quick turnaround for this franchise, as quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team’s No. 2 overall pick, and the new coaching staff led by Dan Quinn have completely revitalized the commanders to the point where they could compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans next month.
But one person in particular doesn’t seem to like watching this incredible NFL story unfold. That’s because he used to own the team.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage on FoxNews.com
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder on the field before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Tim Heitman-USA Today Sports)
ESPN reports that Dan Snyder, the Commanders’ disgraced former owner, doesn’t like to see the franchise succeed without him.
The report states that, during a dinner with associates in London, where most of them now live, the commanders were naturally brought up in conversation. When one of those associates returned to the United States, a colleague of his asked what Snyder thought of the team, which also had a first-year general manager in Adam Peters building a roster that was playing well at the time during the regular season.
Sign up for Tubi and Stream Super Bowl LIX for free
“He hates it,” Snyder’s associate told the colleague.
Snyder sold out commanders under duress, as significant scandals regarding workplace culture, including sexual harassment and a toxic work environment, were on public display. An NFL investigation was conducted that resulted in findings that supported the allegations, leading to pressure from all directions to sell.
Snyder eventually sold the franchise he controlled since May 1999 for a record $6 billion to Josh Harris and a group of limited partners, including David Blitzer, who together own the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. the NHL. Magic Johnson is also in the ownership group.
While he did not want to sell the franchise, Snyder was pressured by his fellow owners, with whom he was not in good standing in the first place. There were even reports in 2022 that Snyder had told some close associates that he had dirt on commissioner Roger Goodell and his fellow owners, including Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.
Washington Commanders owner Tanya Snyder, left, and Dan Snyder on the field before the Dallas Cowboys defeat the Washington Commanders, 25-10, at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 2, 2022, in Arlington, TX. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“You can’t f— me,” Snyder reportedly said, according to ESPN.
But the sale happened after Harris obtained about 20 partners to put up the capital, and the experienced sports team owner set out to change the culture within the team on all fronts. And that seems to be going faster than expected on the performance side.
It appears that Peters and the rest of the organization turned heads, with Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU, who has shown the poise, leadership and clutch play to go along with what can clearly be seen in the gridiron: A dual-threat quarterback who has quickly become a star.
The Commanders not only went 12-5 during the regular season to earn a wild card spot, and they not only knocked off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers en route to winning their first playoff game since 1999 – the year Snyder bought the team. They had the upset of the year, dropping 45 points on the Detroit Lions to beat the NFC’s No. 1 seed on the road at Ford Field, shocking a team many believed was destined for New Orleans.
Washington is seeking its first Super Bowl appearance since 1991, a game they won after going 14-2 during the regular season. While the Commanders focus Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in a third meeting with the Eagles this season, the future is certainly bright, and this is the first year of a completely new regime.
Meanwhile, ESPN reports that Snyder has been selling his US real estate holdings and conducts most of his business from the UK. They also have sources saying he wants to buy into a Premier League football club, but is not expected to own a sports team anytime soon.
Team co-owner Dan Snyder speaks during the announcement of the Washington Football Team’s name change to the Washington Commanders at FedExfield on February 2, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ESPN adds that Snyder is “in denial” about what led to the pressure to sell, and a person close to him says he has “sadness, to himself.”
“It’s killing him…it’s devastating him,” the person said.
The Commanders begin against Saquon Barkley and the Eagles on Sunday at 3 pm to determine who will represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX.
