ASHBURN, Va. — Like most NFL locker rooms, the Washington Commanders have a diverse group of players getting ready to suit up for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.
For some, it will mark new beginnings and opportunities with the Commanders. For others, like linebacker Bobby Wagner, it is an opportunity to show that you are still the same Hall-of-Fame-caliber player you have always been.
Then, there are the rookies. They are about to make their first real debut after most got some preseason performances under their belts as part of the preparation for their first real contest with Washington.
Having veteran leaders like Wagner to lean on helps. He can provide some sage advice rooted in experience.
“I think you try to make it the same. I don't think it's really that much different. Maybe a little bit more eyes, a little more fans, but it's still the game of football, so that's the message you try to give 'em is not make it a bigger game than what it is,” Wagner said when asked how he will be counseling some of his new-to-the-league teammates. “Some of these college stadiums are packed (with) more seats than NFL stadiums, so it is just they pay you a little bit more up here, so that's probably the difference.”
Wagner’s leadership is not confined to the defensive side of the ball, either. On Wednesday afternoon, in our first opportunity to enter the Commanders’ locker room, the veteran linebacker was seen interacting with all sorts of teammates including rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels who is clearly getting the message Wagner is trying to send.
"Obviously, I'm [going to] embrace the moment, take it in. I'm officially in my first NFL game,” Daniels says. “But once that ball (is kicked off), none of that matters. So, gotta focus on try to execute at a high level and go out there and try to help the team win."
The Commanders will try to get their first win of the season on the road this weekend as they matchup against the Buccaneers in Tampa, at 4:25 p.m. ET inside Raymond James Stadium.