Jason Wright, the transformative president of the Washington Commanders, has announced that he will transition from his current role at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Wright, who has held the position since 2020, will assume a new role as a senior adviser, with a primary focus on ensuring the completion of the Commanders' much-anticipated new stadium deal.
A Tenure Marked by Change
Wright's tenure with the Commanders began during a turbulent period for the organization, then known as the Washington Football Team. In 2022, under Wright's leadership, the team rebranded to the Washington Commanders, a move that signified a new era of transformation and growth. Reflecting on his achievements, Wright stated, "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."
Indeed, Wright's leadership saw the organization through significant changes, most notably the change in ownership from Dan Snyder to Josh Harris. This transition in leadership has set the Commanders on a promising path for the future, an aspect that Wright acknowledges with a sense of pride. "We've set the table for an incredibly bright future under Josh's leadership," he remarked.
Enhancing the Fan Experience
During his tenure, Wright spearheaded several initiatives to re-engage with fans and enhance their experience. "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 mentioned. His efforts to re-establish a culture of respect within the organization have been particularly noteworthy, signaling a new era for the Commanders both on and off the field.
Wright's influence extends beyond the Commanders. With his appointment in 2020, he became the first Black president of an NFL team and only the fourth former player to assume such a role. His presence and achievements have been a source of inspiration within the sports community, breaking barriers and setting new precedents.
Looking Ahead
As Wright prepares to transition to his new role, he remains committed to his current responsibilities for the upcoming season. "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 confirmed.
Wright's forward-looking mindset is evident as he considers his future opportunities. He is currently a finalist for the position of president with the Green Bay Packers, a testament to his expertise and reputation in the league. Addressing his colleagues and the broader community, Wright expressed his gratitude and optimism, saying, "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."
Jason Wright's journey with the Washington Commanders has been marked by significant strides in rebranding, fan engagement, and organizational culture. As he transitions to a new phase in his career, his contributions will leave a lasting impact on the team and the broader NFL community.