What jumped out to you on Monday about the announcement that the 2027 NFL draft is coming to Washington, D.C.?
The NFL could have made its announcement from its New York City offices. Or, of course, it could have made the announcement from DC, perhaps even in the office of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
They could have had certain NFL dignitaries present, such as Commissioner Roger Goodell, President of Football Operations Troy Vincent Sr., and Commanders owner Josh Harris.
But most surprising was that the NFL included current United States President Donald Trump. Did I say “including?” That is a huge understatement. Trump has been very outspoken at times about some practices by NFL players not deemed respectful of the flag and the tradition of the National Anthem.
Yet, the NFL was not only determined to “include” Trump, but they also went out of their way to have the announcement made in the Oval Office of the White House. It was very surprising. In addition, the NFL had President Trump make the announcement? What was that all about?
Trump was praising Harris for his success, his bringing the Commanders next stadium to the old home of the Redskins, the old Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Stadium site. Trump then added it was the best site for the team’s future and that there was no site as deserving.
Even more, Trump praised Mayor Bowser and then asked her if she would like to say a few words. Trump was running the show, not Roger Goodell and the NFL. How did this happen?
When taking the microphone, Goodell not only thanked Trump but also said it was “a special treat” to have Trump make the announcement. Goodell then thanked Trump for his support in bringing the draft to DC and added that Trump had been supportive of the NFL during his first term as president, in particular regarding NFL business in Canada.
Harris then said of Trump, “We wouldn’t be here without you.” Harris thanked Bowser and Goodell for their efforts and then announced he was presenting a Commanders jersey (No. 47) and a football to Trump, whom he then referred to as ” the ultimate Commander.”
Trump responded to Harris, “You had a very good draft a short while ago.” I immediately wondered, “Donald Trump, as president, is so busy, talking to so many people every day. How would he have any clue whom the Commanders drafted last week?”
But then he did say something that showed he knows at least something very important about the Commanders: “You have a very good quarterback, you do. A great quarterback, I think.”
Regardless of your politics, THAT is something upon which every Commanders fan can and should agree.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Donald Trump, Roger Goodell, Murial Bowser, Josh Harris announce draft