Commanders Minority Proprietor Magic Johnson Celebrates Washington’s First NFL Playoff Win in 19 Years
It is likely to be exhausting to equate success to a change in possession group when a rookie quarterback is ascending to stardom. However Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s observe file is getting exhausting to disclaim. Since he grew to become a minority proprietor for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014, they’ve constantly been among the best groups in baseball. A yr after becoming a member of the Washington Commanders, their fortunes are altering, too.
In 12 months 1, they’d a 4-13 file and took quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 choose within the 2024 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, only a season later, they’re 12-5, Divisional Spherical-bound, and have snagged their first playoff win in 19 years. It’s secure to say that Johnson is joyful along with his group’s success. Followers acquired a take a look at his celebration after the Wild Card win.
Magic Johnson Celebrates Washington Commanders’ Success
Nobody gave the Commanders an amazing probability at success this season. However the Lamar Jackson-esque play from Daniels earned him a (presumed) Offensive Rookie of the 12 months win and netted the group a playoff berth. Whether or not it was last-second heroics, scrambles, or exact passing, Daniels was wonderful all through the season. He completed ninth by PFN’s QB+ metric, far above the remainder of the rookie class.
Nonetheless, many noticed them as a Cinderella story going into the playoffs, due to their single-season turnaround. A mature, poised displaying towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers paved the best way for a 23-20 victory practically 20 years within the making.
For Magic, the primary spherical of congratulations went to co-owner Josh Harris for organising the group and its tradition.
“New imaginative and prescient, new proprietor with a technique, choosing the right folks,” he stated. “First, our coach Coach Quinn, Adam Peters, after which all of us step out their method and allow them to do their job.”
Magic Johnson and Josh Harris on the Commanders playoff win:
“Expertise, tradition and other people.” pic.twitter.com/nczxbjgdzY
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) January 13, 2025
Nevertheless, he did need credit score to go to the group and the teaching employees when it got here to the success. “Don’t make this about us, it’s about these guys.”
Afterward, he would go on to elaborate on the gamers and the contributions they made to make this season doable.
“You simply acquired to provide the gamers a variety of credit score,” Johnson stated. “What a drive by the offense. However, to begin with, give Coach Quinn a variety of credit score after which the gamers as a result of it’s all about them. Nothing that we will do as possession.”
Video: Commanders proprietor Magic Johnson talks concerning the group’s season and tonight’s playoff win over the Bucs. pic.twitter.com/hLEptTABwp
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 13, 2025
Johnson referenced the game-winning drive by the Commanders that took up the sport’s closing 5 minutes and put Zane Gonzalez ready to win the sport with a 37-yard area objective. It took slightly assist from the upright, however he despatched Washington to the Divisional Spherical.
Johnson continued, “We simply sit on the sideline and cheer. However, they pulled it out. I assumed the protection actually performed good to place us on this place. That fumble after which holding them as effectively. So, right here we’re. I’m simply joyful for all Commander followers all over the world as a result of the possession group, we wished to show it round, led by Josh right here.”
Within the fourth quarter, the Commanders’ protection, which got here into the sport because the Seventeenth-ranked unit based on PFN’s Protection+ metric, compelled the one turnover of the sport with a fumble from Baker Mayfield. Furthermore, they had been in a position to maintain the Buccaneers to a game-tying area objective on the penultimate drive, taking a few of the strain off the offense.
His love for his participant was abundantly clear after the win.
“And, we simply are so pleased with these younger males for this season and now for profitable this playoff sport,” Johnson stated. “So once more, it’s all concerning the gamers, all concerning the gamers.”
Washington will go to the Detroit Lions within the subsequent spherical to try to hold its season alive.
