GREATER LANDOVER, Md. — There may not be a more hopeful place in America, than an NFL tailgate at the home opener. For Washington Commanders fans that is especially true.
Before the first game of the season at Northwest Stadium fans said for the first time in a long time they have hope not just for Sunday’s game, but the future of the franchise.
We found the Robinsons, Big Clint and Little Clint, perched in the parking lot, sitting in front of their grill waiting for the half smokes to cook and season to start.
“I’m gonna give you two words [to describe this season]: stupendously tremendous!” Little Clint yelled.
It’s hard to tell who has more energy on the first home Sunday, father or son. Both also sharing equal amounts of optimism.
“Hope is the best thing [The Commanders] can provide right now,” Big Clint said.
Hope.
You can’t serve it on the grill. It won’t fit in a cooler. But, on this Sunday every Commanders fan put hope on the tailgate menu. It’s a feeling that’s been missing in Landover.
“There’s actual hope,” one fan said. “It’s the new organization, new coach, new leaders of the team.”
“We were here at 8:50am and we’ve never had cars lined up before,” another said. “But today we saw a back up to Central Avenue."
“I’m looking for some wins man!” another fan shouted while tending to his grill. “Some wins and you can change the culture around here.”
Don’t confuse their hope, for fantasy.
“I’m not delusional,” another fan explained. “I don’t think they’re gonna fix everything at once.”
Commanders fans are, if nothing else, realistic.
“If they win six, seven games, I’m good,” Little Clint smiled.
If he is a realist, his father is the dreamer.
“You know what would make me happy?” Big Clint asked with a wide smile. “A 9-7 season! Hey! a winning season!”
It’s a new season, a new era, and a new element at the tailgate: Hope.