Former Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder is reportedly less than pleased with his former team’s revival as they prepare for their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991. While the Commanders and their fans celebrate a return to relevance, reports suggest Snyder, who sold the franchise in 2023, is watching from the sidelines with bitterness.
Speculation around Snyder’s feelings intensified after a segment on PFT Live. Hosts Michael Holley and Mike Florio mused about how Snyder might spend game day, debating whether he would tune in to the Commanders’ matchup or opt for other distractions. While the banter was lighthearted, the duo touched on a more serious possibility: Snyder is likely not rooting for the team he once owned.
A report from Seth Wickersham of ESPN.com added fuel to the speculation. According to Wickersham, a colleague of Snyder who attended a dinner with him in London shared a revealing observation. Reflecting on Snyder’s attitude toward the Commanders’ recent resurgence, the colleague reportedly said, “He f***ing hates it.”
The comment aligns with Snyder’s controversial reputation during his ownership tenure, which was plagued by scandals, mismanagement, and poor on-field performance. Under Snyder, the Commanders struggled to find stability, cycling through coaches, quarterbacks, and executives while facing constant criticism from fans and media alike. His 24-year reign ended when he sold the team to a group led by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
For Commanders fans, the sale was a turning point. Many had grown resentful of Snyder’s leadership, blaming him for the team’s extended struggles. The newfound optimism surrounding the franchise has only solidified their disdain for the former owner. Social media has been rife with jokes and celebrations, as fans relish the team’s success without Snyder at the helm.
“Bad teams stay bad because of bad ownership,” Florio remarked on PFT Live. “And the owner is the one person who can’t be fired.” That sentiment rings true for the Commanders, whose resurgence highlights the stark contrast between Snyder’s era and the Harris-led ownership group’s approach.
Despite his lifelong fandom for the team, Snyder’s reported bitterness suggests he is struggling to reconcile the Commanders’ current success with his own departure. The team’s accomplishments under new leadership underscore the failures of his tenure, leaving little for him to celebrate.
Meanwhile, the Commanders are thriving, both on and off the field. The Harris-led ownership has already begun rebuilding the team’s image, fostering a sense of unity among fans and players alike. As the Commanders prepare for their NFC Championship matchup, their focus is squarely on continuing their journey, unburdened by the controversies of the past.
For Snyder, however, the team’s success appears to be a bitter pill to swallow. As one fan quipped online, “The best part of this season isn’t just that we’re winning—it’s that we’re doing it without him.”