It’s not like there was a high bar to clear, but it’s fair to say Josh Harris is already more popular than Dan Snyder in Washington, D.C.
After finalizing the sale of the Commanders on Thursday, wresting control of the franchise away from the disgraced Snyder, the billionaire owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, has already made a favorable impression on Commanders fans with a big gesture.
When Harris surprised “Grant & Danny” of 106.7 The Fan with a call in D.C. on Thursday during a live broadcast from the Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn, minutes away from Commanders headquarters, he left everyone in the building happy — offering to buy the whole bar a free beer.
“This is pretty amazing,” host Grant Paulsen said. “We’ve got a caller on the line that I want to get to right now. Josh Harris just called in; the new owner of the Washington Commanders is supposedly on the line…
“There’s a couple hundred fans listening and tens of thousands listening in D.C.”
“Let’s go,” Harris said. “I’m just leaving the league meeting, and I knew there was a bunch of Washington fans there, and I just wanted to say hello.”
Paulsen asked Harris what he thought of the idea of owning a team he’s loved since he was a kid.
“I’m super pumped,” Harris said. “It’s a great day, it’s a great day for Washington football, and I’m ready to get to work. I’m heading your way. I want to get back to Washington, my hometown, and celebrate with you guys. Let’s get started by me buying everyone in the brewery and The Bullpen a beer. Can I do that?
“Let’s go!” Paulsen answered, uproarious applause and cheering behind him.
The host let Harris know that there was a significant number of people in attendance and the bar tab might be hefty.
“I’m going to have to dip into my savings, but I want everyone to have a beer. Let’s do it.” Harris said.
Harris will take over the Commanders in an ownership group that includes NBA legend Magic Johnson and is already excited about changing the fortunes of the troubled Washington team — the owners even have begun hinting at a name change.
