Jason Wright, a trailblazer in the NFL community, is set to transition from his current role with the Washington Commanders following the 2024 season. Wright, who was the first Black president of an NFL team and only the fourth former player to assume such a position, will step into a new role as a senior adviser. His primary focus will be on ensuring the successful completion of the Commanders' new stadium deal.
"Given all those accomplishments, that's why I am proud to announce I will remain with the team throughout the 2024-2025 season, with the same responsibilities. In particular, I look forward to helping the organization complete its new stadium deal," Wright declared, signaling his unwavering commitment to the franchise during this critical period.
Transformative Leadership
Wright's journey with the Commanders began in 2020 when the organization was still known as the Washington Football Team. Under his leadership, the team underwent a significant rebranding, adopting the Washington Commanders identity in 2022. This transformation wasn’t just superficial; it came amidst a tumultuous era filled with opportunities for unprecedented growth and improvement within the organization.
During Wright's tenure, the Commanders experienced a notable change in ownership as Dan Snyder handed over the reins to Josh Harris. Wright worked tirelessly to facilitate this transition, ensuring stability and continuity within the franchise. Reflecting on his time with the team, Wright shared, "I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past four years. Together with an amazing team of professionals, we have taken this franchise through a period of immense challenge and uncertainty and have transformed it."
Achievements and Community Engagement
Through his leadership, the Commanders have seen substantial improvements both on and off the field. Wright highlighted some of these accomplishments, stating, "We've set the table for an incredibly bright future under Josh's leadership. Over just the past year, we've welcomed record numbers of fans back into our building, made meaningful improvements to the fan experience, re-engaged with corporate partners, and reconnected with the community."
Wright’s tenure has not only been about managing the commercial and brand aspects of the team but also about cultivating a culture of respect and inclusion. He emphasized, "Most importantly, we re-established a culture of respect in this organization." His efforts have fostered renewed trust and engagement from fans and corporate partners alike.
Looking Ahead
As Wright prepares for his new role, he remains focused on the forthcoming season and its potential. "This feels like the right moment for me to explore my next leadership opportunity. I'm extremely grateful to my Commanders colleagues, our fans, and this community for all that we have accomplished these past four years, and am looking forward to the start of a very successful season for the Burgundy and Gold," he remarked.
Moreover, Wright is a finalist for the prestigious position of president with the Green Bay Packers. This consideration underscores his impressive résumé and the respect he commands across the league. While the future of his career may take new and exciting directions, his contributions to the Commanders have left an indelible mark.
As the Commanders head into a new era under Josh Harris’s ownership and with a promising new stadium deal in sight, Jason Wright's legacy of transformation, community engagement, and leadership will undoubtedly endure as a cornerstone of the franchise’s storied history.