Jason Wright, the groundbreaking first Black president of an NFL team, will transition from his current role with the Washington Commanders following the 2024 season. Wright, who joined the organization in 2020 when it was still known as the Washington Football Team, will take on a new role as a senior adviser. His main focus in this advisory capacity will be ensuring the completion of the Commanders' new stadium deal—a critical project for the franchise's future.
Wright's tenure with the Commanders has been marked by significant milestones and transformations. In 2022, under his leadership, the team rebranded to the Washington Commanders, a move that symbolized a new era for the franchise. "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 stated, reflecting his commitment to the project's success.
Throughout his term, the organization also witnessed a dramatic shift in ownership. Dan Snyder, the previous owner, sold the team to Josh Harris. This change ushered in a period of revitalization for the Commanders, as they re-engaged with fans, corporate partners, and the local community. Wright emphasized the significance of these changes, saying, "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. 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. Most importantly, we re-established a culture of respect in this organization."
Wright’s journey to becoming a team president after a career as a player is noteworthy in itself, as he is only the fourth former player to ever assume such a position within the NFL. This duality of experience has doubtlessly influenced his leadership style, combining on-field insights with executive management skills. In addition to his tenure with the Commanders, Wright is also a finalist for the position of president with the Green Bay Packers, indicating his growing influence and reputation within the league.
As he looks ahead to the end of the 2024 season and beyond, Wright is both reflective and optimistic. "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," Wright concluded, leaving a note of gratitude and hope for the future.
Jason Wright's impact on the Washington Commanders has been both profound and multifaceted. From guiding the team through a significant rebrand to navigating an ownership change and pushing forward with critical infrastructure projects, his leadership has left an indelible mark. As he transitions to a senior adviser role, the organization heads into a new chapter with a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, thanks in large part to Wright's contributions.