The Washington Commanders already know how important their culture change was in turning around the season last year.
Now, we know exactly the one move made that altered everything.
When the Commanders signed linebacker Bobby Wagner to a free agent deal, they were bringing in a future Hall-of-Famer who understood how to play in Dan Quinn's system.
His work as a leader was incredibly important, though. Especially to former second overall pick Jayden Daniels.
Speaking on the Gruden Goes Long podcast, the Commanders’ young franchise quarterback reflected on his early days in the NFL and credited Wagner with helping him navigate the league's steep learning curve.
“Man, like Bobby, you know, that’s my guy,” Daniels said. “He’s like a big brother, little brother dynamic. He took me under his wing and everything.”
“I went in with an open mindset, like, ‘Man, I got so much to learn about this game. I don’t know anything about the NFL. I don’t know how the season’s gonna go. I’m gonna rely on the vets who’ve been through it multiple years—how they take care of their body, how they approach watching film and stuff like that.”
Wagner's leadership helped pave the way for Daniels to be successful in their first season together.
With both being back this year, the hope is the improved culture will only enhance and develop everything in a way that will have the team fighting for a Super Bowl berth more than surprising people moving forward.
And that's all Quinn and the Commanders can ask for.
