Terry McLaurin saw the Commanders at their lowest. The wide receiver was the face of the franchise while former owner Dan Snyder was involved in countless controversies over a crumbling stadium, an unpopular name change and claims of a toxic workplace.
But as he launched the Full Circle Jobs Program for homeless youth in Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, McLaurin was representing a franchise rehabilitated and rejuvenated.
“It’s just very inspirational having Terry here,” said Josue Arias, a 21-year-old at the event. “He’s raising awareness, showing there’s hope in life. Without hope, [homeless youth] ain’t going to achieve nothing. I see it myself.”
Mr. Arias went to Mobile Hope for help as a 16-year-old and has returned after being incarcerated. His main goal? Stability.
McLaurin was there to help.
“We all remember being a young person at one time and how anxious we can be going into the next stage of life,” the 29-year-old said. “They just need someone to come alongside them, pick them up and help them take the next step forward.”
McLaurin encouraged young adults as they cycled through stations designed to help them land jobs.
They added business-casual clothes, free of charge, from Mobile Hope’s Graffiti & Silk thrift store. Several of them received free haircuts from local barbers before honing their resume and interview skills and learning what opportunities await them through “speed-mentoring” sessions.
“The workshops allow them to unearth what’s already been placed inside them the day they were born,” McLaurin said. “The greatness that’s inside of them that they may not even know is in there yet.”
The Commanders didn’t officially sponsor McLaurin’s event, but it was impossible to divorce the pass-catcher’s day job from his charitable activities. Dozens of attendees, including Mr. Arias, saw the program’s main sponsor wear a burgundy and gold No. 17 jersey last season during a run to the NFC championship game.
“He catches footballs on Sundays, but when you speak to him off the field, it’s just, ‘Wow,’” said Mr. Arias, who McLaurin greeted with an enthusiastic handshake. “He’s got a good heart.”
Conversations about the Commanders had a decidedly positive tone on Thursday, from discussions about McLaurin’s career year in 2024 to optimism about superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels.
After decades of mediocrity under Mr. Snyder, fans have reason to cheer.
They also have reason to support off-field initiatives like a $3.7 billion development to build a new RFK Stadium along the Anacostia River.
More than 50% of District residents support an NFL stadium in the city, even if it will require more than $800 million in public funds, according to a survey published Thursday by the Washington Post. Only 30% of residents supported a similar plan in 2022, when the franchise was still owned by Mr. Snyder.
The proposed stadium still has to be approved by D.C. Council, but early odds look promising.
If approved, a new RFK Stadium would immediately become a favorite to host the Super Bowl. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at a stadium announcement last month that the city “drastically” improved its odds of hosting the league’s championship.
While the stadium and a Super Bowl are still up in the air, the NFL draft is a sure thing. Politicians from across the aisle united to announce the news last week.
Mayor Muriel Bowser — a Democrat — joined Republican President Trump, Mr. Goodell and Mr. Harris, this week to announce that the NFL draft would come to the National Mall in 2027.
“The draft is a celebration of one of our country’s most cherished cultural institutions and the annual highlight for football fans everywhere,” Mr. Trump said. “Everyone in the world is going to be watching.”
None of this, the regional good vibes, the stadium or the draft, appeared likely under Mr. Snyder. It took a new ownership group — and a rapid on-field turnaround led by Daniels — to reinvigorate the region’s love of football.
“They’ve brought honor back to the franchise,” sports consultant Marc Ganis told USA TODAY Sports this week. “That’s what changed the entire political landscape. It’s the perception of the franchise. It was always vitally important to the community, but no one wanted to go near it, politically especially, for many years.”
After years as an afterthought, the NFL values the nation’s capital again.
“It’s exciting times,” McLaurin said. “The Washington football organization has been one of the pillars in the NFL community for as long as the NFL has been around.”
For McLaurin, the increased attention is more reason to focus on charitable causes. He has a platform and feels obligated to use it.
“When you have a platform, it’s only as good as the positivity you use it for,” the wide receiver said. “As NFL players, we have the fortunate blessing to be able to pay attention to us. They follow us on social media. They want to know what we’re doing, so why not use that to provide good opportunities for your community?”
