Welcome to a new era. On Sunday, the Washington Commanders and new owner Josh Harris notched their first victory of the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals, 20-16. Long-suffering Washington football fans who had waited for Dan Snyder to sell the team came out in full force and ended up celebrating a victorious start. We rounded up reactions from local celebrities, touching human moments, and posts by costumed fans to capture the sheer enthusiasm of yesterday.
Celebrities in the House
The Commanders’ new commander, Josh Harris, was joined by a number of local celebrities, including DC mayor Muriel Bowser, Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, and local football legend Sonny Jurgensen. Harris also had a few other sports superstars accompanying him in the owner’s box, such as NBA stars Kevin Durant and Magic Johnson, who is a partial owner of the team.
Proud to see DC sports legend Doug Williams and the new owners group at today’s exciting Washingron @commanders winning home opener game with renewed energy and promise in the air. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/XPQdVpwdhe
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) September 10, 2023
Us too, Chad. Us too.
This photo is unintentionally hilarious to me. pic.twitter.com/YSOncHgj2Z
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 11, 2023
Magic Johnson hypes up Mother Harris for her adorable custom jersey.
Mrs. Harris’ gameday fit was on point 😄 pic.twitter.com/wRJ4BeN1Ym
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 11, 2023
Capitals’ star shooter Alex Ovechkin focuses on the game.
The G.O.A.T. @ovi8 in the house! @Commanders #HTTC @Capitals @rmnb pic.twitter.com/tRBiVT5cjU
— Navy Yard Nats (@NavyYardNats) September 10, 2023
NBA MVP Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant greet each other before the game.
Joel Embiid & KD at the Commanders game 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/i9HMv0umwU
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) September 10, 2023
Incredible Moments
FedEx Field was sold out, and the energy from the crowd was unusually intense.
STAND UP COMMANDERS NATION! Most attended game in 25 years plus! #HTTC pic.twitter.com/WHOPzYpgOi
— Washington DC Sports News (@DCSportsNews365) September 10, 2023
A day before the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, this flyover held special meaning.
#NeverForget 💛 pic.twitter.com/zNeS0UFWgq
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 11, 2023
Mike Phillips gave us goosebumps with his saxophone rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” He even held a note for over 20 seconds while the flyby took place. Serious lung-power, Mr. Phillips.
Straight up!! @NFL the @Commanders win the opening national anthem!! pic.twitter.com/kS9ea4pOZw
— 🤴Ishman (@Ishman47) September 10, 2023
As Josh Harris makes his first appearance, fans welcome him with chants of “Thank you Josh!”
“Thank you Josh” chants break out at @fedexfield as #Commanders owner Josh Harris makes his first regular season appearance amongst fans #TakeCommand #HTTC pic.twitter.com/pkkYmzkHWY
— Richard Washington III (@RW3TV) September 10, 2023
After getting toppled by a number of players, referee Derick Bowers seemingly rose from the dead to deliver a comedically concise penalty.
undertaker ass flag throw pic.twitter.com/z7FGz0EsLz
— Ava (@avatarrant) September 10, 2023
Fan Fashion
We got hogs in overalls, young fans flexing their fits, space assassins, and puppies. Here are some memorable outfits from yesterday’s game.
Flexfarmers @_PorkRine pic.twitter.com/IhZdVPEuwN
— 🐽 Hogfarmer Keith 🐽 (@Kgskins26) September 11, 2023
We love this little dude showing off his chain.
#HTTC pic.twitter.com/uY8Lm4RHkD
— Arabia ⛈ (@arabiaxo) September 11, 2023
These two “Commanderlorians” were so excited about the start of the season, they came to FedEx Field from a galaxy far, far away.
So much fun being interviewed this morning. Michael prefer to keep to the code! This is The Way! pic.twitter.com/CbX0Af28o2
— Commanderlorians (@Commanderlorian) September 10, 2023
What these two lack in shirts, they make up for in enthusiasm.
I am these kids. #Commanders #HTTC pic.twitter.com/Q55nFfuKF3
— Dalton Ross (@DaltonRoss) September 10, 2023
Someone give this pup a hug, doesn’t she know we won?
I’m in love with Goldie. 🥰 pic.twitter.com/aunajUlDpo
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 10, 2023
Hunter is a cat-loving Coloradoan who enjoys history, Halloween and board games. He studied audio production and radio storytelling at Hofstra University before moving to DC in 2022. During his editorial fellowship with Washingtonian in the fall of 2023, he ran Halloween Hunter, a section featuring local stories for the spooky season.
